Think OrganIQ

Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio

Easy Organic Cooking

Baby Food Recipe Donita Rose-Villarama

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla

Organic Foods: How can I tell?

Going Green

Leilani Limpin

Executive Director, Organic Certification Center of the Philippines Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and son Phillip

Monica Eleazar-Manzano

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The minute I found out I was pregnant, I became mindful about my purchases specially after giving birth. So, when I was invited by ANTECH to be a guest editor and an article contributor to their nutrition advocacy magazine, ThinkOrganIQ, I was excited to accept the project because in the process, I will learn more about how to protect my family through better food choices.

Most of my friends whom I invited to be article contributors to this magazine had similar transformation process on food choices.

Motherhood made them more critical most especially about the food we serve our children.

After all, our children totally depend on us, which makes us wonder, do we deserve their trust?

A MIE ESPADILL PHOTO BY: JA

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erhaps like every other first time mom, I used to be carefree before my pregnancy. I ate whatever I wanted, I bought products without reading labels or considering their nutritional content.

is backed by decades of published scientific research and studies. My friends and I are learners and habitual readers, which is why we fully understand the consequences of leaving our food choices to chance.

And from protective mommies like us, we encourage you not just to accept what we write based on our research and own experience, but go and find out for yourself --- there are a lot of scientific studies published on the internet about the benefits of Organic Nutrition specially for our young children, whose organs and immune systems have yet to be fully developed.

The articles on this magazine will hopefully provide you practical advise to healthier food choices. We know that it may not be easy, but it is totally possible! Donita, Mariel, Monica and Martine have given us practical tips on how to start and sustain an organic diet.

We have all agreed --- there is no doubt that Organic is the way to go to ensure the best nutrition for our children. This fact

I also encourage you not to skip our information boxes after each article, because we want to provide you all the published studies, scientific research and claims that serve as basis for our decision.

We’d like to assure you that our decision to “Go Organic” is not unfounded. We have also invited an organic certification expert to tell which is real organic or not, so you can have peace of mind knowing you are buying the real thing.

Our doctors and experts featured in this issue, will tell you a thing or two about a child’s vulnerability to toxic substances and common feeding problems like constipation in babies.

Needless to say, this issue is packed with a wide range of information and practical advice. Our goal is to help you take even that first step to choosing a healthier nutrition for your family. Starting a new year the healthier way maybe the real wealth you can give to your family.

So I say enjoy reading and learning how to choose healthy, and here’s to heartfelt wishes for a happy, healthy new year to all!

Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio

Publisher: ANTECH, Inc. General Manager: Maricar R. Yabyabin Feature Editor: Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio Supervising Editor: Marianne Natu-el Graphic Designer: Pat Goloy Contributing Writers: Donita Rose-Villarama; Monica Eleazar-Manzano; Martine De Luna; Edwin D. Feist Contributing Experts and Medical Doctors: Denise Lucille Francisco, M.D.; Catherine Anne Pangilinan-Vazquez, M.D.; Leilani Limpin Coordinator for Medical: Dang Gilera-Davis Advertising & Production Coordinator: Arianne Hyden Solis

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3rd Floor, BCS Prime Building 2297 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City 1231 No portion of this publication may be copied, reproduced or republished in any language, in any form or by any means (electronic, photocopy, etc.) without written permission from the publisher. It is designed to use as a reference guide and not a substitute for regular professional healthcare and consultation.

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CONTENTS

Celebrities In This Issue

FROM THE EXPERTS The Many Benefits of Lactose

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PAGE

Donita Rose-Villarama

Baby Food Recipe

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PAGE

The Role of GALACTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES(GOS) in Constipation

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla

Easy Organic Cooking

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PAGE

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PAGE

We’d love to hear from you!

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Send us your feedback about the magazine, or your thoughts on any of the articles. The first 20 responses will get a gift pack from Johnson & Johnson.

Email us at ChooseOrganic@antech-asia.com

ARTICLES

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Editor’s Note

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Organic Foods: How Can I Tell?

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Eat Better, Live Well!

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Going Green

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Happy, Healthy New Year 2015!

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Why Organic Nutrition is a Good Choice for Parents

28 Food that’s Natural, Fresh & Real 30

Water for My Baby: What to Use?

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Mommy Directory

Breastmilk is the best for babies up to 2 years of age and beyond.

The tips and advices of the contributors are not to be substituted to healthcare professional medical advices and are based on the personal experiences of the contributors.

