What Are the Health Benefits of Sesame Oil?

October 11, 2017March 31, 2018 ~ sfmart

Sesame oil is pressed from the tiny sesame seed. There are numerous compounds and antioxidants within the sesame seed that are imparted into the oil. According to the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, sesame seeds are so beneficial that even after they have been pressed and the oil has been drained, the seed hulls can be fed to livestock. Although the oil is primarily used for dietary consumption, it’s also a desired ingredient in cosmetics due to its high antioxidant content.

Sesame oil has a lowering effect on blood pressure and levels of sodium in the blood. A study done in India and reported in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine shows that when subjects with high blood pressure were asked to consume sesame oil for 45 days, their blood pressure returned to normal readings. It was also documented that the research subjects lost weight while undergoing the addition of sesame oil. The effects were temporary, however. When the participants stopped taking the sesame oil, their blood pressure readings went back up. This could be in part to the fact that the sesame oil lowered sodium content in the body, acting as a diuretic.

To enjoy the benefits of lower blood pressure, make a commitment to make sesame oil a daily part of your diet. If you’re on medication for blood pressure, be sure to speak with your physician first.

Sesame oil also is good for blood sugar levels. A report in the “Journal of Medicinal Foods” labeled sesame oil as having an influence on the lowering of glucose. In the study, rats with diabetes were split up and some were fed sesame oil; the other group was not. The group fed the sesame oil had a significant decrease in blood sugar levels, and had an increase in antioxidant compounds in the blood.

Drizzling some sesame oil on a tossed salad, in place of olive oil, is a great way to add it to your diet to reap its health benefits.

The antioxidants in sesame oil impart benefits to the skin from the inside. It helps enhance the effects of vitamin E and other antioxidants, but it also benefits the skin when used on the outside. Anne McIntyre, a medical herbalist, published a report in Ayurveda on the benefits people see when using sesame oil on the skin. Those who use it have seen a decrease in skin infections and improvement in joint pain, due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties sesame oil contains. The report also states that the anti-cancer properties of sesame oil can be applied to the skin from the outside, as it has been shown to slow the development and growth of the skin cancer, melanoma.

To use sesame oil on the skin, Ayurvedic practice (a system of holistic medicine originating in India) recommends rubbing it all over the skin, then waiting 15 minutes before taking a hot shower or bath. As the oil soaks into the skin it has a detoxifying effect, and the warm water helps it soak in deeper.

Organic Sesame Seed Oil is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on LiveStrong.com

10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Barley Tea

September 20, 2017March 31, 2018 ~ sfmart

The aroma of freshly brewed barley tea is something that we must experience at least once in our life time! But if you make a habit of drinking barley tea regularly, you’ll get something much more than the amazing aroma—you’ll get good health! Here in rthis post, learn about barley tea benefits.

Barley tea is a common beverage in China, Japan and Korea. In Japan, the tea is known as mugicha and in Korea, it is called as boricha. Barley tea is free from caffeine. The tea is made by brewing ground barley, unshelled roasted barley or barley seeds in hot water. The light bitter flavor of the tea is sometimes balanced by combining it with roasted corn. Its aroma is fresh and downright amazing, which may make the other benefits of the tea look secondary. But barley tea offers much more than its aroma and flavor—it is a storehouse of health!

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Barley Tea:

How does barley tea help your health? Here’s are top 10 barley tea benefits:

1. Acts As An Anticoagulant:

Highly viscous blood can cause irregular blood circulation and similar health disorders in the body. Barley tea helps to regulate and enhance blood fluidity. It also helps in maintaining a healthy blood circulation.

2. Rich In Antioxidants:

Barley tea has high level of antioxidants. It contains a number of compounds, such as lignans, selenium, Vitamin A and Vtamin C, which work as antioxidants. Health complications, such as inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders can be prevented by these antioxidants present in barley tea.

3. Antibacterial Properties:

Oral streptococci are the bacterial agents responsible for tooth decay. Barley tea helps in inhibiting the colonization of bacteria, mainly streptococci, and prevents their adhesion with the tooth, keeping tooth decay at bay.

4. Prevents Cancer:

Diseases, such as prostate and breast cancer that depend on hormones, can be prevented by the hytonutrients present in barley tea. Preventing cancer, the high level of antioxidant in barley tea can assist in averting cell damage, caused due to free radicals.

