You guys asked for it and we’re glad to deliver…
The Expo West, the country’s largest natural products expo (industry – not consumer) had it’s ups and downs this year. We found a few cool products that I think you’ll enjoy. 
Plus there were some other things that we experienced that were worth mentioning…
Take a look…
Your Question of the Day: What do you think about organic standards?
Click here, scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave your comments now!
Products we mentioned…
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Hemp Oil in Glass
- Peaceful Mountain Products
- Gold Mine Garlic Sauerkraut
Try one of these today!
Live Awesome!
Kev
8:13 pm on March 13th, 2009
Like this show, and thanks for candidly reporting on the ‘health’ show. Like your picks and wish I had the Goldmine garlic kraut to try!
On Organic Regulations:
It comes down to this: if you know your farmer and your exact food source, or can grow your own, then these are a moot point. If not, I like to have a set of regulations in place to help ensure the future of the planet. Someone needs to make sure that GMO seed is not in the crops and make sure larger companies aren’t lying about their ingredient sourcing. As usual with government policies there are some unfortunate consequences that arise, like the pricing and endless paperwork that farmers and producers would have to go through to get certified which often negatively impacts the small farmer or business person. I’m hoping to see more help from the community with these issues.
Thanks for asking!
by the way, if you live in an urban area and want help getting started growing your own food, check out this place: http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/
8:20 pm on March 13th, 2009
There needs to be some sort of standards. I’m not sure what the current ones are, though.
8:30 pm on March 13th, 2009
Unfortunately, the term organic has become very diluted thanks to the FDA and their brethren. Try to buy from local farmers so you can talk to them about their growing methods. I have met many in SoCal that have not received the organic certification due to the bureaucratic red tape, yet they are more “organic” than many of those that are certified. As for organic processed foods, become a label reader! An organic label on a can or a box can be extremely misleading.
8:33 pm on March 13th, 2009
I think I heard you mention in a previous show that you don’t eat wheat. What is the reason for that? and what about other grains/seeds like buckwheat, quinoa, etc?
8:35 pm on March 13th, 2009
Thank you both for bringing us these new product recommendations! They mean a lot to me – I value your opinions. I’ve already put the Nutiva hemp oil in my shopping cart (online) for when I place my next order. I also buy their coconut oil and hemp seeds.
I don’t have a commend on organic regulations because I don’t know anything about them, but look forward to your future shows and learning.
Debbie *Ü*
8:41 pm on March 13th, 2009
I’ll keep this short and just say ditto to Heather’s comments above regarding organic regulations. Glad you had the opportunity to meet Donna Gates. She’s done some incredible work in the area of healing for people with many conditions. In her book she provides a recipe for Cultured Vegetables which have some similarity to sauerkraut. Luckily I have a source here in Atlanta that I don’t need to make my own. She recommends them to support a healthy gut and improved digestion.
Take care,
Susan
9:01 pm on March 13th, 2009
K & A –
Thanks for another informative show!
I’ve found that all “Organics” are NOT created equal.
Just because it says so on the packcage, doesn’t mean what’s inside is still organic when you go to use the product. It could say that the ingredients were grown organically, but how were they processed? And what about the bag, box, bottle, or can that it’s placed in? In a future show could you address how packaging affects the ‘organic’ nature of what it holds?
I have heard some organic “experts” mention “high” organics, vs “low” organics and I’m not sure what the difference is. What do you know about this?
Also, are the US standards for organic farming more (or less) strict than in other countries? I know that olives an olive oil I purchased when in Spain, tasted very different (much better) than anything I can find here in America.
Keep up the good work, get some rest, and don’t give up your quest – - to ‘change the health of the world . . .(even if it is) ‘one show at a time.’
– Steve
9:54 pm on March 13th, 2009
Just a quick testomonial for peaceful mountain products. I had a car accident monday, the airbags deployed, and I’m grateful to be walking. Anyway, I had some swelling and bruising on my left hand, right foot, and neck. I’ve been massaging peaceful mountain arnica gel onto my hand, neck, and ankle. On tuesday went to the doc and he was amazed that the swelling was no more. It’s now Friday and the bruising is gone too. Thank you arnica and peaceful mountain!
10:06 pm on March 13th, 2009
I’m not focusing on the current state of all of these regulations.I’m only focusing on the idea that enough people realize and understand the value of organic practices period!I AM believing that the highest possible outcome will prevail.We Love You & Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!
