Genetic engineering is different from traditional breeding methods. Genetic engineering means that genes are altered. Sometimes they are transplanted from one organism to another. A vast amount of money is riding on GMOs because:

• they allow new possibilities that would be impossible from breeding
• they can take less time than traditional breeding methods
• they can be “programmed” to self-destruct at the end of the growing season, so farmers cannot save seeds and must buy more the next spring
• they can be patented

When power and money are at stake, you have to start using your critical thinking skills. GMOs sound great for big agriculture, but what about the consumers? There is a growing number of people who are very concerned about GMOs in their food.  In fact it is not just a few fringe groups who are against GMOs. At this point in time, there are entire countries including most of the European Union countries, as well as several South American, Asian, and African countries that have banned the cultivation, sale, and/or import of GMO crops and foods–and many more countries have regulating legislation in the works.

So, what are the concerns? Ultimately, it’s fair to say that we just don’t know for certain what effects consuming GMOs will have on our long term health. You can find studies done on both sides of the debate that show that there either is, or is not, conclusive evidence for either side’s point of view. Let’s face it, many of these studies are obviously going to be skewed by the motivation of those spending the money to enlist the studies.

So the simplest argument against GMO foods becomes: do you really want you and your family to be human guinea pigs for the multi-billion dollar GMO corporations who are willing to gamble on your long term health and wellbeing when maximizing profits is their main bottom line?

Not a single item in a grocery store is labeled as having GMOs. In the mid-90′s, only a few foods were potentially GMO, but now many crops have been genetically modified. Without labeling, you really do not know. Hint: Most packaged items in a regular grocery store probably contain some genetically modified ingredients.

When the National Organic Standards were established, GMOs were not allowed. Eating organic food is your best defense against GMOs. A few non-organic foods and ingredients are labeled as non-GMO.

At The Red Radish Natural Foods, we have large selection of organic foods for you to choose from. We research as many foods and ingredients as we can to reduce the number of genetically modified foods in the store. If you have questions, just ask us.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food
http://www.ehow.com/info_8527757_countries-banned-gmo-foods.html

Fish oils contain essential fatty acids, which are crucial to the functioning of the human body. Omegas 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids are the two most important essential fatty acids. They are necessary for proper health but our bodies cannot produce them. We must get them through the diet or through supplementation.

Omega-3s are well known for their positive effects on the heart, and much more. The two main omega-3s are EPA and DHA, which are anti-inflammatory.(1) Scientific research has shown that EPA and DHA can contribute to cardiovascular health, improve cognitive and brain functioning, increase joint mobility, promote better eyes, improve pregnancy and lactation, promote healthy skin and hair, and assist the immune response.(2)

However, omega–3 deficiency is common due to insufficient fish intake and the popularity of the Standard American Diet (SAD). In the past, the omega–3 and omega-6 rich foods were eaten in balance, but today’s SAD has large amounts of pro-inflammatory omega-6s (found in meat) and not enough omega-3′s to balance. Did you know that of all developed countries, Americans have the lowest dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids?

When choosing an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, look for pure fish oil capsules that have been purified to remove any heavy metals. At The Red Radish Natural Foods in Neenah, Wisconsin, we can help you find the best fish oil supplement for your situation. Just come into the store and ask to see our fish oil selection!

1. Danaei G, et al. The Preventable Causes of Death in the United States: Comparative Risk Assessment of Dietary, Lifestyle, and Metabolic Risk Factors. PLoS Med 2009;6(4)
2. Raffaele De Caterina, n-3 Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Disease, New England Journal of Medicine 2011; 364: 2439–50

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

The 2013 Fox Cities Bike Challenge, which takes place in conjunction with the National Bike Challenge, is free for all ages and easy to participate in. It takes place from May 1 through September 30, 2013 and all you have to do is register at http://nationalbikechallenge.org/ and just ride your bike. You can ride your bike alone, or with family and friends. You can ride around the block, to the park or back and forth to work or school. Just be sure you log all your miles via the National Bike Challenge website, or use the free and easy downloadable app that is available for your smart phone here: http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national/download

Monthly prizes will be awarded through the National Bike Challenge based on a point system: 20 points each day your ride at least one mile, plus one point per mile. Additionally, all participants in the Fox Cities Bike Challenge will be eligible for special monthly prizes.

Last year, Appleton came in 2nd out of 650+ metro areas. This year Fox Cities Goal is to win 1st place in the US and to have 2,500 participants and 1 million miles. We look forward to supporting this goal!
There will also be some community-wide rides organized through Fox Cities Bike Challenge. For more information visit http://www.foxcitiescycling.org/events/ or connect to the Fox Cities Bike Challenge on Facebook.

Coconut oil is perfect for high-heat frying and cooking. Many health experts tell you that saturated fats are unhealthy, but it’s important to understand that not all saturated fats are considered equal. In coconut oil, the trans-fat occurs naturally and is not produced by the process of hydrogenation.

Why is this important? According to Dr. Mercola, it is the trans-fat in hydrogenated oils that may be contributing to heart disease and other problems.

