Healthy Lifestyles: Five Compelling Reasons to Go Organic

“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” –Gautama Buddha

Have you ever given much thought about what you eat? Did you ever stop to think about the ingredients of the food you are consuming every day? Were they sourced? Are they natural or organic? Or are they heavily laden with chemicals and preservatives?

These are the things we should constantly ask ourselves if we want to maintain and keep a healthy lifestyle. Having a blasé attitude towards what you eat would eventually lead to future consequences. Sure, that salad might not look so appetizing today but choosing that over flavored chips can make all the difference between a healthy geriatric life and one that would potentially have you visiting doctors on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, going organic is not an easy decision—particularly because chemically laden food items have always been the norm and it can be rather difficult to adapt to this change. However, if we truly want a healthier lifestyle we have to commit to choosing organic over conventional food products.

Unfortunately, going organic is not as easy as everyone might think. Apart from the marked difference in food flavor, organic food products are a lot pricier than their conventional counterparts. However, price point aside, going organic has been shown to have a myriad of benefits and advantages that it significantly outweighs the higher cost. After all, you really cannot put a price tag on your health. So, think of going organic as a long-term investment on a healthier lifestyle. In this regard, you can even see the greater price as an offset to exorbitant medical and clinical fees had you insisted to keep your conventional diet. If you had been contemplating of going organic for a while now, perhaps you should visit the Weekend Market in Manila and take a look at their organic offerings.

In any case, here are some of the excellent reasons why you should go organic:

You do not deal with chemicals

If you choose to organic, you will only be dealing with dirt—not chemicals. Of course, dirt is an inevitable consequence of having natural and organic food. However, while you might be able to wash the dirt off of conventional food, it is not enough to remove the waxy residue, chemicals and other pesticides that might have embedded themselves in your food. Conventional farming uses synthetic pesticides. Studies have shown that the consumption of such food can lead to chronic diseases and health conditions with long-term exposure.

Nutritionally Sound

A common misconception among consumers is that you get about the same amount of nutrients from food regardless of whether they are sourced organically or conventionally. However, studies have shown that organic food tends to deliver thirty percent more vitamins and nutrients than their conventional counterparts. This is because chemicals such as insecticides, fungicides and herbicides can block a plant’s ability to create nutrients.

Better Taste

If you have always believed that all food taste the same whether they are sourced conventionally or organically then prepare to have your mindset changed. Organic food items have been shown to be more flavorful than their organic counterparts because the latter does not have as much antioxidants. More importantly, higher levels of synthetic fertilizers in conventional sourcing of food compromises soil quality which can eventually stress the plant and significantly impact its resulting taste.

No to GMOs

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs for brevity) make up a huge fraction of the most common crops in the world today. Over the years, people have been encouraged to avoid GMO as research has heavily alluded to its potentially harmful effects. To ensure that you do not buy any GMO products, buy only organic.

Promote humane treatment of animals

More often than not, conventional livestock are sourced from farms that practice inhumane and confined conditions. More importantly, they are constantly pumped with synthetic hormones to increase production and keep up with the consumer demand. Unfortunately, these stressful conditions coupled with the inhuman treatment can cause a significant decline in the animal’s health and quality of life. Organically sourced products—while more expensive—have access to the outdoors and are kept in human treatment.

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Beautiful Indoor Plants for a Good Night's Sleep

Plants are the most underrated home decorations. Most homeowners forget that living greens aren't only perfect to fill empty spaces. They also carry benefits. They clear the air of toxins, release a fresh batch of oxygen, and retain room temperature. Some species of plants are only alive at night which provides restful sleep. Moreover, adding plants to your home encourages a green environment.

If you are looking for bedroom decors, then you must include plants on the list. Below are some species of plants you can nurture indoors if you want an extended shut-eye. You can purchase a pot of garden shops or plant boutiques at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf. Have fun checking out these plants and learning how to care for them

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a favorite medicinal plant and succulent. Its leaf produces a gel used as a remedy for several skin conditions, e.g., burn, sunburn, frostbite, cold sores and, psoriasis. It releases oxygen at night which increases the oxygen levels in your bedroom. Those with asthma, heart conditions and pulmonary diseases can benefit from the high levels of oxygen while sleeping.

Care Tips:

1. Aloe vera must be in a cactus potting soil. Regular potting soil works as long as you add perlite or building sand.

2. Place it on a surface with bright light.

3. Water it when the soil is parched.

Chinese Evergreen

One of NASA's approved indoor house plants, Chinese evergreen is tropical plant thriving in humid air. It has tiny red berries which break of the lush green hue of its leaves. It emits high oxygen content and absorbs chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Care Tips:
1. Chinese evergreen is best on a well-draining soil which is an equal mix of fertilized soil, perlite, and sand.

2. Spray water on its leaves especially when the air is dry.

3. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rots.

4. Fertilize old plants once or twice a year using water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.

5. Trim its parts once it gets large or leggy.

6. Save the cuttings in water to propagate new plants.

English Ivy

Ivy, the common name of the genus Hedera, is a plant that crawls along the ground, tree, or wall to access sunlight. English Ivy is known to treat inflammation issues in the body. It can also relieve irritation and other skin conditions due to its anti-bacterial properties. Hanging the climbing vine in your sleeping quarters eliminates airborne mold. Thus, you can minimize acquiring of respiratory tract congestion.

