All About Organics

Carrageenan, a food additive extracted from red seaweed, is commonly added as a thickening agent to processed foods, particularly dairy products, certain deli meats and other prepared foods. Research suggests carrageenan is highly inflammatory, triggering an immune reaction that may cause inflammation in your gastrointestinal system and may be carcinogenic. In December 2016, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) expert advisory board, voted to remove carrageenan from the organic ingredients list.

Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated the profound relationship between gut microbiota alterations and behavioral changes. Glyphosate-based herbicides have been shown to induce behavioral impairments, and it is possible that they mediate the effects through an altered GM.  In this study, the toxic effects of GBH on GM and its subsequent effects on the neurobehavioral functions in mice are investigated.

If you’re looking for a hardy, problem-free perennial to add to your garden, consider rhubarb. While you may think of it as a fruit, given the tart-yet-sweet punch it gives to pies and other desserts, rhubarb is actually a vegetable. Given the right soil and sun conditions, you can easily grow rhubarb from crowns or seeds. 

For best results, choose a sunny, out-of-the-way corner of your garden that features compost-rich, well-drained soil. Once the plants are established, you can enjoy the red or green celery-like stalks of rhubarb as a springtime treat in jams, pies or smoothies.

If you’ve not already heard of Jean-Martin Fortier, allow us to introduce you to a rising star, the Canadian organic farmer whose notion of human-scaled, “six-figure farming” is shaking up the fields.