5. Works As A Blood Cleanser:

Blood sugar level can be reduced and regulated by the use of barley tea. Barley tea also acts as a blood cleanser. Lowering the cholesterol level in the body, it offers a healthy heart. As the Japanese say, blood gets freed from impurities by drinking mugicha!

6. Helps In Curing Cold:

A cup of barley tea a day can keep cold away. Okay, not away, but barley tea helps in alleviating the symptoms of cold. Barley tea is said to be an effective treatment for fever too. It contributes in cleansing the system. It breaks up the phlegm and congestions and assists in treating asthma and bronchitis. Drinking 2 cups of barley tea can give respite from a sore throat too.

7. Treats Digestive Disturbance:

One of the best barley tea benefits is that it improves digestion as it is a natural antacid. It can also help treat nausea.

8. Beneficial For Male Fertility:

Barley tea is packed with an ample amount of selenium, the mineral that plays an important part in male fertility and provides a healthy prostate, even helping prevent prostate cancer.

9. Improves Bowel Movement:

Loaded with fiber, barley tea eases bowel movement. Fiber present in barley tea promotes regular and easy bowel movements by sweeping the digestive tract. Regular and easy bowel movements minimize the chances of constipation that stimulate a bloated feeling.

10. Treats Sleep Disorders:

Barley tea contains melatonin, tryptophan and amino acid, which facilitate healthy and good sleep patterns by working in combination. Barley tea is caffeine-free and does not interfere with the sleep routine.

There are so many benefits, which make this tea a good substitute for regular tea or coffee. It cleanses the system and removes toxins from the body. Barley tea is filled with antioxidants and phytonutrients that help to defend the body from free radical damage. And don’t forget the aroma!

Organic Tea is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on Style Craze

10 Best Barley Benefits

September 6, 2017March 31, 2018 ~ sfmart

If you are having a difficult time suffering from asthma, arthritis, impotence, skin problems, anemia, obesity, constipation, diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems or heart disease, perhaps it’s time for you to learn about the health benefits of barley. The benefits are mostly attributable to the eight essential amino acids which it contains, meaning that it represents a complete protein in our diet. Recent research says that consuming whole grain barley also regulates blood sugar to a great extent.

There are so many rampant ailments in recent years, which proves even more that our regular diets lack important nutrients. One of the most important nutrients that we often tend to neglect is fiber. Barley is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which assures you good overall health over the long term. Before we move on to the health benefits, you will be pleased to know that you can consume it in many kinds of preparations like salads, soups, stew, and even with chicken, mutton or in the tandoori style. Therefore, it will not add value just to your health but also to your palate.

Health Benefits Of Barley

People use barley for preserving skin elasticity and preventing disorders such as osteoporosis, gallstones, and diabetes. Let us look at the benefits in detail:

Keeps Intestine Healthy

Barley, being an excellent source of fiber, keeps your body toxin-free. Its grass, which is rich in dietary fiber, acts as a fuel source to the friendly bacteria of our large intestine. These bacteria help in fermenting the fiber content of the barley, thereby forming butyric acid, which is the primary fuel for intestinal cells. It is greatly effective in maintaining a healthy colon. By keeping the intestine in proper health, it helps you to decrease the movement time of feces and keeps your stomach clean. It greatly reduces the chances of colon cancer and hemorrhoids as well.

Protects against Gallstones

Barley effectively helps women avoid developing gallstones. Since it is rich in insoluble fiber, it actually helps you to reduce bile acid secretion, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering the levels of triglycerides. Reportedly, in an article of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, women have a 17% lower risk of having gallstones as compared to others not consuming a fibrous diet.

