Organic Fruit Gifts | Fruit Company Gifts

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

Organic Fruit Gifts If 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

Finding 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 fits Valentines Gift Baskets within 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…

Thanksgiving organic fruit baskets make ideal thank you gifts

Thanksgiving Gifts It’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 Benefits From 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 Ideas Halloween 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

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 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!

Anyone can say their product is natural but is it organic?

Everywhere you look, manufacturers are describing their products as “natural” and “organic.” The fact is, the majority of people Organic Fruit are actually reading labels more, and trying to make better choices; for their health and the environment. This has forced companies to be more forthcoming in their advertising about ingredients they use in the products that we buy. But are the descriptions true? Not necessarily.

Believe it or not, there are no laws or specific requirements a company must follow in order to label a product as natural. So any business can label their goods as being all natural, or earth friendly, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. The environmental and green movements caused many corporations to have to redesign their labels, touting themselves as health and environmentally conscious, to stay competitive.

There are a couple of labels that businesses can use that actually mean they have standards to adhere by. One is from The Natural Products Association. For a product to carry this label it cannot contain petrochemical ingredients, formaldehyde, parabens or phthalates. They also cannot contain more than 5 percent synthetic ingredients, and those ingredients can’t be toxic. Additionally, there are other guidelines that manufacturers have to follow to earn the certified seal.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables The other label that has specific standards is “organic”, or “certified organic.” This is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is monitored by the federal government and certain consumer watch groups. Organic agriculture is based on management practices that enhance, restore or maintain environmental harmony; as well as other specific requirements that must be followed.

Merchandise that carries the Natural Products Association seal did so voluntarily; there are no mandatory laws requiring all companies to do this. While the organic or certified organic label does require specific standards to be met.

Picking Organic Fruits on a Budget

Buying organic products is one of the ways of investing for health. However, there are some factors that need to be considered when buying organic foods. Organic Fruit on a Budget

Before buying any organic foods, it is safe to know what the word ‘organic’ means as defined by the USDA. There are four levels of organic that is set by the said department. 100% organic refers to food that are certified organic when it comes to all the contents of the food. Organic refers to those that are 95% organic, with the exclusion of water and salt. When 70% of the content of the food is organic, this is referred to as made with organic ingredients. Lastly, ingredient panel only is for those whose contents are less than 70% organic.

There are some basic rules to keep in mind when buying organic foods. First, think about the skin of the food. When buying foods that have edible skin just like apples and other fruits, it is safer to buy the organic ones. For animal products, those that are organic are preferred. But should you choose to buy non-organic meat, choose lean meat since the fats contain the impurities. Buying from local farmers is an excellent way of getting healthy foods.

Organic foods can be more expensive than those that are not, so when your budget does not permit you to buy all organic food, then consider those that are worth it to buy. For organic fruits, it is important to buy those whose skins are edible like grapes, tomatoes, peaches and other similar ones. This goes the same with vegetables. If you are going to peel them, then it is not necessary to buy the organic ones.

Organic Fruit Basket Under $50

Organic meat products are of course highly recommended since these are definitely healthier.

As we all know but sometimes choose to forget…all organic food does not necessarily mean that it’s healthy. Check out fat, sodium and other nutritional information before purchasing…if you’re going for the healthiest options.

Check out organic fruit baskets for under $50.00 here!

Green Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day

If you have plans on celebrating Valentine’s Day, you might want to try out the idea of giving gifts that are environmentally friendly. Here are some Green Gifts for Valentine's Day suggestions that you may want to consider.

Organic roses are the ones grown without the use of synthetic chemicals that is not just healthier for the flowers, but also for those who are handling them such as the florist, the growers and the pickers. These do not contribute to pollution too, since no toxic chemicals were used in growing these roses.

For Valentine’s Day, enjoy a bottle of organic or even beter, biodynamic wine, made with fewer chemicals, and one that is handmade. These are made from healthy plants but are not often marketed. To find an eco-wine, you will have to inquire in wine shops that are aware if there products are from biodynamic vineyards.

When you buy locally made gourmet chocolates that are all natural, you are not just helping the environment but also your local economy. To score some big points with the person that you love, give him/her chocolates that are handcrafted and amazingly scrumptious. Chocolate dipped fruit from The Fruit Company!

Since it is the day of love, you might want to wear a nice piece of green lingerie. You can find earth-friendly products such as panties, bras, camisoles and sleep masks that are made of all natural materials like bamboo jersey and silk satin that is naturally herbal dyed.

And last but surely not least, think about giving an organic fruit basket, eco friendly and healthy all in one package!

FOR MORE ORGANIC GIFT IDEAS:

Gift Giving with No EDC’s: As Easy as 1-2-3

There are times when we want to give food gifts to our friends and loved ones, but we want to be sure that we are giving them the most healthy, yet still delicious choices. In the past, many of us have opted for fruit basket gifts instead of sugary treats because so many we care for have diabetes or are trying to keep eyes on their figures. Interestingly, recent discoveries have been made that have identified a new chemical group, called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s for short).

These chemicals have been found in many of the foods we regularly eat, including fruits and vegetables. Since these chemicals, called “obesogens” by scientists, can promote weight gain, obesity, and other conditions, we want to try to avoid those in our daily diets – and in our food gifts we are giving to others.

Lately in the health and wellness field, there has been some talk of the ‘dirty dozen’ and the ‘clean dozen,’ referring to two sets of foods: one set including foods that are at higher risk for EDC’s and other chemicals and the other set of twelve foods that are at the least risk. If you are looking for fruit gifts or fruit baskets that lower your risks for exposure to chemicals, you should keep an eye out for the following fruits:

• Pineapple
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Domestic cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Grapefruit
• Honeydew

Since the fruits above all have skins which can be peeled off of the food prior to eating, they are better choices for avoiding chemicals, especially obesogens. But, there is another way to make sure you are giving the healthiest fruit choices to your loved ones. Organic fruit gift baskets.
By choosing organic produce to be in your gifts, you are dramatically decreasing the exposure of your loved ones to obesogens. Plus, since organic foods are grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, you are decreasing their risks of ingesting those chemicals as well. AND, there is even more! Organic foods are delicious, grown just the way nature intended, with soil, water, and light. Simply put, you cannot give your friends and loved ones anything healthier than organic fruits unless you grow them yourself, organically in your garden.

So, as you prepare to buy that next gift for someone, consider fruit basket gifts again. You don’t have to buy the organics per se, but if you do, you know you are gifting the very best to those you care for. By giving the healthiest foods you can, you are letting people know you are glad to have them in your life and are looking forward to having them around and healthy for a very long time.