All references for articles are found on page 34

How Can I Tell?

By Leilani Limpin Director, Organic Certification Center of the Philippines

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hopping around supermarkets, you will discover an increasing visibility of organic products displayed on shelves.

But how can you tell which is organic and not? In the left aisle you have organic milk and on the right you have the conventional milk. Both have the same nutrition facts, follow food safety requirements and are properly packed. Which would you choose? Before taking your pick, you need the following information:

For dairy farmers, this means producing milk without the use of synthetic growth promoters and appetizers amongst others.

Furthermore, this also allows the animal to exhibit its natural behavior through the provision of sufficient free movement enough lying and/or resting area as well as ample access to fresh water cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.1

Conventional vs. organic farming The word “organic� refers to an agricultural production system that sustains the health of the soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.1

Organic or Not? Countries with organic regulations have established labeling rules.

In the European Union (EU), Reg. EC843/07 mandates that organic producers must put in the product label the identity of the producer, certifier code and EU organic logo and certifier logo.

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 Does “Organic” and “Natural” mean the same thing?

No, natural and organic are not interchangeable terms. You may see product labels using the word “free-range”, “hormone-free” or “all natural” but they only pertain to a specific section of the production and not the requirement of the standard. Only foods that are produced and processed according to the organic standard can only be labeled as organic.

OCCP Policy on Organic Labeling 1. Certified Organic or Organic This indication shall be used in labels for unprocessed agricultural products or agricultural inputs granted the “organic” certification status.

Processed food products with single ingredients or with more than 95% of the ingredients (excluding water and salt) granted the “organic” certification status shall also labeled as such.

Labeling of certified organic products as “organic” or similar shall have the “Certified Organic” seal attached on the product

2. Organic In-Conversion or In-Conversion This indication shall be used in labels for unprocessed agricultural products granted the “in-conversion” certification status. Use of this indication and the “In-conversion” seal is voluntary.

3. Made with Organic Ingredients This indication shall be used in labels of processed food products with not less than 70% but not more than 95% of the ingredients (excluding water and salt) granted the “organic” certification status. The “made with organic ingredients” seal of OCCP may be used but cannot be labeled as “organic”.

4. Organic (Ingredient) in the Ingredients List

Are there downsides to buying organic?

One common concern with organic food is the cost. Organic foods typically cost more than their conventional counterparts. Higher prices are due, in part, to more expensive farming practices.

Organic foods also meet the quality and safety standards of food products. But because organic products aren’t treated with waxes or preservatives, may have shorter shelf life.

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The name and seal of OCCP shall not be used on processed food products with less than 70% of ingredients (excluding water and salt) granted the “organic” certification status. The ingredient(s) certified by OCCP shall appear only in the ingredients list with an asterisk noting that the product has been certified by OCCP.

Leilani Ramona K. Limpin is the Executive Director of Organic Certification Center of the Philippines.

She has extensive experience in organic farming and sustainable agriculture, development/nongovernment organizations (NGO) work, and sectoral concerns (farmers and women) and multi-stakeholders engagements.

Eat Better, Live Well!

Tips to Help Your Family Stock Up and Eat Organic Foods (Without Breaking the Bank)

By Martine de Luna

“Organic Food Need Not Be Expensive” Have you ever asked this question, when you read online articles and blogs or Instagram posts about the latest farmto-table or organic restaurants in town?

You might have asked the same query when you checked out that up-andcoming organic vegetable provider or “superfood” online store that your friends have been swearing by.

I know. I’ve been there. As a consumer, what prompted me to make the switch to more organic, naturally-raised and ethically-produced food were the alarming statistics surrounding industrially-manufactured foods (or, in short, supermarket shelf foods). Health risks such as heightened chances for genetic diseases, cancers and immune system failures — these were enough to convince me and my family to switch to healthier, safer, organic food. The turning point I would say was when I found out I was pregnant with my first child — around 5 years ago, as of this writing.

stocked in our typical supermarkets.

Perhaps the most significant and convincing facts I’ve stood by is that, on average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture.

Better Food = Emptier Wallet?

Of course, the costs of eating better quality food would always have me worried, as I am sure it worries many families. What if we can’t afford to eat a primarily organic food diet?

According to Cathi Brese Doebler, author of Ditch the Joneses, Discover Your Family, a budgetfriendly guide on how to thrive on less than two incomes, “Expense is usually

one of the top reasons I hear [for why parents don’t buy organic foods for their family].”

