Thoreau Foods Newsletter

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News from

Thoreau Foods

January 2004

Volume 1, Number 1

“We need to be conscious of the life all around us and not just float by. We need to find the real flow of nature and live our life accordingly”.

Henry David Thoreau

Organic Certification

Looking Good

Thoreau Foods is undergoing USDA Organic Certification through NOFA/Mass Organic Certifiers. The consumer can be certain that certified organic products are backed by enforceable standards and independent third party inspections. Foods labeled Certified Organic are grown under conditions that prohibit genetic engineering, growth hormones, antibiotics, sludge as fertilizer, irradiation, inhumane animal care, synthetic pesticides and animal parts as feed.

We are expecting our Organic Certification in the first quarter of 2004.

8 Good Reasons To Go Organic

Organic products meet stringent standards Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.

Organic food tastes great! It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.

Organic production reduces health risks Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.

Organic farms respect our water resources The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.

Organic farmers build healthy soil One primary focus of organic farming is to build healthy soil, the backbone of the food chain.

Organic farmers work in harmony with nature Organic agricultural respects the balance required by a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, etc.

Organic producers strive to preserve diversity The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

Ingredient of the Month: Chia Seed

Chia Seed was first cultivated and consumed by the ancient Aztecs and is still eaten today by the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico. Aztec warriors subsisted on a tablespoon of chia seed per day while hunting and in battle. A 52 year old Tarahumara Indian won Nike’s 100 mile run in 1997 wearing his homemade tire tread sandals, much to Nike’s embarrassment.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L) is an annual herbaceous plant, with seeds that are the richest known plant source of omega-3s, an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are vital nutrients that must be obtained from the food we eat. The typical American diet is severely deficient in omega-3s. There is mounting evidence that omega-3 deficiency can lead to poor brain development and reduced visual acuity in infants, and contributes to chronic diseases, immune/inflammatory disorders and more. Brenda Davis, a renowned nutritionist and RD, recommends eating between 2 and 3 grams of omega-3s per day. This amount is contained in 1 tsp. of flax oil, 1 Tbs. of ground flax seeds, ¼ cup of walnuts, 4 tsp. of canola oil or 1 Tbs. of chia seed. Thoreau Foods Cereal & Topping contains 1½ tsp of chia and ¾ Tbs of flax seed per serving for a total of 2 grams of omega-3s.

One unique property of chia seed is that it absorbs more than 7 times its weight in water and forms a gel due to the high fiber in the seed. This gel slows the release of carbohydrates therefore providing long term energy. Foods containing chia seed stay with you longer and help prevent blood sugar swings that can cause snacking and binge type eating. This is an important consideration for diabetics, weight management, performance athletes and general health.

Chia seed is also high in protein, approximately 20% by weight depending on variety. It is a complete protein, meaning the protein contains all the essential amino acids that must be obtained from our food. This makes chia seed one of the best seed/grain sources of protein.

Chia seed is an up and coming food that supplies many essential nutrients in a unique and beneficial form. Chia is also an excellent alternative food crop for many arid areas of the world and looks to have a bright future.

Click here for more information on Chia Seed.

Nutrition Highlights

Thoreau Foods cereal has been formulated with a variety of ingredients, all designed to enhance your enjoyment of what nature has to offer both in taste and in health. Our organic cereal products are high in omega-3’s, high in protein and high in fiber. The ingredients include chia seed, milk thistle seed, flax seed, oat bran, soy lecithin granules, whole grains, fruits and nuts. For a cost of just $1.50 a serving, you’ll be treating your body to the best medicine nature has to offer - delicious and healthy whole foods.

We have Original and Immune Formula Cereals, Cereal Toppings, and Oatmeal in the flavors Cardamom, Cinnamon, Vanilla and Ginger. You can order on our website at www.ThoreauFoods.com. We’re coming to your local stores and we’ll be at Massachusetts farmers markets this Spring.

Thoreau Foods

Susan & Peter

51 Cortland Lane

Boxborough, MA

01719

Phone:

(978) 266-8973

E-mail:

info@ThoreauFoods.com

We’re on the Web!

www.ThoreauFoods.com

Nutrition News Fat - Foe or Friend

Low fat diets were popular, high protein/fat diets are the new trend, which is the right one? Let’s start with some basics…

Low fat diets became popular because of their effectiveness in treating coronary artery disease. People assumed that this same diet would be beneficial to them and keep them healthy. This is not necessarily the case. The adverse effects of high fat intake are consistently linked with animal and processed (trans) fats, and oils containing trans fats. The unprocessed fats and oils of whole plant foods have the opposite effect on health. Many studies have demonstrated that the fats in nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and other plants are actually protective. High levels of these fats alone are not detrimental. In fact, not enough dietary fat can compromise vitamin and mineral absorption, and reduce the amount of essential fatty acids (EFAs) to an unhealthy level. Many people have become somewhat “fat phobic” and avoid all fat as much as possible. This might be a good idea when dealing with animal and trans fats, but not with the beneficial fats from whole plant sources such as nuts, seeds, avocados, soybeans etc. These foods are packaged by nature to protect their fats and oils from heat, light and oxygen. They also contain minerals, vitamins, EFAs and fiber.

The right type of fats in moderation is the major target for heart healthy and weight conscious eating. The protective and supportive benefits of many plant and vegetable fats far outweigh the concerns about their high calories and they actually benefit your cardiovascular system.

Thoreau Foods Cereal Nutrition Label