Prevents Osteoporosis

The phosphorus and copper content in barley grass guarantees overall good health of bones. The phosphorous content present in it effectively cures bone and tooth ailments. If you have osteoporosis, it can be your natural remedy. Barley grass juice is known to have 11x greater calcium content than milk. Calcium, as we know, is one of the key components in protecting bone health. The manganese content found in it works in association with B-complex vitamins, thereby keeping the overall health intact. We need manganese for normal bone production, as well as in cases of iron deficiency

Boosts Immune System

Being highly nutritious, barley is particularly helpful as it strengthens your immune system and reduces the chances of cold and flu. Iron improves the blood volume and prevents anemia and fatigue. It aids in proper kidney functioning and the development of body cells. Furthermore, it contains copper, which forms hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Preserves Skin Elasticity

Barley is a good source of Selenium, which helps you to preserve skin elasticity, thereby protecting it against free radical damage and loosening. Moreover, it also improves our heart, pancreas, and immune system functioning. A deficiency of selenium can lead to cancers of the skin, colon, prostate, liver, stomach, and breast.

Controls Blood Cholesterol Levels

Barley’s insoluble fiber yields propionic acid that helps keep the blood cholesterol levels low. It, being an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibers, is also specifically recommended by doctors for its naturally low-fat content and zero cholesterol properties.

Manages Diabetes

Barley works effectively on Type 2 diabetes. However, we can prevent this type of diabetes by losing weight, getting involved in vigorous physical activity and including abundant whole grains in our diet. Therefore, high fiber foods like barley should be included in the daily diet of diabetic patients. Its grain has all the essential vitamins and minerals, particularly beta-glucan soluble fiber, that slows down glucose absorption. The December 2006 edition of Nutrition Research has proved that insulin-resistant men who consumed barley beta-glucan soluble fiber had significantly reduced glucose and insulin levels as compared to others test subjects.

Cancer Prevention

Barley contains certain types of phytonutrients known as plant lignans, which are transformed by friendly flora in our intestines into mammalian lignans. One of these new lignans is called enterolactone, which helps us to prevent breast and other hormonal cancers as well as coronary or heart disease.

Protects Against Heart Diseases

Atherosclerosis is a condition when the artery walls thicken due to the coagulation or deposition of fatty materials like cholesterol. Barley contains niacin (a B vitamin complex) that reduces the overall cholesterol and lipoprotein levels and minimizes cardiovascular risk factors. Postmenopausal women having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular diseases are specifically recommended to have it at least 6 times a week.

Prevents Asthma

14.5 kDa is a barley endosperm protein and a major allergen in baker’s asthma disease. This is an airborne occupational ailment, mostly prevalent in confectioneries and bakeries. It proves to be very effective preventative measure for such kinds of major wheat-flour allergens.

When you think of buying it, you first need to decide what form you should buy. It is found in various forms, and each of them has varied nutritional value. Whole grain barley has the ultimate nutritional value, found in its grain, leaves and even the extract of the grass.

Forms Of Barley Nutrition

Barley Grass is the seedling of the barley plant. This grass is usually harvested about 200 days after germination, while the shoots are not even a foot tall. People consume it in this form because the young leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. Although its grains have much more dietary fiber in comparison, the grass has high levels of chlorophyll that detoxifies your body from harmful toxins.

Hulled Barley is also known as covered barley and is usually eaten after removing the inedible, fibrous outer hull. It is a great source of healthy nutrients. It takes a long time to soak when used in regular cooking. However, the time is worth it, considering the utility of dehulled barley when you’re finished. Once the hull is removed, it’s known as dehulled, pot or scotch barley, which is commercially popular, and is a very marketable product. The process of removing the bran and polishing is known as “pearling”.

Pearl Barley is easily available in the grocery stores and probably one of the most common ingredients for breakfast and snacks recipes all over the world. These are actually hulled barley that is processed and the bran is removed. This is processed into a host of products like flours and flakes, which resemble oatmeal or grits.

Barley Green Powder is well known for its medicinal benefits. It is actually the powder form of barley grass, sometimes mixed with additional vitamins and minerals is sold by many companies. These grasses are found in a variety of flavors and have superior solubility. Therefore, you can also consume them as barley juice.

Barley Flour is often used alternatively as wheat flour or cake flour. The flour obtained from grinding whole barley is richer in nutrition than the pearl variety flour since the bran in the former form remains undamaged. It contains some gluten and has been very popular in confectioneries that tend to experiment with alternate kinds of flours. It has a mild, nutty flavor, and this flour has comparatively lower rates of calories and higher levels of fiber.

Barley Water is effective when your kidneys need rest from excessive stress. People suffering from kidney and bladder ailments can take barley water for therapeutic uses.