The price of organic food — according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — is based on two key factors: (1) higher production costs and (2) a limited supply compared with demand.

Sadly, this is a fact we have to live with in our world. Due to the law of supply and demand, there are only increases in overall food prices the world over. Naturally, this prompts multinational food producers to find more efficient and cheaper ways to get food to consumers quicker and more efficiently, resulting in less nutritious, chemicallylaced food products.

Since then, I’ve learned a thing or two that organically-grown, ethically produced foods are far superior than the produce, meats and goods we see

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1. Know what to buy organic.

The most important things to buy organic are:

The “fear” of switching to a seemingly more expensive organic diet is to be expected. Transitions are never challengefree — and making the transition to more conscious food choices is replete with challenges, especially in our society. For one, there is so much information to learn: where do you begin to read up on where to find organic products, or why you would benefit from organics over conventionally-grown produce and foods? Then, there is the challenge of sourcing truly organic products, and — most important — keeping within a budget.

Organic on a Budget IS Possible.

Experts say that eating ethicallyproduced and organic foods is possible — it just takes a bit of planning and strategizing.

“Thinking and planning carefully over purchases takes effort. If having some organic foods in your diet is important to you, then you will be more willing to put effort into finding good deals on organic foods,” says Doebler.

To make things a bit less intimidating, here’s a practical guide to taking baby steps towards a more whole, safe and organic food-based pantry and household diet. They are quite basic, as you’ll see, and not intimidating at all.

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Produce (fruits and vegetables) that fall under the “Dirty Dozen”: In organic food circles, the “Dirty Dozen” refers to food items that are heavily sprayed with pesticides. The list includes apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers, nectarines, peaches,

Eggs: In a similar way to cows and pigs, industrially-raised chickens are fed with hormones, growth enhancers and antibiotics. Instead, purchase farm-sourced eggs or free-range organic eggs, or grow your own chickens for eggs.

Dried herbs and spices: Try growing your own in small pots and containers, which can be kept in your backyard or even on your kitchen counters.

2. Cut back on food waste.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Philippines-Department of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST) estimate that: Filipinos throw out Php14.4 billion worth of rice per day.

potatoes, all leafy greens, all berries, and sweet bell peppers.

If you should buy organics, then these are the fruits and vegetables to invest in.

Dairy (milk products, yoghurts, cream, etc.): Conventionallyraised cows are given huge doses of hormones and antibiotics. To avoid ingesting these harmful elements, invest in organic, grassfed and free range dairy.

Genetically modified foods: This list commonly includes corn, soy, sugar, zucchini, certain types of squash, papaya, canola/rapeseed oil, etc.

Animal proteins (meat, fish, poultry, game): invest in hormoneand antibiotic-free, grass-fed, pasture-raised animal proteins which are sourced from healthy animals that are allowed to roam freely and flourish in a natural, clean and uncaged environment.

Edible food waste amounts to 22 grams per person per day, according to the latest food consumption survey of the FNRI-DOST. Cutting back on these alarming statistics involves storing food properly. This means: Refrigerating and freezing perishables such as grains and flours to prolong shelf-life.

Looking for recipes that allow you to make the most of your purchases, e.g. when buying a whole chicken, roast the chicken, then shred and freeze any leftovers for soups and stews, and use the bones to make chicken stock (which can also be frozen and stored).

Planning meals ahead of time, to avoid random grocery-buying.

Ideally, plan your meals in 1-2 week increments so you’ll only buy what you need and you’ll use everything you buy. There are many free programs and templates on the internet that can help you organize your meals, which can help lessen your monthly grocery expenses.

3. Eat seasonally, and locally produced food.

Eating well means knowing what type of food is readily available at certain times of the year. Here in the Philippines, this means making use of lowland organic vegetables like our humble but superfood malunggay and kangkong to make pesto sauces (instead of imported herbs), or making slowcooked soups with local, freerange meats rather than imported cuts. It means choosing native chickens that take longer to cook (for your tinola or adobo), but are more flavorful. It means slowly eliminating processed foods from our diet (which are cheaper but are nutritionally starving us) and choosing foods that “rot,” i.e. are not laced with preservatives that make them last longer.

A basic rule of thumb is “Eat foods that will eventually rot” — a rule that cancer survivors, for instance, are familiar with!