Coconut oil does not contain trans-fat from the hydrogenation process. In fact, it is quite unique in that fifty percent of its fat is composed of lauric acid. Lauric acid is not readily found in our diets from any other source besides coconut oil. Your body converts it into monolaruin, a specific type of monoglyceriede that has actually been found to have a long list of benefits including: anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-protozoa properties.

Coconut oil has been documented to support thyroid health and functions that help optimize metabolic rate—thus aiding in maintaining a healthy weight.

So why is coconut oil better for cooking than olive oil? Olive oil is a better mono-saturated fat and it’s great when used cold, such as on salads or on warm cooked vegetables. However, olive oil is susceptible to oxidative damage when it is heated up. This is simply just due to its chemical structure.  Olive oil is not the best choice for cooking or frying. Coconut oil is actually stable enough to reduce heat-induced oxidation, while simultaneously helping to promote heart health, maintain normal cholesterol levels, and even support weight loss.

At The Red Radish Natural Foods in Neenah, WI, we will be happy to help you select the best oils for your needs.

Chlorophyll is filled with nutrients. In the living plant, this chemical helps convert sunlight to energy. Chlorophyll is credited with having cleansing properties, oxygenating the  blood and increasing energy levels. Powdered green drinks can be made with ingredients such as spinach, carrot, asparagus, apple fiber, leek, beets, pineapple, banana, wheat grass, broccoli, parsley, kale, tomato and much, much more! Read the label to find out.

We are asked to consume 5 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruits per day, and this is a minimum. A powdered green drink can be conveniently added to a regular diet to increase the number of vegetable servings. Some people like to have a green drink upon awakening, and another drink directly before or after their workout. Green drinks with natural plant-based caffeine (such as added yerba mate or green tea) are a great mid-afternoon energy booster. Green drinks can be enjoyed with a meal or as a snack. A few green drinks that are higher in calories and protein are designed to be a meal replacement (read the label).

If you are counting carbs, be aware that some green drinks have a moderate amount of simple carbohydrates; others have naturally-occurring or added sugar. If you add the powder to juice, milk, rice milk or another beverage, the simple carbohydrate count may be higher.

Algae is a common ingredient in green drinks. Blue-green algae such as spirulina is a complete protein that has a good range of minerals and vitamins. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Green algae such as chlorella have large amounts of chlorophyll, plus amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Chlorella is said to help build red blood cells and detoxify the kidneys and liver.

Each green drink seems to have its own angle on herbs. You can find formulas including ginger, camu camu, gingseng, cinnamon, milk thistle, ginkgo biloba, chia seed,  echinacea and much more. The green drink labels usually explain the potential benefit from added herbs.

Probiotics are sometimes added to green drinks. Found in yogurt and non-dairy sources, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are designed to boost digestion.

When you visit The Red Radish store in Neenah, WI, browse our selection of powdered green drinks. Ask us if you need help finding the right green drink for your needs.

A produce box simplifies your life. You know you are supposed to eat at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. If the produce is already in your fridge, you are more likely to actually eat enough. Benefits to you include:

• Simplify shopping for produce — just pick up the box
• Easy and convenient to order
• Make fewer decisions
• Try out some new varieties of produce

If you like to plan your weekly menu, just look at the produce box menu for the upcoming week when you order. Plan your menu around that. The upcoming menu is on our produce box page on our website (updated on Mondays), and it is also printed out at our store. Note: Certain items are subject to change without notice due to availability. Order by Thursday and pick up the following Tuesday between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM. You can pay online from our website.

We offer six types of boxes: fruit box, vegetable box, or a combination of fruits and vegetables; and they come in small or large. The small box is suitable for a household of two; the large box should work for a household of 3 and more. If the box is too big, you can split it with a roommate or neighbor after you bring the box home.

The Produce Box is very convenient. Just order online and come pick it up. This is a simple and easy way to fulfill your daily nutritional needs. It’s also a great way to try out new varieties of fruits and vegetables. Broaden your palate and enjoy!

The Red Radish is located at 447 South Commercial Street in Neenah, Wisconsin, near Appleton WI.  Try the produce box at The Red Radish and simplify your life! Click to order now.

Organic farming has a positive effect on the environment on every level. By using compost to fertilize crops rather than the synthetic chemicals used by conventional farmers, organic farmers are able to create rich soil and healthy crops without harming the environment. Organic crop are not treated with herbicides, pesticides, or insecticides. Instead, farmers work with nature to achieve healthy crops by inviting insects to pollinate crops naturally, creating cover crops, and performing crop rotation in order to prevent weeds from overpowering their crops.

Organic livestock are not treated with antibiotics or hormones. By providing their animals with clean living areas and only organic feed, organic farmers are able to keep the animals healthy without subjecting them to antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic products are not genetically modified.

Certified organic farms are inspected regularly by an agency accredited by the US Department of Agriculture. They must must also meet or exceed all ecological standards for organic farming set by the USDA. At the Red Radish, we carry many certified organic foods. We also offer some locally-grown foods that are produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds.

Food produced on organic farms is better for the farmer, crops, animals and consumers. By supporting organic farming, you are supporting a sustainable way of life and a higher standard for agriculture in the United States.

The Red Radish carries a wide selection of organic produce, as well as bulk and packaged foods.