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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Another Reason to Eat Organic — Protect Your Gut Health

Over the last few years, it has been a widely viewed belief among the medical community that the health of the bacteria in our bodies has a direct relationship to our overall health.

While the exact nature of the bacteria in our bodies still remains a big mystery, research is showing that certain bacteria can prevent and treat many common diseases.

More specifically, in tests with mice, bacteria played an important role in fighting cancer.

– A study published in PLOS One in April 2016 showed that the bacterium Lactobacillus johnsonii may protect against some cancers.

– Research from the University of Chicago found that introducing a certain strain of bacteria can strengthen the immune system’s ability to attack tumors.

So, if bacteria is proving to be an incredibly important tool to fight disease, shouldn’t we be doing everything we can to protect it?

One of the ways to best to protect your bacteria is to avoid the super-toxic herbicide glyphosate, the most widely used chemical in the world. Not only is glyphosate the primary ingredient in Monsanto’s RoundUp, but the State of California has declared that glyphosate causes cancer.

Prof Gilles-Eric Séralini at the University of Caen, France conducted tests on rats and found that an environmental concentration of Roundup had a direct impact on the composition of the animal’s gut bacteria. Furthermore, these gut microbiome disturbances showed a substantial overlap with those associated with liver dysfunction in other studies.

What to do?

Eat organic.

While it is legal for glyphosate and Roundup to be sprayed on conventionally-grown foods, it is prohibited in organic farming.

So, the next time you’re deciding whether to purchase something organic or conventional, just think about what the bacteria in your gut would want you to eat.

A message from Tradin Organic

Why Tradin Organic is Prioritizing Regenerative Organic Farming

At Tradin Organic, we believe that regenerative organic farming is key to growing healthy and nutritious food ingredients — for now and for future generations.

And in Sierra Leone, we have grown the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified cacao.

Learn more.

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Organic Insider

Better Choices

Study: Organic Tomatoes Contain More Antioxidants than Conventional Ones

In yet another study, we have more evidence that organic is a healthier choice.

A report out of the University of Barcelona claims that organic tomatoes have a higher amount of antioxidants than conventional tomatoes.

Researchers used liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to determine that organic tomatoes have a greater amount of phenolic compounds or polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants of plant origin, are associated with the prevention of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases, and some forms of cancer.

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A message from Tradin Organic

How Tradin Organic is Helping Coconut Farmers in The Philippines

For more than a decade, Tradin Organic has been working with local partners in The Philippines to bring a diversified range of organic products to the market, such as coconut oil, tropical fruits and even cocoa.

The company is helping to support local farmers by assisting them with technical support and organic certification, in addition to paying Fairtrade premium on top of the organic premium.

Learn more.

Living Maxwell

Better Choices

How Do Your Favorite ‘Organic’ and ‘Made with Organic’ Snack Bars Rate? Take a Look at Cornucopia’s Scorecard

When you are in the checkout line at the supermarket and looking for a nutritious snack to satiate your hunger, take caution when selecting an energy bar.

The energy or snack bar market is big business — a $9 billion industry — and many people are easily fooled by the slick marketing that food companies employ to get you to purchase their products.

The absolute first thing to look for is a certified organic snack bar — one that has the green and white USDA organic seal on it.

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Living Maxwell

Better Choices

Why Organic Coffee is So Important

A girl I used to know in New York City was so fanatical about recycling that she would literally take empty bottles home from bars because she feared that they would be tossed in the garbage.

I’ll never forget the time when we were out one night and she started filling up her designer handbag with empty beer bottles, which weren’t even hers!  She was that committed to the environment.

Yet, when she drank her coffee each morning, organic coffee was never even a consideration.

Although I didn’t realize it at the time, this didn’t make much sense.  Why?

Because conventionally-grown coffee is incredibly unhealthy for people and the planet.

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livingmaxwell: a guide to organic food & drink