And, since we are in the Philippines, start embarking on a “natural lifestyle” diet with your family. Make frequent use of local (and affordable!) greens like sayote, kamote tops, alugbati and the like. Make simple meals like a simple sliced fruit and steamed vegetable salad of greens, mangoes, onions and tomatoes; one pot meals (like nilagang baka).

4. Grow your own food, and shop from organic grocers, instead of conventional supermarkets.

If you have the land or space for it, grow your own food (this might be a good option if, say, you have children and can

when they are cheaper and in-season; then cut and store the excess in the freezer, to be used in purees, in sweet & sour recipes, in your green smoothies. Bulk-buy blast frozen organic chickens and pork; store these in the deep-freeze in batches, ready to be defrosted and cooked when needed.

6. Eat at home, and eat from scratch.

Eat out less; cook more at home, using fresh ingredients. Save on canned and processed foods (and avoid those chemicals in them) by making your own salad dressings, jams, smoothies, baked goods, even “junk” food (make your own potato chips).

make an “edible garden” part of your family activities and projects). If home farming or container gardening isn’t up your alley, then hit up the many weekend markets that are scattered about town, playing host to a number of organic and natural food producers.

It’s much easier now to eat “cleanly” than it was a few years ago, thanks to several providers and purveyors of ethicallygrown produce and meats sprouting up in weekend markets and online shopping sites such as The Green Grocer, Holy Carabao, The Backyard Farms, etc. Almost all of these online sites offer delivery services that make shopping easy and efficient.

5. Learn to prepare and freeze your organic food.

This is a great strategy for preserving seasonal produce, fruits and vegetables.

For instance, buy organic pineapples

Martine de Luna is an award-

winning blogger, a work at home advocate, and a creative blogging instructor.

Through her creative inspiration website, www. makeitblissful.com, Martine encourages women to live meaningfully, whether at home, work or in the pursuit of life goals. Her Make it Blissful Blog Workshops are held regularly (with an online workshop to be launched soon), where she teaches bloggers how to brand and position themselves online, according to their passions. She is also the director of the WAHMderful Workshops (www.wahmderfullife. com), a series of workshops and masterminds that equip mothers and married women to work or run a business from home. She also offers digital strategy on community building, blog branding, and social media on her professional site, Martinedeluna.com.

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The Many Benefits of

LACTOSE

By Catherine Anne Pangilinan-Vazquez, M.D., DPPS, FPSPME

Lactose is important to our body’s health.

It is the sugar that is found in milk and milk products.

Its abundance in milk of humans and domestic animals makes it a very important sugar.

Lactose or “milk sugar” derives its name from lac or lactis, the Latin word for milk and –ose which denotes sugar.1 Lactose is a disaccharide which means that it is a combination of two sugars.1,2 A disaccharide is too large to be absorbed by the body and has to be broken down into monosaccharides or simple sugars through enzymatic activity. There are special enzymes for each type of disaccharide. For lactose, the enzyme needed is lactase, which digests and further cleaves lactose into its subunits, glucose and galactose.2,3 These simple sugars are readily absorbed by the body. In the absence of lactase, lactose cannot be broken down into its simple sugar form and leads to a condition called lactose intolerance.2

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Galactose derived from lactose plays a role in the development of the brain and the nervous system. Also referred to as “brain sugar”, galactose contributes to the vital processes of the body.

It serves as fundamental and structural substance for cells, cell wall and intracellular matrix.4 It also enhances wound healing and decreases inflammatory response.4 Although galactose may be found in some food sources, lactose contained in milk is the main source of galactose during infancy and early years.

Carbohydrate is the major macronutrient in human milk and the largest concentration is in the form of lactose.5 Lactose makes up 2-8% of milk by weight. It accounts for 40% of the total calories provided by breast milk.6 It provides a major source of

Lactose is the source of the prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide. Prebiotics are non-digestible components of food that favorably affect the body by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These good bacteria inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites that thrive in the intestinal tract. energy for the developing brain. Lactose is one of the

most stable constituents of human milk and its amount hardly varies once lactation is established.5 The amount of lactose in breast milk is not related to the amount of lactose consumed by the mother.7 Mothers who produce higher amounts of milk tend to have higher concentrations of lactose but lower concentrations of fat and protein. 7, 8

Lactose has low glycemic index. As such, it causes a slow, modest rise in blood sugar level after consumption. Glycemic index indicates the food’s effect on the blood sugar level. The smaller the number, the less impact a food has on blood sugar.9 Lactose generates a prolonged energy supply due to slow hydrolysis in the body.5 It means that it breaks

down in the body slowly. This makes it beneficial for those with diabetes and obesity. It also has less significant metabolic effects on the body compared to other sugars sources such as fructose, sucrose and corn syrup solids.

