A Date with Medjool
Posted: June 20, 2011 10:47AM by admin
Interesting facts and information about one of natures delectable treats.
Medjool date palm trees have been growing in the Middle East for over 6000 years and continue today to be an integral, essential part of the Middle Eastern diet. California has also become a dominate grower in certified organic medjool date production as the climate of intense heat and low humidity make ideal growing conditions for these “crown jewels” of dates.
The date palm tree, next to the coconut palm tree is the most useful palm of the palm tree family. In ancient cultures they have been referred to as the “tree of life” because all parts of the tree are used. The trunk of the tree can be used for fuel and building materials, the leaves are used for weaving mats and baskets, as well the seed from the date can be ground, roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
A Fibre Rich Potassium Punch!
Considered the diamond of the dates, Medjool dates are 2 ½ times larger than any other date varieties and pack more potassium than banana’s! Potassium is an essential mineral needed by the body to maintain muscles and smooth functioning of the heart muscles. As potassium does not get stored in the body, regular consumption of Medjool dates will assist to continually replenish the body, helping to maintain a healthy nervous system and keep the body’s metabolism in balance. It is recommended that a higher intake of potassium (about 400Mg) can reduce the risk of stroke by about 40%.
More than just Vitamins
Medjool dates are sodium and salt free, raw, vegan and gluten free making them the perfect snack for health conscious people or those with diet restrictions. Loaded with 20 vital amino acids, calcium, magnesium, medjool dates are high in Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and B5, that work to assist the immune system in fighting infections, easing the digestive process and maintaining and rejuvenate a healthy nervous system . Medjool dates are super energy boosters, with natural sugars of fructose, glucose and sucrose; just a few dates will increase the energy levels of a body that has received no nourishment all day.
Choosing your date
Good quality Medjool dates are deep amber in colour and have slightly wrinkly skin that shimmers from natural sugars. When you bite into a medjool date the flesh is smooth, meaty and fills your mouth with succulent flavors of caramel, wild honey and a light hint of cinnamon.
Once you have selected your Medjool dates and brought them home, it is advised that you store them in the fruit door of your refrigerator at a temperature of 2 degrees.
Alzheimer Society Toronto
Posted: February 16, 2011 12:09PM by admin
February 4/ 2011
Dear Marco Capizzo,
Our most sincere THANK YOU for the outstanding donation you
provided for the 2011 Manulife Walk for Memories. Your contribution
helped make the event a smashing success.
The Walk was a great triumph and at last count over $592/000 has
been raised ...far more than our $500/000 goal. Money raised from
this event will go to provide counselling, education and information to
individuals and families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias,
and fund research to find the cure.
Enclosed is your thank you certificate. Please display it in a place of
pride to show our heartfelt appreciation.
Thank you again for your contribution and we hope that we can count
on you again next year.
Warmest regards,
Stephanie Karpman
Special Events Assistant
Top 10 Reason’s To Eat Organic
Posted: February 02, 2011 02:43PM by admin
Eating Organic Is A Healthier Option
There are over 400 chemical pesticides routinely used in conventional farming, often leaving residues on non organic food. The average conventionally grown apple has 20 – 30 artificial poisons on its skin, even after rinsing. Organic dairy cows are not injected with milk boosting-hormones, which have been known to increase insulin levels in humans. Organic food does not contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and heart activity. Lastly, eating organic will drastically decrease the amount of pesticides you ingest on a daily basis. Trust your instincts and go organic.
Eating Organic Provides You With More Nutrients
Fresh organic produce contains, on average, 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients than non-organic farmed produce.
Organic Food Is GMO Free
Organic certification standards prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms, such as genetically modified crops and ingredients. Going organic is the only practical way to avoid eating genetically modified foods.
Organic Tastes Better
Organic food simply tastes better. Fruits and Vegetables are full of juice and flavor and come in so many different varieties. Healthy soil + organic seed = healthy organic food that naturally contains flavor enhancing essential vitamins and minerals.
Organic Farming Is Better For The Environment
It goes without saying that organic farming is better for soil. After all, the primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils, as healthy soil is the foundation of the food chain. Non-organic farming techniques focus on chemical intensive mono-crop methods, which have led to ever increasing top soil erosion. Instead, organic farming techniques help to build soil on an ongoing basis thereby preventing soil erosion. Organic soil contains up to twice as many beneficial microbes, earthworms and insects as non-organic soils, all of which naturally store carbon. Studies have shown that organic soil stores up to 33% more carbon than non-organic soil, which directly helps the fight against global warming. Lastly, organic farming techniques limit the amount of soil run off that contaminates are waterways with chemicals.
Organic Works Better With Nature And Wildlife
Reports indicate that organic farms have 5 times as many wild plants with more species and more birds. Organic farms also support and nurture our beneficial and diverse wildlife.
Great Risks Related To Non-Organic Farm Workers
Chemical intensive farming can seriously put farm workers health at risk. Farm workers in the non-organic industry have a higher risk of having of cancer, respiratory problems and other major diseases, than workers in organic farming. As more organic farms arise, pesticide related health risks to farm workers (as well anyone living in the area) are decreased.
Organic Comes With High Standards
Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic companies as well as the organic food they produce are inspected at least once a year. These successful inspections come with a guarantee of an organic certification from an organic governing body. Any food product that bears an organic certification label is a guarantee that it has been grown and handled according to strict production standards and absolutely no toxic chemicals have been used.
Organic Farmers Feed Their Cattle Better Feed
If you eat dairy or meat products, going organic has never been more essential to safe guard you and your families’ health. Conventional dairy cows and farm animals are fed a dangerous cocktail of antibiotics, growth promoting drugs, anti parasite drugs and other medicine on a daily basis that will be passed to you as food is ingested. Why risk it? Eat organic meat!
Organic Food Isn’t More Expensive
Contrary to popular belief organic food is not more expensive than conventional farmed foods, as we pay for convention farmed foods through our taxes. We spend millions every year in cleaning the mess that is caused by agrochemicals in our natural water supply. I dare you to compare the cost of organic farming to conventional farming.
Organic food is safe food…go organic!
First Post - by Luca DeMarco
Posted: October 21, 2010 07:56PM by admin
As this is my first blog, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself. In 2006, I graduated from The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, granting me with a R.H.N. designation (Registered Holistic Nutritionist). Before coming to Mike and Mike’s, I had been working with the Loblaw’s Corporation for over 8 years, working part time as well managing the Natural Food Department. Along with being in the retail environment for close to a decade, I also have experience consulting many of my own clients offering personal service and advice on anything from diet to lifestyle changes to achieve optimal healthy living.
In December of 2008, I joined the Mike and Mike’s team as a Sales Representative. In my time here, I have found that I have learned many things but one train of thought has caught on more than others. Mike and Mike’s is committed to providing customers with food that is natural (organic), live and of good quality. It is something we pride ourselves with and will continue to deliver. Since opening their doors in 2004, both Mike Fronte and Mike Dattoli have run this
company as if every employee and customer was their own family. This was something else that was quite obvious from my first day.
In the future, I plan to use this blog to inform people in tips, advice and information on anything from diet and lifestyle, information and benefits on seasonal items, recipes, promotions and incoming events as well as much more. Stay tuned for my next blog, where I will touch on the Top 10 reasons to eat organic.
Remember….HEALTHY LIVING IS YOUR BEST REVENGE!
