What’s So(y) Great?

In doing some research on oxalic acid with regard to spinach (see blog) I found some information that was quite new to me.

Soy contains an “anti-nutrient” called oxalate that binds to calcium and prevents its absorption in the human body. Oxalates are common in many vegetable products, though play a much worse role in some. Soy, for example, has such a heavy oxalate content that it not only prevents calcium absorption from the soy itself, it seeks out calcium in the human cellular structure, binds to it and depletes the body of existing calcium reserves.

This depletion can cause many calcium deficiency diseases. Additionally the lumps of coagulated, oxalate-bound calcium are a common cause of kidney stones.

The growing presence of genetically modified soy, which most of us aren’t even aware we are eating, is a serious cause of concern. (Well the growing presence of genetically modified anything is cause for major concern in my book, but don’t get me started!)

Really! Should soy be considered a health food?

For vegans who depend on soy for their protein, consider eating more sprouts - not only alfalfa, but broccoli sprouts, mung bean sprouts, sunflower seed sprouts. http://www.sproutpeople.com/grow/sprouting.html

Chia is more than a pet

Chia growing

My dear friend Angie can’t eat wheat, dairy, soy,
Nor can she eat foods containing, flax, tomatoes, macademia nuts, peanuts, drink beverages containing acai, and host of other things.
But Angie likes Chia.
I introduced her to Chia the other day.  She had missed it when Dr. Oz talked about the health benefits of chia seeds on “Oprah.” Now Angie says the song from the commercial for Chia Pets goes through her head all the time.

What makes the Chia Seed the super food that many claim it to be?
*Great source of Omega 3 and 6 oils
*You don’t need to grind Chia seeds to get benefits
*Hydrophilic: Chia seeds absorb the water we drink, holding it in our system longer
*Studies show they slow the rate at which our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars - may have benefits for diabetics.
*Using a dose of Chia in water can help dieters feel fuller, so fewer calories are ingested
*High in fiber and healthy oils - Chia can be a great addition to a detoxification program.

100 grams of Chia or 3.5 oz. are:

*A source of magnesium equivalent to 53 oz of Broccoli•
*A source of iron equivalent to 10 oz of Spinach
• A source of foliate equivalent to 2 oz of Asparagus
• A source of fiber equivalent to 4 oz of bran
• A source of calcium equivalent to 23 oz of Milk
• A source of potassium equivalent to 6 oz of Bananas
• A source of omega 3 fatty acids equivalent to 28 oz of Atlantic Salmon
• A source of antioxidants equivalent to roughly 10 oz of blueberries

CHIA facts

• Is a complete, whole and natural food not a supplement.
• Has thousands of years of Safe historical human consumption (Chia seeds)
• Is 100% Cholesterol free and Trans Fat free
• Is Not Genetically Modified (GMO)
• Contains significant amounts of quercetin antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation
• Is one of the highest overall antioxidant containing foods (ORAC 1680 pr 22g) more thanblueberries and prunes
• Is gluten free, and can be eaten by people suffering from celiac disease.
• Is certified Kosher
• Is a perfect digestive aid, creating better assimilation of food and excess stomach acids
• Is A Dieters Dream – Fat replacement- food extender and creates a full satiated feeling.
• Encourages healthy and gentle bowel elimination
• Enhances energy levels and extends endurance
• Prevents dehydration and aids in electrolyte balance
from: http://www.culinarycaregiver.com/page/1267702

To take as supplement…..
Mix 15g (1.5 Tbsp) Chia seed with 8oz water in a clean jar.  Close the lid, and let stand, shaking periodicaly for a few minutes until the chia seed becomes evenly suspended, then drink.
(from “Greens+” brand Chia supplement)

To take in food…….
There are a host of recipes for incorporating Chia seeds into your diet.  A search on google will yield ample results.  I go for the “Chia raw recipes” such as are found at: http://www.naturalnews.com/022468.html

Alternatives to shopping at Whole Foods

I have often written to keep it organic whenever possible. I have always had easy access to fresh organic foods, but many of my readers might ask - Where do I get organic produce? Health food stores are but one option. Like many, I have a love/hate relationship with Whole Foods Market. They are just so expensive! I shop at Farmers Markets whenever I can. But there is one more option.

If you are lucky enough to live in certain cities, you can have organic produce delivered to you on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. An additional benefit is that this produce is usually fairly local and in season. Try getting that from any grocery store! The fresher the produce, the longer it lasts. I have focused here on local delivery.

I found a lot of good links and info at www.greenpeople.org

Check the websites below to see if they deliver in your area.

United States

Arizona
Boxed Greens
Organically Grown For You

California
Guerilla Organics
Planet Organics
LOVE (Los Angeles Organic Vegetable Express) My personal fave

Colorado
Door to Door Organics, Colorado

Florida
Orlando Organics
Harvest Cycle I love this one: they deliver by bicycle!
Off the Vine Produce
Delicious Organics

Illinois
Oakville Organics
Garden on Wheels

Michigan
Door to Door Organics

Minnesota
Biologique Foods

New York/New Jersey
Organic Direct
http://www.doortodoororganics.com
Home Delivery of organic produce, fruits, vegetables, wheatgrass, bulk organic produce, organic fruit baskets and sprouts throughout PA, NJ, MD, WV, CT and NYC
Full Plate Farms Collective
Snow Bird Natural Organic Foods This one has some non-organic meats, poultry - “Natural” not being equivalent to “Organic”
My Farm Share
Bogo Food
Teri’s Dairy

North Carolina
Absolute Organics

Oregon
Organics to You
Organic Wagon
Home Grown Deliver

Pennsylvania
Door to Door Organics

South Dakota
Rosin Organics: Some delivery services available, but no website yet. 605-649-724

Texas
Windy Acres Farms: Located in North Texas - Not sure if they deliver - Phone: 972-757-0554

Washington
Wildly Organic
Blueberries and More Organics

Wisconsin
Keewaydin Farms Not sure if they deliver.

Canada

Alberta
Fresh Organics

British Columbia
Ladybug Organics
Organics at Home
Sunshine Organics
Share Organics

Manitoba
To Your Door Organic Store

Nova Scotia
Sunset Acres

Ontario
Green Earth Organics
New Terra Natural Food
Organics Delivered
Nature’s Way Organics

Europe

United Kingdom
Zonker
Abel Cole

Spain
Ecolur

Australia

Frank’s Organics
Abundant Organics
Green Line Delivery

India

Panchvati
Aarogyam - Farmers’ Initiative for Organic Foods: Call 91 9969022192

Please comment if you have tried any of these services, if you find wrong information, or if you know of any other services not mentioned, so I can add them to the list.