Moreover, it also has minimal effect on the development of tooth decay.10

Lactose aids in the absorption of calcium and other minerals. In a study done by Abrams et al, it was observed that calcium absorption was greater from lactose-containing than a lactose-free formula.11 The enhancement of calcium absorption is due to the direct action of lactose, both on the gut wall and intestinal lumen.12 The absorption of calcium is important especially during infancy as it ensures optimal bone growth.13

Lactose helps fight disease and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach. It is the source of the prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide.14 Prebiotics are non-digestible components of food that favorably affect the body by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.14 These good bacteria inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites that thrive in the intestinal tract. It is now clearly established that regular lactose consumption in dairy products leads to lower intestinal microbial flora.15 Lactose, indeed, offers a number of nutritional benefits not found in other sugar sources. Breast milk provides more than adequate supply of lactose for babies. Regular intake of milk and dairy products is essential during early childhood, an important period of rapid growth and brain development.

Dr. Catherine Anne Pangilinan-Vasquez specializes in Pediatric Endocrinology, of which she completed her training in University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). A Fellow in the Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology, she is also a member of the Research/Technical Writing Group for the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity.

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Baby Food Recipe

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By Donita Rose-Villarama

hen I took on the task to write an organic baby food recipe, I had forgotten how difficult it was to raise a child! With my son JP now at 10 years of age, I tried to think back to old recipes and realized that I cannot remember too much about how I introduced his first solid foods. I began to panic and thought: I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew!

Since that is probably the general consensus for most first time moms, I figured that maybe I’d start with the most important things to consider first and I highly recommend that you also consult with your child’s pediatrician before mapping out a meal plan.

When discussing baby’s first solid food, you must first consider: age, allergies, nutritional requirements & food preferences. While researching, it was dizzying to discover a wide array of varying opinions on what type of food one can eat depending on what age and when to introduce new ingredients. Gosh. I didn’t remember baby food being THAT complicated back in the day! But let’s start with the one thing I am certain of. I strongly believe that breast milk is always best for babies. Unless there are medical reasons why you cannot, there is a reason why breast milk is readily available for consumption the second the child is born. Knowing how important it was for my son nutritionally, despite the difficulty, am proud to say that I endured this pain for 7.5 months. How could I ever forget when it ended? Obviously it was at the introduction of my son’s first tooth. Go figure. I crossed the finish line when I could no longer withstand a day more.

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Another thing I would like to emphasize is if that you have the ability to purchase Organic food for your child, the better for your baby.

(When I use the term “Organic”, I will only refer to this as a general term because there are at least 5 different sub-categories of the term that should be meant for another time.) Considering a baby’s size, imagine how many pesticides a child will ingest compared to an adult. Organic products have flourished in the market, and unless you are growing these crops yourself, or are acquiring them straight from a reliable source, you can never truly be sure that pesticide contamination nor GMOs can be completely ruled out. To regulate the organic food industry, certification agencies act to assure quality and prevent fraud. These agencies provide ‘certified organic’ seals for a clear differentiation. Aiming for certified organic produce for the most part will taste better and make you feel better (physically and mentally). Though it is more expensive upfront, your body or your child’s body will thank you in the long run.

Donita’s Top 10 Recommended Baby Food Recipes:

8 Bananas

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Avocados

No prep needed. Just discard peel and mix mashed banana with breast milk.

Sweet Potato or Purple Yam

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As with bananas, avocados do not need any cooking.

Just be sure to wash before slicing and removing flesh so that no bacteria will be accidentally transferred during food handling.

Discard seed. Babies generally love its smooth and creamy texture.

You can wash then steam it with the skin on or you can bake it in the oven. Be sure to poke holes in it for even cooking and for baking, I recommend wrapping it in aluminum foil, shiny side in to absorb more heat. Babies will like its sweet and creamy texture.

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I would start with whole grain oats by boiling in water then pureeing before adding breast milk.

After all of the material I’ve read through, here’s what I would probably do for my child.