Care Tips:
1. Hang the ivy in corners with low light or filtered bright light. This prevents the plant from drying up.

2. Keep the room temperature stable.

3. Water it on a regular basis as growth accelerates in a moist environment.

4. Trim the long stems that have few leaves to support its growth.

Jasmine

There are hundreds of species of Jasmine, and they have one thing in common. Their scent decrease anxiety levels which can help people struggling with depression. The aroma also allows people unwind before heading to bed. Its flowers are also aesthetically pleasing. It has five to eight petals that unfold to form a star. Having a plant in your home saves you from expensive doctor's fees as each of its parts can be used to cure ailments and fight illnesses.

Care Tips:

1. Jasmine needs soil combined with bark, coir, and other organic materials.

2. It can tolerate direct sunlight along with cold temperature. Place them near the windows during spring and fall. Lessen sun exposure during winter.

3. Prune your plant to keep under control.

4. Repot during springtime. 

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants have large leaves that absorb high quantities of air contaminants. They can stand up to 50 feet. The plant directs pollutants to the soil so microbes can break them down and deposit them in the ground. Hence, it provides its nutrients while improving the quality of air in the area.

Care Tips:

1. The rubber plant must be in a shadowy area. That way, it won't be hot for the temperature won't be too hot for the plant.

2. Its soil must be moist especially during the growth stage.

3. Wipe its leaves with a damp cloth or spritz it with water.

4. Water it once or twice a month during dormant stage. Increase the amount of water once its leaves start to droop.

Snake Plant

Snake Plant, also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," converts carbon dioxide to oxygen during night time. It is one of the three houseplants that can filter the air while you sleep. Besides formaldehyde and benzene, it also takes in trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. A potted plant for each person is sure to reduce respiratory problems and headaches from waking up.

Care Tips:

1. Snake plants prefer a dry environment. Allow its soil to dry between waterings.

2. Position them in areas with no sunlight.

3. Propagate it through leaf cuttings and place it on land an inch deep.


Indoor plants are low on maintenance, so there's no reason for you to skip them. They are perfect people who don't have the luxury to tend to their greens. Think of the benefits of a well-oxygenated bedroom before passing up on a pot or two.

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Health Benefits of Riding a Hot Air Balloon

Yes, you read it right. Just when you thought that riding a hot air balloon is for pure fun only, think again. Perhaps, you are having seconds thoughts of going to the 2015 Hot Air Balloon Festival Pampanga. But after reading this, those second thoughts of yours will surely disappear.

Hot air ballooning is an immersive experience wherein the riders can get themselves involved in the entire experience. Some of the activities that any rider can join in are the inflating and deflating of the balloons. Blowing a hot air balloon is not easy, and what more when it comes to sending it skywards? Any help will be much appreciated by the administrator. In fact, by just helping out with these activities, you may burn up to 391 calories. Not bad, right?

Inflating the hot air balloon

Before the balloon soars up into the sky, lots of work should be done first. For instance, unpacking the balloon from its case is no easy task as well as rolling it out to the ground to its full length. Balloon passengers may help by unfolding the balloon envelope for it to form its full shape. Depending on the shape and weight of the balloon, about two to three people might be needed. They will hold open the balloon’s neck to position it to fill the balloon with air. Afterwards, the pilot will turn the burner on and heat up the air. The balloon will begin inflating.

Deflating the hot air balloon

Upon landing, the excess air must be squeezed out to get it ready for packing. Passengers are encouraged to roll on top of the balloon while letting it lay on the ground to let the excess air out. Importantly, all the air must be squeezed out so that the balloon will fold neatly inside the storing bag. These bags are usually small you might think that the balloon will never fit inside it. Folding it properly is the key. The truth is, it is so easy to underestimate how big a hot air balloon is especially if you only get to see them from afar. 

These two activities – inflating and deflating – require lots of energy. Participating in them is not a requirement, but highly encouraged. Ask any hot air balloon pilot, and he or she would certainly prefer the passengers to experience them so that they’d get a real feel of this mode of aviation.

While in the air

There are not much energy to use while up in the sky. This does not mean, however, that you are not getting any health benefits while adrift. Not true. The fresh air alone has immense benefits. For one, it improves any individual’s state of mind, leaving that individual less lethargic yet more energetic. The feeling of getting closer to the sky will also make you happier especially knowing that not all has the privilege of riding a hot air balloon and going that far.

Did you know that the amount of your happy hormone (scientifically known as serotonin) in the body is directly affected by the amount and quality of oxygen you inhale? Air quality is high in the sky, and such quality improves as you soar higher skywards. This is perhaps the reason those patients suffering from high blood pressure are encouraged to ride a hot air balloon every once in a while. In inhaling cleaner air, this means that your body need not work as hard for it to get the oxygen it actually needs.

A hot air balloon ride is not only an amazing experience waiting to happen. Aside from the magnificent view, it endows you with a gentle exercise and the fresh air that your body badly needs. So, a hot air balloon ride… anyone?

Image credit: Groupon.co.uk | TravelMuse.com | Flickr.com