Barley is widely available as a commercial product all over the world in various forms. You need to know the exact form that will cater best to your needs. The pearled, flaked and hulled forms have different utilities, so decide what you want to make before making the purchase. It is found both in bulk containers and packaged form; ensure its freshness before taking it home. If you buy it in containers, check the date and also be sure that it’s sealed properly. Even a small amount of moisture content in packaged barley can spoil the cereal, so be careful if buying it in containers. Store it in clean, glass containers having air tight covers and place it in a cool, dry place. During the summer, it’s advisable to keep it in the refrigerator.

Organic Grain is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on Organic Facts

18 Health Benefits of Whole Grains

August 16, 2017March 31, 2018 ~ sfmart

You’ve heard whole grains are healthy. But why? Here’s the lowdown on why you should be eating them.

Good-for-you grains

Some popular diet books say you should ditch wheat or gluten to shed pounds. But the USDA recommendseating grains daily, and at least half of those should be whole grains. Unless you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or another reason to cut back, you don’t want to miss out on the health benefits of whole grains. “You’re getting fiber, a healthy plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and a variety of phytochemicals that will improve your health,” says Lilian Cheung, DSc, RD, a lecturer in nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. So read on to find out what exactly is considered a whole grain, how to find them, and why you should eat them.

What are whole grains, anyway?

Whole grains have all of the parts of the original kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm—in the original proportions, explains Keri Gans, a registered dietician in New York City. In refined grains, the bran and germ are stripped away. (Look for the word “whole”—either whole grain or whole wheat.) Also make sure the grain is one of the first three ingredients listed on the label, advises Wesley Delbridge, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A “whole grain” stamp from the Whole Wheat Council indicates there’s at least half a serving of whole grain inside. And don’t be fooled by bread that looks healthy because it’s brown. It may just be colored with molasses or brown sugar.

Whole grains can contain a lot of fiber

Fiber is one big reason to eat whole grains. Adults need about 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, and whole grains contain two types—soluble and insoluble—which are both beneficial to your health. You’ll get 5.8 grams of fiber in two slices of dark rye bread, but only 1.9 grams from the same amount of white bread. And you’ll get 5.5 g of fiber per 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice compared with 2 grams in uncooked white rice (which is not a whole grain), and only 0.7 in a serving of instant rice. Because it digests slowly, fiber also helps you feel fuller longer. And fiber’s health benefits are well known—it can help control blood sugar, lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and reduce colon cancer risk. Not all whole grains are high in fiber, though. Focus on oats, barley and bulgur, says Delbridge.

They help digestion

Whole grains have other digestive benefits as well. The fiber content keeps bowel movements regular (studies have shown that people who eat more fiber need fewer laxatives). And they help ward off diverticulosis, the condition in which little pouches form in the colon wall, causing inflammation, constipation, diarrhea, and pain. Fiber is responsible for much of the benefit, but whole grains also contain lactic acid, which promotes “good bacteria” in the large intestine. These organisms aid digestion, promote better nutrition absorption, and may even beef up the body’s immune system.

They can help lower cholesterol

Whole grains not only help prevent your body from absorbing “bad” cholesterol, they may also lower triglycerides, both of which are major contributors to heart disease. In fact, whole grains lower the risk of heart disease overall. One study found that women who ate 2-3 servings of whole grain products daily were 30% less likely to have a heart attack or die from heart disease compared with women who ate less than one serving a week. “Any form of whole grain—including whole wheat, oats, brown rice, barley, corn, quinoa, rye, buckwheat, and millet—will confer benefits for heart health,” says Cheung. “When it comes to oatmeal, steel-cut is better than instant.”

They lower blood pressure

The heart benefits of whole grains don’t stop with cholesterol and triglycerides. They also lower blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. One study found a 19% lower risk of hypertension among men who ate more than 7 servings of whole grain breakfast cereal a week compared with those who ate one or less. A study of women also found a benefit. “Eating whole grains instead of refined grains substantially lowers blood cholesterol…triglycerides, blood pressure, and insulin levels,” says Cheung. “Any of these changes would be expected to reduce the risk of heart disease.”

