Eating and juicing fruit is the best way to get your daily fiber requirements

Organic Fruit GiftsIf you are seeking to add additional fiber to your diet – as many of us are – then one of the healthiest and most natural ways to effectively achieve that goal involves eating more fruit either whole or by juicing it.

A diet that is high in fiber and fluids helps your entire body to function in a healthier and more effective way. This is especially true of your ability to process food through your digestive system and it may also help to reduce your chances of diabetes and heart disease. In order to achieve these benefits, men should consume around 30 to 38 grams of fiber every day, while women should have between 21 and 25 grams per day.

Though many people rely on artificial sources of fiber to help to get things moving, obtaining fiber from natural foods is the healthiest and most effective source for your body. It also helps to ensure that you’re receiving much more than just fiber in terms of nutrition. Therefore, it is a good idea to start making juicing and the consumption of fresh fruit a regular part of your daily routine.

Beyond fiber, fruits can also have a number of other positive impacts on your health. For example, an increasing number of studies are showing that daily fruit intake can help to reduce the risk of certain forms of cancers.

Moreover, even though it contains natural sugars, fruit is also known for giving you a burst of hunger satisfying nutrition within a small amount of calories. Many doctors and nutritionists recommend that if you want to eat a large amount of food without packing on the pounds, then juicing or eating fruits and vegetables whole should be a central part of that effort.

Also, a great healthy gift for yourself or someone you know is an organic fruit of the month membership. You can juice every day with fresh fruit delivered straight to your doorstep!

An organic fruit basket can be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for loved ones

Organic Fruit BasketsFinding a dull, traditional, perfunctory Valentine’s Day gift is simple, but if you want to find something unique and meaningful for the special people in your life, a little bit more thought is often involved.

There are many options from which you can choose, but one that is becoming increasingly popular is organic fruit gift baskets. This not only gives you the chance to offer a gift that is tasteful, beautiful, delicious, and thoughtful, but it is healthy and environmentally responsible, too.

There are a number of things that you need to consider as you choose the basket this Valentine’s Day, to make certain that you choose the perfect option.

To begin, it is important to realize that these baskets come in virtually every kind of fruit, so you will need to make sure that you choose one that not only fitsValentines Gift Basketswithin your budget, but that also appeals to the recipient. If you’re sending the basket to someone you know well, then you may be able to choose fruits that you know they enjoy or feel that they would like to try.

Otherwise, you can send a beautiful array of different organic fruits that are certain to appeal to any recipient and that your loved one is certain to enjoy.

Make sure that you always shop from a store or website that you can trust and that is well known for providing quality products and services. This will help you to know that your loved one will receive only the best arrangement of organic fruit in his or her basket and that it has been packed with care for a safe arrival.

Here are some other ideas to help you with your shopping…

Give a happy and healthy holiday this year

Organic Fruit BasketWhen most people think about the holiday season, they bring to mind images of sweet treats and excess that will cause both smiles and bellies to swell. This helps to explain why so many people make weight loss and healthy lifestyles their New Year’s resolutions.

This year, give a gift that will cater to both health and enjoyment by giving gifts that will suit those needs. For example:

• An organic fruit basket – give a basket of organic fruit, or give the gift of a fruit of the month club so that the baskets will be sent all year long. That way, the recipient will be able to enjoy a tasty sweet treat, without any of the guilt.

• Reusable food storage containers – this can include water bottles and thermal lunch bags that are both attractive and practical. With these items, your recipient will be encouraged to drink more water and to pack a lunch, instead of buying something from a fast food restaurant.

• Smaller dishes – research now indicates that the larger the plates you have and the wider the glasses, the more you’ll put in them. Buy your recipient narrow glasses and ten-inch plates to reduce the number of calories that are consumed at a meal. It’s a healthy way to get the same satisfaction from a meal but with smaller portions.

• Healthy mobile apps – give the gift of technology with an app that can help with easy healthy recipes, a shopping list creator, and a reminder to eat lots of organic fruits and veggies!

How to make an inexpensive eco-friendly gourmet biodynamic wine basket to give as a gift

Gourmet Gift BasketMaking a gourmet gift basket that is both eco-friendly and flavorful doesn’t need to be an expensive experience. The trick is to do it yourself and choose the right products to make a difference both to the environment and the recipient of the gift.

Gift baskets are a type of present that will never go out of style, and giving one that has personally selected items that are tasty, luxurious, and organic can add even more enjoyment for your friends and family.

The following are some great ideas for assembling these gourmet biodynamic wine baskets, which can be made to fit virtually any budget and can be customized for almost any recipient.

Start with a bottle or two of biodynamic wine. They come in a range of different prices and from many different regions. Have a glance at biodynamic wine sites online to watch for award winners for that extra flair to your present.

Next, shop around for additional eco-friendly gifts such as organic candies and packaged baked goods (such as cookies or fruit cakes) that have been made using organic ingredients.

