Marinate Grilled Fare—For Taste and Safety

The grilling season is at its peak now. Many of us who are fans of grilling are aware that cancer-causing substances -- heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs or HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) -- form when the proteins in red meat, pork, poultry and fish react to the high heat of grilling and when fat drips off the meat and produces smoke.

Chemists at Kansas State University found that marinating meat for an hour in spice blends can reduce the formation of HCAs by 80 percent or more. They credit the antioxidant properties of spices with this change. Other researchers suggest that marinades may buffer the heat that causes the problematic chemical reaction, or that a combination of sugar, oil, and acidic ingredients decrease the carcinogenic compounds. Simply Organic® offers a flavor-rich line of organic marinades that includes Zesty Herb Marinade Mix (item #18955), Lemon Pepper Marinade Mix (item #18967), Steak Marinade Mix (item #18953), and Garlic and Herb Marinade Mix (item #18968). Or add the smoky flavor of mesquite with Mesquite BBQ Marinade Mix (item #18954). Bonus: There’s a selection of convenient shake-on grilling seasonings for chicken, seafood, steak and vegetables, too, also made with only organic ingredients.

2009 Stellar Organic Awards Announced

The best of the best have been announced for the 2009 Stellar Organic Awards and as always, you can buy all of them below retail prices at EdibleNature.com

Top Organic Dental product:
Toothpastes from Kiss My Face

Top Organic Hair care:
Organic Hair Care from Desert Organics

Top Aromatherapy/Essential Oil:
Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

Top Organic Lotion:
Honey Calendula Ultra Moisturizer from Kiss My Face

Top Paper Good:
Seventh Generation Bathroom Tissue

Top Cleaning Product - TIE:
Dr. Bonner's Baby-Mild Unscented Castile Soap and

Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid from Seventh Generation

Source: Organics Product Retailer

Funniest Organic Videos

There's s bunch of hilarious videos relating to organic farming, and sustainment generally.

This is still one of the best videos: The Store Wars.

When you're done enjoying that one, take a look at The Meatrix.

Summer Skin Care & Hair Care Tips

Summer living may be easy, but chances are your hair and skin will appreciate a little extra TLC during the sun-drenched months of outdoor sports, gardening, camping, or kick-back beach bumming.

Hair Restorative
A warm oil pack can impart moisture and life to a crowning glory that’s been exposed to too much sun and sea or chlorine. Add a tablespoon of honey or an egg yolk for added nourishment.

Choose an herb or two according to your needs: chamomile flowers to soften, spearmint leaf to condition, licorice root to slow oil production, rosemary leaf to revitalize and condition the scalp. Make an infusion of the herbs and combine with enough carrier oil to cover your hair and scalp. (Use about 1 tablespoon of infusion per cup of oil.) Good carrier oils include olive, sesame, almond, coconut and avocado. Cover dry hair and scalp with the oil combination, wrap your hair in a towel, and sit in a warm place for half an hour or longer. Shampoo as usual.

Blemish and Bla–Skin Steam
Blemish-prone skin can flare up in the summer. Use an herbal steam to calm inflammation and keep pores beautifully clean. Place a handful of skin-soothing herbs like linden, yarrow or chamomile flowers in a large bowl. Wash your face as you boil enough water to half fill the basin. Pour boiling water over the herbs. Draping a towel over your head to form a tent, lean over the steam for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse your face well and pat dry.

4 Health Factors that Significantly Impact the Look of Your Skin...

GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) (Primrose Oil, Borage Oil or Black Currant Oil)
Not all oils are created equal – we’ve heard that for years now. What are some of the good oils and what are the benefits of the good oils? GLA has many known good qualities. It aids in weight loss and helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.

According to Dr. Gittleman (a clinical nutrition specialist), flaxseed oil will help reduce cholesterol, normalize blood pressure, relieve depression and help heal skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin. These are only a few of the many benefits of flaxseed oil.

Olive oil and avocados are also two oils known for their healing properties. Not only are these oils good for your heart, cholesterol, healthy brain functions and healthy cell production, they also have the added benefit of curbing your cravings for sugar.

Omega-3s also bring nourishing blood and oxygen to the skin, as well as encourage the production of new skin cells to replace the ones that slough off -- oils that nourish your body and beautify your skin, what could be better?

Organic Sales Growing

The total sales of organic products (both food and non-food) was $24.6 billion in 2008, up 17.1 percent over 2007 sales despite tough economic times, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2009 Organic Industry Survey. The United Nations Trade and Development Agency projects the demand for organic food will grow 46% over the next five years. That's great news for those of us that enjoy organic food and organic products - more demand equates to more supply (and lower prices)!