10:07 pm on March 13th, 2009
Hi Kevin & Annmarie, so nice to have met you at Expo West. Please don’t forget my question regarding coconut oil that I gave to Annmarie.
Also, someone told me you promote or recommend Isagenix products. Is this true? If so YUCK!!
Cheers and thanks so much for all the great work
Looking forward to your visit to Vancouver Island
Mary from Nanaimo, BC
10:18 pm on March 13th, 2009
I was speaking with an organic grower the other day here in Connecticut and I learned that the Natural Organic Farmer’s Association (NOFA)has turned over the certification process and no longer does them. That was something I wasn’t aware of. I was told that some organic farmer don’t want to have anything to do with the FDA. These are people that I think are really in tune with the soil and the earth. Certifications are probably a good for people who are unaware but knowing the farmer directly face to face is still the best ever.
I like Sheridan’s Health Force Nutritional’s “Truganic” certification process which is above and beyond the organic certification that the FDA does. Really interesting. Hope you can talk more about that in detail in a later program.
10:26 pm on March 13th, 2009
I buy my maca from mountainroseherbs.com at the recommendation of a friend. She buys a lot of their herbs. Glad to hear a good report on them.
2:08 am on March 14th, 2009
Now the trade show is covered,show something cool from Gabriel’s. Pretty,pretty please … bouncing up and down……still bouncing
2:19 am on March 14th, 2009
A woman with refractometer tested the brix level(on YouTube) of two apples; one organic and the other not organic. Surprisingly, the organic apple did not have the higher brix level! Just because a food is organic does not guarantee it has a high food value or brix level. It takes time to build soil health (after stopping petrochemical based fertilizers/products), as microbes and minerals can vary greatly.
8:39 am on March 14th, 2009
Awwww, you two look so SWEET and cosy on the sofa together
Beautiful shots of Jonny 5 at the end too 
Love you all
Angela. xxx
1:28 pm on March 14th, 2009
I am glad that the organic standards are strict but I heard it is like a 3 year process. At my towns farmers market almost none of the farmers are certified but I take their word for it that they are organic. And I was talking to one of the farmers and even if some pesticides happen to drift in the wind from another place and get in your farm you have to start the process over. But I am also glad as the things in the supermarket that are organic you can trust that they really are.
2:47 pm on March 14th, 2009
Since I live in THE LAND of ISRAEL, I cannot really comment on the Organic standards in America–only from what I experienced when I lived there. I would tend to agree with some of the posts above. At farmer’s markets, there were many growers who were not certified organic, who’s produce were far superior to the certified ones. Because of the red tape and cost involved, they just couldn’t meet the qualifications. However, it wouldn’t stop me from buying from them — the time factor was also a big problem there. Here in Israel, there are NO certifications. However, this is such a small country with more and more people becoming interested in eating more healthfully, raw and interested in organics. I use a grower who has wonderful organic produce and I happen to have gotten to know both him and his wife so that there is a trust built up. There is a huge difference in his produce and that of some of the other growers. There are also CSA’s here. Since there are NO organic regulations here, there is a lot of trust involved and I would bet that even going through the shuk (market) place in Jerusalem, that many things are also organic but not labeled as such.
Chana Rachel
http://www.israelgoneraw.com
3:41 pm on March 14th, 2009
As I’ve said elsewhere, you are the best for non-biased reviews and recommendations in this field, bar none. I spent years in the news business trenches, so I know how difficult it is to isolate a fact. You do an excellent job.
Soldier on and all bests.
3:51 pm on March 14th, 2009
Hi kevin and ann marie,
I am based in the UK-I think going to the
expo can be extemely informative if your asking the right questions.And i’ll be asking
about Nuttiva Hemp in my local health store.
As for organic regulation our UK soil assoc,
if I remember correctly insists on a 5yr
turnaround period from non-organic before
certification is awarded-expense involved
in gaining organic soil assoc has resulted
in workaround’s being used such as ‘enviromentally friendly’ or undergoing
organic transition or words to that effect.
The’organic’ name is open to wide interpretation across countries and we should
be aware that standards will as a result vary.
I would love to get more specifics as to what
the guidelines are in the USA.
T.Colin Campbell of ‘The China Study’is very well versed in these kind of matters or grab
someonelike him to get more clarity but we’ll
all have to exercise ‘due dilligence’ regardless of what the standards are.
7:23 pm on March 14th, 2009
For me I like the option of Organic
Just I feel uninformed as to what it really is.