They can help control weight

People who eat a lot of whole grains are more likely to keep their weight in check and less likely to gain weight over time than those who eat refined grains. In one study, women who consumed the most wheat germ, brown rice, dark bread, popcorn, and other whole grains had a 49% lower risk of “major weight gain” over time compared with women who favored doughnuts and white bread. Over the span of 12 years, middle-aged men and women who ate a diet high in fiber gained 3.35 pounds less than those with who went for refined products.

They redistribute fat

Even if eating whole grains doesn’t actually make you lose weight, studies have shown that it can help you cut down on the amount of body fat you have and lead to a healthier distribution of that fat. Specifically, eating whole grains can leave you with less belly fat—what scientists kindly call “central adiposity”—which increases your risk of diabetes and other health woes.

They make you feel full

One way whole grains may help you control your weight is by making you feel fuller than refined grains such as cookies or white bread. “Whole grains take longer to digest and have a more satiating effect,” says Gans, who is also author of The Small Change Diet. This could also help keep your portions under control. Try rye or protein-packed quinoa to get maximum fullness.

They help regulate blood sugar

One of the main benefits of whole grains is that compared to refined grains, they help keep your blood glucose from spiking, which can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, among other things. Women in one study who ate 2-3 servings of whole grains a day had a 30% lower risk of diabetes than women who ate little or no whole grain products. One analysis found a 32% lower risk of diabetes in people who ate 3 or more servings a day of whole grains versus a 5% risk reduction in those who ate refined grains. Something as simple as swapping one third of a serving of cooked white rice a day (about 2 ounces) for brown rice was associated with a 16% decline in type 2 diabetes risk. “Eating whole grains has been proven to have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes, so they are a smart choice for people with pre-diabetes or high risk of diabetes,” says Cheung.

Some grains deliver calcium

Although whole grains aren’t generally an abundant source of calcium, one grain—a form called teff that is common in Ethiopia—does provide some calcium. One cup of cooked teff has about 123 milligrams of calcium, similar to a half cup of cooked spinach. Also look for calcium in broccoli, milk, yogurt, and cheese and in fortified juice and cereals. Adult men and women should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Calcium is important for bone health.

Some grains offer vitamin C

As with calcium, whole grains aren’t your first go-to source for vitamin C, but you can get some of your recommended daily allowance from the whole grain known as amaranth. This grain, originating in Mexico and Peru, is also high in other vitamins and minerals including iron and packs a lot of protein, keeping you full longer. As for other sources of vitamin C, load up on cantaloupe, citrus fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes.

They are a good source of B vitamins

Whole grains are rich in the B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, all of which are involved with metabolism. Another B vitamin, folate (folic acid), helps the body form red blood cells and is critical for preventing birth defects in babies. Whole grains can help, but women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant need to take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Bran is one good source of B vitamins, says Delbridge, who holds an adjunct faculty position at Arizona State University.

They deliver essential minerals

Along with vitamins, whole grains are a great source of the minerals our bodies need to stay healthy. These include iron, which transports oxygen throughout the body and helps prevent anemia; magnesium, which builds bones; and selenium that protects against oxidation. They also contain zinc, necessary to keep your immune system in fighting shape.

They may reduce asthma risk

Eating whole grains early in life may ward off asthma and other allergic conditions. One study found that children who were introduced to oats as infants were less likely to have asthma or allergic rhinitis by the time they turned five. A Dutch study reported similar findings among children aged 8-13. An overall healthy diet with more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and less meat, and refined foods may reduce asthmatic wheezing, says Delbridge.

They cut markers of inflammation

Asthma is one inflammatory condition that may be eased by consuming whole grains, but there could be others as well. One study found that whole grain barley, brown rice, or a combination of the two reduced markers of inflammation in the gut. Whole grains may also cut levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation that has been linked not only with heart disease and type 2 diabetes but also problems in pregnancy such as premature birth, preeclampsia and fertility problems.

They may even lower cancer risk

Evidence is emerging that whole grain consumption may lower the risks of certain cancers, such as colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer. Although the evidence is mixed at this point, what will definitely lower your risk of cancer, says Delbridge, is eating a diet that includes not only whole grains but lots of fruits and vegetables and not a lot of meat or processed foods.

