Health Experts Push for Organic Lifestyles

Consumers hear and read about organic farming but they are not always sure what that means. They sometimes question what ‘makes' food organic - and why it is more expensive than other foods. They may be puzzled by the typically higher cost of these foods, wondering why this should be so as the benefits of such foods may be perceived as being not worth the extra expense.

"When you truly consider the benefits of organic food, you will look past the rice cakes and organic vegetables and realize that it is an actual change in your way of thinking (about health and the environment) and lifestyle," reads a line in a medical journal.

Essentially, organic food is any food product that is grown in organically-certified land without any chemical treatments - either in the form of fertilizers or pesticides. All the substances that go into growing organic food - substances that are put in the ground or on the plants - must come from natural sources. Indeed, there must not be any chemical additives in the growing processes; not even through accidental application.

"Even though the yield of a field may be reduced due to the lack of chemical fertilizer use or that the crop has a higher price due to low supply, it is important that we are assured that what is grown is truly organic food," says health issues author Lorna Mathews.

Mathews adds that, to improve their crop, growers have previously utilized chemically-enhanced fertilizers and pesticides. Also, because they were cheap, this was the favoured way of enhancing and protecting crops for years.

Many insect intruders were kept away by using pesticides. But this happened without regard for what was organic food - and in complete disregard for the surrounding water supplies.

History tells us that, before the chemical products were developed, farmers used natural resources to provide the world with food supplies and they had no notion of what organic food was - and why it was good for them.

It was only after using chemically-treated fertilizers for many years that people are now realizing they should be utilizing less and less of these, because ‘natural' is not only good for them, but for the planet as well.

Consider an untouched forest in which leaves fall to the ground and slowly degrade into natural fertilizer to help the growth of other trees.

Natural predators keep insect pests from destroying the new growths and without any interference, the growth continues. This could be a good picture of what organic food is and how the cycle of returning everything to Mother Earth can help provide healthier foods, as well as a healthier planet.

There are many contributing factors as to why our health and the Earth are in crisis. However, we can all benefit from taking control: being conscious of what we are putting in on our bodies and aware of what is going into our environment, experts point out.

"By using organic and natural products, you are making healthy decisions for yourself and the Earth - and taking preventive measures for a healthy future. By making this choice, you will greatly reduce the amount of toxins and chemicals your body must defend against, on a daily basis," says Mr Allen Kinyamasongo, Sales Manager for Tanzania Tea Packers (TATEPA).

He adds that what we must realize is that nature already has technology that is more sophisticated than we can comprehend.

Because of lack of awareness regarding organic products, people have been using chemically-added ones which adversely affect their health.

Organic products act as medicine and it's a good choice for those who don't consume caffeine-related products. Among the organic products that are currently produced in Tanzania are camomile, hibiscus, peppermint, green teas and lemon symphony.

According to experts, camomile makes a pleasant aromatic tea with a fruity flavour, enhanced by sugar or honey. It is often sipped for relief of health problems ranging from toothache to nervousness. It also has been noted as beneficial for soothing headaches and is a natural relaxing herb known to assist the restless and those suffering from insomnia.

In many circles, camomile is called ‘nighty-night tea' or ‘sleepy tea.' This is on account of its natural properties which promote restfulness and drowsiness. It is also known to assist digestive disorders by settling the stomach and calming the nerves.

The plant's botanical name, Matricaria, is derived from the Latin term for womb because it was once used as a herb to treat female ‘troubles.' The word is derived from ancient Greek and translates as Ground Apple in reference to the fruity aroma.

Like many teas and herbs, camomile should be consumed without the addition of milk. But this does not preclude additives such as honey, lime, lemon and cinnamon. One of the ‘funny things' to do with a widely-used consumer herb like camomile, is to make your own blend.

Try camomile with peppermint - and call it "Camomint Soothing Sleeper". Camomile provides the ‘sleepy' portion of your blend; and the peppermint provides the soothing part (peppermint is known to soothe upset stomachs).

Hibiscus tea is the infusion made from the calyces (sepals) of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, a herbal tea drink consumed both hot and cold by people around the world. It is also referred to as Roselle (another common name for the hibiscus flower). The tea contains Vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. This tea contains 15-30 per cent organic acids, such as citric acid.

Archaeological evidence suggests that people consumed tea leaves steeped in boiling water as many as 500,000 years ago. Botanical evidence indicates that India and China were among the first countries to cultivate tea. Today, hundreds of millions of people drink tea around the world and studies are now suggesting that green tea (Camellia sinesis) in particular has many health benefits.

There are three main varieties of tea: green, black and oolong. The difference between these teas is in their processing. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves - and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body. But environmental toxins (including ultraviolet rays from the sun, radiation and cigarette smoke and air pollution) also give rise to these damaging particles.

Scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health problems including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause!

Experts suggest that this kind of tea is effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension.

Organic products can greatly reduce risks related to cholesterol, obesity, weight loss and many more.

Mr. Kinyamasongo says these products are available in supermarkets in all cities - except for other regions.

"Currently, it looks like they are expensive; but it is because they are of high quality than others".

In Kenya, for example, they are widely used - even by herbalists.

Experts point out that one can change one's lifestyle to an organic one, as there is ‘organic everything' today, from skin make-ups to fertilizers, baby clothes, foods, drinks, pet food and seeds. It is said that not only will this lifestyle improve one's health, but will also help in conserving the environment.

GASIRIGWA SENGIYUMVA
Daily News; Wednesday,July 23, 2008
SOURCE: http://dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/magazine/?id=6069