When something is regulated by the USDA there is a trust issue there.So I need to know more.
I am in a area where fresh local produce is not a option in the winter.
Yay thanks for Jonny 5 on cam
10:49 pm on March 14th, 2009
I agree Jasper with your analysis on nutrient content. Found the same problem here in Can
Need to know the farmer. Not sure on regulations here but I think they are a little stricter. Correct me if I am wrong anyone. Wish I had a show like yours Kevin in Canada since our issues, regulations availability of products vary.
Heather, would you say the arnica from Peaceful Mt is better than “Traumeel”,a homeopathic with Arnica and other items. Do you know it?
Great show Ann Marie (note I put you first,you still shine in my books!)and Kevin.
Whats the problem with Kashi? Too processed?
Carol
10:57 pm on March 14th, 2009
Carol again. Sorry that arnica question is meant for Deb if she reads this blog.
Carol from Can
1:46 am on March 15th, 2009
Kevin & Annmarie,
Thank you for continuing coverage of Natural Foods ExpoWest, in Anaheim! There were many new points made in today’s show. I appreciate that
Steve,
I recommend California State Silver Medal Winner, ALLURE OLIVE OIL ~ You can find this MARVELOUS ESTATE-GROWN OLIVE OIL at http://www.AllureEstates.com ~ _AMAZING OIL from AMAZING FOLKS_
Jasper,
I’m in the process of having the Gainesville, FL certifying agent certify 5 acres of a 199 acre family trust for me to do a demonstration garden/pecan grove/demonstration home when I return to my roots from this extended west coast adventure I’ve _SO_ enjoyed… The most impressive point, to me, in that process was: The land takes YEARS to gain certification ~ It’s not like you can turnkey an industrial farm and slap “USDA Certified Organic” on your labels the following year, or even the second year out, and likely NOT even the THIRD year out… I just wanted to be sure that point was clear to all…
On another point: Can you visit the BRIX SCALE in more detail, please?
And finally, as for comparing organic crops to others: It’s equally possible to have a higher nutritional value from a petro-enhanced food crop than organic, as the inverse…
HOWEVER, using Monsanto/Dupont/3M and similarly icky products to fields will NOT AT ALL yeild the same cummulative results as the mulching/composting/companion planting/sunken pot irrigation and other “green” methods in-place at organic operations… Those just get better & better with every passing MINUTE, while the others become more & more BARREN & corporate-product-dependent
A case in point would be urban dwellers with only a “postage stamp” to cultivate… Oftentimes, these are just “filler” ~ drywall powder & scraps and a hodgepodge of construction site debris with some “topper” & seed / or, rolls of sod over all (I know of an entire 109 space mobilehome park built ON TOP OF A JUNK YARD! The “mess” was scooted over, a pit was dug, the stuff was dumped into it, it was covered, PEOPLE now live ON TOP OF IT ALL!) ~ ANYWAY!
Even THOSE INSTANCES have HOPE, when going GREEN ~ daily kitchen scraps, whirled in the blender with some water and poured into the slot from inserting a garden spade (Which you move over at each day’s end, to “mark your place” and be ready for the next day), EVENTUALLY results in the WHOLE AREA being ENRICHED with flora AND fauna – attracted by the natural nutrients as strongly as they are REPELLED by the petro-based ICK…
Sorry to go on & on today ~ These are topics dear to me
2:14 am on March 15th, 2009
Like Adam, I have forgotten which grains you have said that you eat. Could you tell us again please? And I know this is a bit off the subject but here in Florida there are many farms that grow organic food and I was thinking of getting produce there but I know that I could not grow my own food because they spray poison regularly to kill mosquitos and so the ground must be poisoned too. How can I know if the farms are sprayed also? CINDY R.
1:41 pm on March 15th, 2009
I really appreciate it when you recommend products because I know that you actually use them and you do your research and if you later learn something negative about a product you will report on that also. I’ve been following you long enough to know that you are very passionate about what you do and that you have a lot of integrity.
For organic standards, I think they need to tighten up. They have gotten less strict with GM contamination because they can not control it and the GM crops are slowly taking over. This is very scary to me and I hope that the spread of GM seeds will be stopped sooner than later. GM foods need to be labeled as such which I hope will be the end of GM.
5:00 pm on March 15th, 2009
Hi again Kevin and Annemarie….another question….Is Goji Berry Juice good for you….or should you stick to simply goji berries? I read this article that scared me because I just recommended Goji juice to my uncle after reading some amazing health stories!!
http://www.rawfoodmedia.com/home/45-general/107-goji-juice.html
I would definitely appreciate the advice!!