They may protect your teeth and gums

In a study of almost 35,000 male health professionals aged 40-75, participants who consumed the highest amounts of whole grain were 23% less likely to get gum disease than those who stayed away from whole grains. This was true even after taking into account other factors like smoking, age, and body size. Since gum disease is linked to inflammation and other health conditions like heart disease, this is about more than just a pretty smile.

They may help you live longer

Not only will whole grains help you live better, they may also help you live longer. One study of more than 40,000 postmenopausal women found that women who consumed 4-7 servings a week of whole grains had a 31% lower risk of dying from causes other than cancer or heart disease when compared with women who had few or no whole grains in their diet. And it worked in men, too, with another study finding that men who consumed 1 or more servings a day of whole-grain cereal had a 17% reduced risk of dying than those who never or hardly ever ate it.

They contain Resistant Starch

Carbs can be good for you. The trick is to find the right kind of carb and Resistant Starch is one. It’s a carb that acts more like a fiber. Because it’s not easily digested, it moves slowly through your digestive system burning more fat, stoking the hormones that make you feel full, maintaining your insulin in good working order and keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels down. Try for 10 to 15 grams daily. Oatmeal, pearl barley and brown rice are all good whole grain sources of Resistant Starch, which is also found in green bananas and other non-grain foods.

Organic Grain is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on Health.com

The real health benefits of eating organic

August 9, 2017March 31, 2018 ~ sfmart

Millions of shoppers every year are buying organic food, but does it have any real benefits for your health?

Organic campaigners believe it does. Here are some more facts about the health value of organic food.

Bread and pasta

Bread, pasta and other products made from non-organic flour may contain more pesticides than other foods. ‘Conventionally farmed grains are heavily sprayed with toxic chemicals, and because the grains are very small, they are able to absorb more pesticides,’ says Karen Sullivan.

Wholegrain bread is one area where you see a real difference with organic. ‘Pesticides and other chemicals sit on the husk of the grain, so a refined white non-organic bread will be less tainted than its wholemeal equivalent, although lower in nutrients,’ says Karen.

Is organic better for you?

Tests by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) last year found 44 per cent of all bread samples contained pesticide residues. One herbicide called glyphosate is

linked with the cancer Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was found in 7 per cent of the samples.

But the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) says that 70 per cent of food samples analysed by MAFF in 1997 were residue free and 29 per cent contained levels below the maximum residue level. ‘If pesticides are present at all in non-organically produced food, the levels are very low and do not present a risk to human health,’ says a spokesman.

Milk and dairy products

The biggest concern with non-organic milk is the chemicals that the cow could pass on through its feed. One of these is the pesticide lindane, which has been linked to breast cancer. Lindane is part of a group of chemicals called organochlorines, which includes a banned chemical called DDT. DDT has been outlawed in Britain but 100 tonnes of lindane are still used on our fields every year.

Four international studies carried out between 1984 and 1994 found that women with breast cancer had a higher rate of chemicals including lindane in their bodies compared to women without cancer. Scientists think these chemicals

are capable of copying the effects of oestrogen in the body, which disrupts your normal hormone patterns. Lindane has also been linked to lower sperm counts in men.

Is organic better for you?

Karen Sullivan says that organic milk will contain virtually no pesticides. ‘Organically raised cows graze on organic pastures that have not been treated with any pesticides or fertilisers. This means fewer, if any, residues exist in their milk,’ she says.

Wine and beer

Going organic does not just relate to the food you eat, but also what you drink. Conventionally grown grapes and grain used in wine and beer are sprayed with up to 15 different pesticides and the soil is often chemically fertilised.

Tests on beer in 1999 found 35 per cent contained pesticide residues above their recommended limits. A recent report by Health Which? magazine raised concerns about the unknown impact of the ‘cocktail’ effect of these pesticide residues on your health.

Grapes for wine are heavily sprayed with sulphur dioxide, a preservative, which can have disastrous affects on your health. The symptoms of sulphur dioxide poisoning include nausea, blurred vision and the shakes – exactly the same symptoms as a hangover.

Is organic better for you?

Organic wine is produced without chemical fertilisers and no genetically modified hops can be used to brew organic beer. The Health Which? report also discovered that organic red wine was superior in taste to many non-organic reds. Drinking organic wine could also affect your performance at work – annecdotal evidence shows organic alcoholic drinks are less likely to produce hangovers.

Organic Grain is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on Dailymail UK