Don’t forget to make sure that the basket itself is made out of environmentally friendly materials, to top off the greenness of your gift. Look for decorative recycled heavy cardboard boxes, baskets woven from organic straw, or totes made from bamboo or salvaged fabric strips. Use filler products such as crinkled recycled paper strips, organic straw, or even a bamboo towel that can become part of the gift and can be used by the recipient. Forgo the cellophane wrap, if possible.

Also, adding organic fruit gifts make for a nice finishing touch!

Thanksgiving organic fruit baskets make ideal thank you gifts

Thanksgiving GiftsIt’s always nice when you can experience thanksgiving without having to prepare the feast yourself, and a great way to show your appreciation to the chef for the meal you will enjoy is by giving an organic fruit basket – the perfect gift of thanks to the people you care about.

Why give an organic fruit basket? Although there are plenty of items you can bring to thank your Thanksgiving chef, a basket of fruit is something that is often appreciated because it can be enjoyed immediately, can be added to the meal or the dessert, or can be eaten by the gift receiver and their family after the occasion is over. What’s more, it’s a healthy and delicious festive gift that won’t be wasted.

In addition, if you’d like to add something more to the basket then a collection of fresh seasonal organic fruit, you can add other convenient and ready-to-use organic items such as organic wine, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, candies, baked goods and other tasty edible treats. However, keep in mind, regardless of what you may wish to include in the gift basket, remember that you will want to make selections that would most appeal to the chef and/or their family. Therefore, carefully consider your options and don’t be afraid to be creative with your thoughtful ideas.

Once you know the type of fruit basket you’d like to give, you can then decide whether or not you would like to purchase it pre-made, have it designed for you or make it yourself. That said, no matter what you choose, be certain to decorate your gift basket with harvest colors and themed decorations in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Now through December 2nd you can enjoy FREE SHIPPING on gourmet Thanksgiving gifts!! Click here for specials: The Fruit Company

An organic apple a day is more effective for keeping the doctor away

Organic Fruit BenefitsFrom childhood, we’re told that eating an apple every day is very good for our health, but what scientists are now starting to discover is that organic apples contain even more of the essential nutrients we need to consume every day in order to stay healthy.

In fact, studies performed in France, Britain, Poland, and Canada support recent American research that says that organic fruit contains higher nutrient levels than conventional crops that are grown in the exact same conditions but using organic methods.

Some of the benefits you can enjoy by eating an organic apple a day include:

• Bone protection – the flavanoid known as phloridzin is found exclusively in apples, as well as the boron also contained in the fruit, can help to lower the risk of osteoporosis and help to boost bone density among post menopausal women.

• Asthma reduction – children born of mothers who consume a large number of apples during their pregnancies are less likely to develop asthma than those whose mothers ate fewer apples.

• Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease – apples contain quercetin and this may help to protect brain cells from the damage of free radicals which can cause Alzheimers.

• Decreasing cholesterol – the pectin contained in apples can help to reduce their “bad” cholesterol levels.

• Prevention of lung cancer – people who eat large amounts of apples have a much lower risk (up to 50 percent) of developing lung cancer, possible because of the quercetin, naringin, and flavanoid they contain.

• Breast cancer prevention – there is a 17 percent lower risk of cancer among people who eat an apple every day.

• Prevention of colon cancer – the pectin and nutrients in the skin of apples can help to lower the risk of colon cancer while maintaining an overall healthy digestive tract.

• Decreased risk of liver cancer – a study on rats showed that consuming apple skin can reduce the risk of liver cancer by 57 percent.

• Management of diabetes – the galacturonic acid from the pectin in apples can help to decrease the necessity for insulin for more effective diabetes management.

This season, give the gift that says you really care with an organic fruit basket delivered to their front door!

What kids are really receiving when they go trick-or-treating

Halloween Gift IdeasHalloween can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages, with entertainment ranging from costumes to scary movies, and from trick-or-treating to eating tasty sweets. However, by taking a deeper look at some of the “treats” that are received, it may not be the ghosts and goblins that cause the fright that night.

Have a look at some of the ingredients on the packaging of the items you’ll be doling out or that your own children have received:

Artificial colors and flavors – these are chemicals often based on petroleum products that can have adverse effects, such as hyperactivity, rashes, allergic reactions, fatigue, and headaches.

Alkali – this ingredient is an acid neutralizer that is found in many chocolate products in order to lower bitterness and boost flavor. Unfortunately, most of the antioxidants found in the chocolate are destroyed by this ingredient.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – this is a fructose sweetener that is made when cornstarch is processed. Though it is inexpensive, it also involve the use of genetically modified enzymes. Moreover, it is known to increase an individual’s risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR) – this ingredient is made from castor beans and is a binding agent (emulsifier). This is found in many chocolate products to reduce their thickness so that when they are melted, the result will be a texture with greater smoothness. However, like alkali, it reduces or eliminates the antioxidants in the product.

Many parents are choosing to give alternative treats to their kids and to the trick-or-treaters who come to the door. Some ideas include:

• Small boxes of organic raisins
• Granola bars
• Individually wrapped cookies that are trans fat-free and have low sugar.
• Pretzels
• Nicely wrapped organic fruit Gifts
• Fruit bars
• Dark chocolate

How will you be observing National Grandparents Day?