PS: My grandmother’s doing good
Take care! xo
6:55 pm on March 15th, 2009
Organic has become such a “buzz” word as of late it can be extremely deceiving. While I typically do not buy supermarket food, I would be much more inclined to pick “organic” potato chips over non-organic if forced to make a choice. I think Joe Public, however, has been duped into thinking that simply because it is organic it is healthy. So many of the so-called organic products are filled with “organic” corn syrup, “organic” oils, etc. and are filled with empty calories and fats.
Buying local will, in large part, rid us of these problems. When you know the grower or maker of a product, you will know what goes into the making of it. There is a small family farm across the street from my house that cannot advertise as organic because of some small discrepancy, but I trust the food he grows and buy from him.
Thanks for spreading the word! I, too, am a holistic health educator and try to disseminate this information as much as possible. Visit my new blog at http://www.wellnessparadigm.blogspot.com
Thanks, again for some great info!
9:13 pm on March 15th, 2009
I recently learned that Earthbound Farms rinses their “organic”produce in a chlorinated rinse.It clearly says so on their website.I asked them and the letter I got said they are allowed to do so under the organic standards.Also they stand for safety,quality and freshness of their produce.And x amount of farmers have joined them in this.Along with the letter was a bunch of free coupons and discounted coupons for their produce.
So thats my funny story about organic “regulations”.
10:06 pm on March 15th, 2009
Hello Kevin & Annmarie,
Ok if the FDA controlling what is Organic or what is not SCARY! Better to grow your own if at all possible.
Take care:)
Rhonda D
11:44 am on March 16th, 2009
Organic food regulation is still leaning heavily towards the big commercial grower as pointed by Mike Adams of Natural News , but we can hope they are moving in the right direction!
Kevin y’all really could use a nice remote mic to compliment your nice camera the sound is weak…
I have to ask on the subject of your on going ads do the products you sell give you your own supply free for selling their products?
Give Annmarie a word in edgewise once in a while, will you already!!! LOL kiddin’ not
8:53 pm on March 16th, 2009
Hi Carol,
I’ve been using arnica for years, but haven’t tried the brand you mentioned. I purchased the peaceful mountain brand on a whim a while ago just to try it out and I’m glad I had it on hand. The homeopathic tablets are good too. They have many uses. arnica is one of the things i always keep in my “medicine” chest.
deb
8:42 pm on March 17th, 2009
Today at my local farmers’ market I asked the man who was selling almonds if they had been fumigted or pasturized. He said that the nut growers HAVE TO fumigate but it is the tree, not the nuts on it that get treated. They do it during the dormant season, before the buds appear. They don’t spray the flower buds or the nuts.
He also said that ALL fruit, including organic, that comes into the state of CA HAS to be treated or it is not allowed into the state by law. I asked specifically about organically grown apples from Oregon and he repeated what he said, adding that was why it is better to buy locally grown fruit, from the farmers’ market since the local produce doesn’t have to be sprayed.
Does anyone know whether what the farmer said is true or not?
He also said Americans are a hybrid people who could not survive in third world countries without getting sick because in those countries the people from birth develop their natural resistances but here we are deprived of that because we are made from birth dependent upon government protection from such things through required vaccinations, and later through the pharmaceuticals, etc. So we have not developed the natural defenses and will have to be dependent all our lives upon the government programs. What do you think of his comments to me today?
Also he said that all food is good and that people can eat just dirt and live. He said that in Haiti where he had travelled that he had personally met people who had eaten nothing but dirt and survived for several years and that there are enough nutrients, expecially minerals, in soil alone to sustain life and that is what has kept people alive during famines is that when it came to it they fed their children dirt. The idea of mud pies seems repugnant but not so revulsive as what the Donner Party did in eating one another. Perhaps if they had known that they could have survived the winter by eating the ground then they wouldn’t have had to turn cannibalistic? If mother earth herself is there for earthlings during times of famine when there is absolutely no food at all, what is all the pesticides and poisons doing to the dirt that was the last fall back in preventing the sickle of death and disease?
Well, talking to the farmers does give one an entirely new set of things to ponder, doesn’t it?
4:22 am on March 24th, 2009
I can agree that Goldmine make THE BEST kraut on the planet! I have not tried the garlic but I have had the plain stuff and it is AMAZING!