SoCo Magazine - May 2008 - (Page 47) Organic continued from page 22 Bedford carries a wide selection of health food products. Down to Earth’s Nick O’Berry explains that the store’s products are largely toxin-free. Produce is USDA organic and isn’t covered in wax, a tactic commercial grocery stores employ to make fruits and vegetables look more inviting. O’Berry says that Down to Earth also carries supplements made with GMP (good manufacturing process), which means they are not synthetic or covered in wax. He explains that commercial wax-covered supplements are just about impossible for the body to digest. According to O’Berry, organic food retains more nutrients, a widely supported claim among the organic savvy. The Organic Consumers Association reports that organic food almost always contains higher levels of Vitamin C, essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.), as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. Pesticides used in non-organic foods can adversely affect the nervous system, decrease fertility, and increase cancer risks. Organic food tastes better, too, a reason more high-end chefs are using solely organic foods in their recipes. But there’s only one way to tell for yourself: Next time you pass Spring Meadow Farm on Route 6 in Mattapoisett, or any other local organic farm stand for that matter, buy a tomato or strawberries and see for yourself. Route 6 in Mattapoisett is also home to How on Earth. The new store features local and organic produce, health and beauty products, and baked goods. Much of the produce comes from Lucky Fields Organics farm in Rochester. The store also offers free-range and local eggs as well as grass-fed beef. They’ve even added a kitchen in order to offer fresh and healthy prepared foods along with light lunch options. Free Wi-Fi is a bonus. In Westport, you’ll find Lee’s Market. Although Lee’s is not a solely organic store, the local supermarket offers a good selection of organic choices (including organic wine). Rui Santos, who works in the produce department, explains that organic produce is “slowly becoming more available” at the store, which recognizes the demand but often must wait until its suppliers have organic goods in stock. Santos also explains that organic produce tends to be pricier because it spoils faster than foods that are chemically treated to last longer. But organic food is not always more expensive. Santos says that organic salad greens are more common, so there’s less of a price difference. Organic and non-organic broccoli are the same price. What about carrots? A one-pound bag of organic carrots at Lee’s Market goes for $1.29. The non-organic brand is $.79. For a price check, Earth’s Partner carries a two-pound bag of organic carrots for $1.99. Down to Earth’s two-pound bag is $2.39. The benefits of choosing organic are numerous. By supporting local organic farms, for example, you are not contributing to the hundreds of gallons of gas that a produce truck from California burns on its way to Massachusetts. Many people dismiss organic food as more expensive, but think about the taxes you pay to remove unwanted chemicals from your drinking water. Organic practices ensure healthy soil, the foundation of a healthy food web. When buying organic, you promote not only your own health, but the health of the economy and the land as well. O We are Leading the Way in New Bedford for Sub-Acute Cardiac /Thoracic Rehabilitation New Bedford Health Care Center’s In-patient Cardiac Rehab The Sub-Acute Cardiac/Thoracic Rehabilitation Program at New Bedford Health Care Center is designed to meet the needs of cardiac patients who are recovering from surgery or coping with chronic cardiac conditions. We o er Sub-Acute cardiac and thoracic rehab programs where patients experience therapy in the comfort of a family-focused and attentive Sub-Acute setting that emphasizes an educational approach to wellness and recovery. The Sub-Acute Cardiac/Thoracic Rehabilitation Program at New Bedford is operated under the clinical direction of appointed Cardio/Thoracic Surgeons from Southcoast Hospitals and is sta ed with health care professionals who have been trained to meet the diverse needs of residents with cardiac disease. Christian Campos, MD, Thomas Carr, MD, Richard Miller, MD Southcoast Hospitals Surgeons 3333MA-nbhcc mag (3/08) Call 508.996.4600 today and find out how we’re redefining quality care. M ay 2 0 0 8 | s o co m a g azi ne . i nfo | 47 http://socomagazine.info
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