Grandparents Day GiftsNational Grandparents Day is rapidly approaching in the United States and a number of other countries, and parents and children are preparing to show grandparents how much they mean to them throughout the entire year.

This day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day every year, making it September 11 in 2011. It has been celebrated in the United States since 1978, with Marian McQuade from Oak Hill, West Virginia, as its official founder, for which she has received recognition by senators and President Jimmy Carter.

McQuade founded the day as a complement to her personal life goal to provide youth in her community with an education regarding the importance of the present and historical contributions of senior citizens. Aside from National Grandparents Day, another of McQuade’s efforts was to encourage youth to “adopt” a grandparent.

This secular holiday is meant to give people the opportunity to honor grandparents and to provide grandparents with the chance to show their own love for the children of their own children. This can help to make children more aware of the information, strength, and guidance that senior citizens have to give.

As of 2004, National Grandparents Day has had its own official song, which was written by Johnny Prill, and is called “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa”. Prill received the National Songwriter’s Award for this composition.

Similarly, in the United States, there is an official flower for the holiday, as well. It is a forget-me-not. However, as this is a spring bloom, it is traditional to give more seasonal flowers or a organic fruit basket to grandparents on the holiday itself.

The characteristics of a ripe melon: what you need to know before putting it in your cart

How to pick a melonThough melons may look beautiful in a store, without the right techniques it is difficult to know what is inside their rinds without cutting into them.

Fortunately, there are some steps that can be taken in order to identify a ripe and flavorful melon. The trick is to understand that not all types of melon require the same techniques, and to know what methods are appropriate for each type.

For a cantaloupe, also known as a musk melon, examine its entire exterior, looking for a good solid shell without any moldy areas or obvious bruising. Its underlying color should be an orangy-white. If its underlying color is primarily green or white, move on to the next one.

The end with the stem should not still have the stem attached. A cantaloupe that was ripe when picked would come away from the stem very easily. Therefore, if the stem is still on the melon, it is likely unripe. Smell the end with the stem. If it smells slightly moldy or if it has no smell at all, put it back and try another one. A ripe cantaloupe should smell just slightly fruity and musky.

On the other hand, a watermelon’s rind should be inspected for black spots, large soft bruises, or cracks. Gently “thump” on the side of the melon with your hand and listen to the sound it makes. Compare the sound of several melons and pick one that makes a “middle” note. The higher the note, the less ripe the melon will be. The lower the note, the more ripe a melon will be. If the note is very deep, it may be overly ripe and may already be breaking down inside.

A honeydew melon should be inspected for cracks, bruises, or large dark spots on the outside. These melons should be avoided. Then, with the melon in one hand, press on the end opposite the stem (called the Best Fruit“blossom” end) and check for firmness. The more firm it is, the less ripe it is. A ripe melon should allow you to depress it slightly without a lot of effort. If the melon is quite soft for more than two inches across the blossom end, it is likely too ripe and is beginning to deteriorate inside.

By knowing these tricks, you will be able to select the best and most flavorful melon, which will give you a more pleasant experience and save you from wasting money on spoiled or unripe fruit.

For gift giving this summer don’t forget a organic fruit of the month club!

Organic farming brings communities together

Communities in states across the nation are becoming involved in sustainable agriculture. The past few years of unhealthy eating have created numerous reports about Americans bad health and alarming obesity rates. Couple that with the environmental issues and it’s no wonder there has been such a rise in organic farming and community gardens.

Community Gardens and Farming

Community Garden

 In the United States, two-thirds of adults, and 25 percent of all kids are considered overweight or obese. The downturn of the economy over the last four years caused over 14 percent of the (U.S.) population to fall into, or below the poverty level. It may not sound like much, but 14 percent of our population equals almost 43 million people.

This, along with the plight of the environment, has caused a rise in organic farming and community type gardens. In 2008, certified organic acreage reached about 5 million acres. In 2009, sales of organic food and beverages reached 24 billion dollars. People want healthier food.

Many communities are also participating in “community” gardens. There are around five thousand gardens that have been created across the United States now. Some were created to help beautify an area that has become neglected or impoverished. Area residents were encouraged to participate in cleaning up, landscaping and planting flowers in an area that would be seen as “belonging” to the community.

This helped to cultivate a sense of teamwork and personal responsibility; encouraging neighbors to help take care of one another. Other communities planted actual vegetable gardens in areas that were predominately poor. Everyone was invited to participate by helping to clean up, tilling, and planting the food. Because it belongs to everyone in that neighborhood, they are all responsible for the upkeep, and they get part of the food that’s grown.

These gardens help join people together, and clean up areas that have become downtrodden. It helps kids get out of the house and into nature, teaches everyone responsibility, and gives them a renewed sense of pride in their community. Plus, the vegetable gardens help feed countless families that may not get vegetables or fruit otherwise.

All of this just in time for Earth Day. Help us celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2011 and pick up a piece of trash, give your neighbor some fruit from your tree and thank Mother Earth in your own way!

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