For babies first solid food, generally 6-8 months of age is a good place to start the introduction of solids. Considering that they will be transitioning from milk, it is best to feed with a mildly liquid consistency. Here are a list of 10 foods (in order of introduction) that I would probably start with. Start with one item at a time and then wait 3 days before trying another ingredient. Once you have experimented with several ingredients without any allergic reactions, you can begin to try combinations of 2 items. Eventually these tested items can be alternated with other ingredients over time.

Though considered a dairy product, it has probiotics good for babies digestive system. It is best to wait until 6 months of age before introducing this.

9 Green Bean

Whole Grains

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Yoghurt

Apples

Remove the skin and then boil in water for 5-7 min before pureeing. Add a little boiling liquid for added nutrients.

5 Kale

This is a super food packed with tons of nutrients.

Can be blanched then pureed before mixing with breast milk. It will taste better mixed with another ingredient like banana or yoghurt.

Before cooking, wash well then break off ends and try to peel off the stringed edges. Steamed is best and use boiling water for mixing. Cook until you can pierce easily with a fork for 5-7minutes then puree.

7 Pumpkin/Squash/ Zucchini

Since pumpkins are much bigger, they’ll need to be cut into 1-2 inch pieces then steamed or baked. I like to drizzle some olive oil over it, a little salt and some herbs like Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano (best fresh). Puree then add some water or milk. These 3 veggies make a great combination when baked!!!

Broccoli

Wash well then only use the green heads. Steam then puree. Add the cooking water for added nutrients.

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The Science Behind

A Child’s Critical Need for Organic Food in their Developing Years

(Continued from page 15 , Baby Food Recipe)

I heard from a source that a certified organic, pureed readyto-feed baby food in various flavors and packed in bottle jars will be available in the Philippines in January 2015. Check out with your pediatrician soon. Though you can prepare your own baby food - the difficulty of finding organic raw materials, and as I mentioned the “certified organic” as well as the possibility of contamination with bacteria or other harmful substances such as pesticide residue and GMO – just makes a lot of sense to consider a certified organic, ready-to-feed baby food when available.

Anyhow, going back to self-prepared baby food, the best way to store the pureed items are to let them cool before placing them in ice cube trays. Freeze immediately to retain more of its nutritional value and to keep bacteria from growing.

Once they become cubes, you can store them in freezer safe zip top bags-keep and try to squeeze out all the air out of bag. Label each bag and the date of expiry, 6 months from date made. To defrost, you can either transfer the bag to refrigerator overnight or you can place the bag in running cold water for 5 minutes. Since the cubes are small, they will defrost immediately. When letting your baby try the food, give it a few times and on several occasions before ruling them out of their diet. Don’t forget to show them the real fruit or veggie from time to time so they learn in the process and don’t forget to take messy food face photos. Enjoy!!!

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We become very gentle around babies for a reason- it is because we know they’re still fragile. Although infants are definitely resilient and generally healthy and strong when breastfed, it remains to be a fact that they are not fully developed beings. Consider this scientific fact: “In their first six months of life, children take in roughly 15 times more water than the average adult per pound of body weight. Children also inhale more air. Up to around age 12, a child’s breathing rate is roughly twice that of an adult, which means a child will inhale roughly double the dose of pesticide in the air form the spray drift or household use, inhaling or ingesting.”

“Absorption levels in gastrointestinal tract are also greater (especially for alkaline pesticides), as adult levels of gastric acid are not reached until a child is about two years old. Young bodies are less equipped to process or excrete harmful chemicals while their liver and kidneys, which are primarily detoxifying organs, are not fully developed.”1,2 Organic food is critical to a developing and growing child than when they are at their 30s!

Going GREEN

by Monica Eleazar-Manzano

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y journey into the greener lifestyle happened “organically.”

Like most people I know, I was fed the Standard American Diet (SAD) which was hotdogs, processed meat and cornflakes for breakfast alone. It seems like I lived another lifetime because all that has changed. I choose to thrive on the other end of the spectrum today.

I experienced major shifts according to transitions I made in my life. The first of which was when I was a teenager studying yoga, I became more aware of the food I was ingesting and how it affected my body but more importantly, my mind. I adjusted my diet accordingly and saw benefits immediately. I slowly switched to a healthier diet composed mostly of seafood, vegetables and fruits.

Respecting and listening to my inner body wisdom helps me nourish my body at the deepest cellular level.

After many more years, as I became pregnant with my first child, Santiago, I suddenly knew that I would be more careful about whatever I lathered onto my skin, too, knowing that all these chemical-laden products will affect my baby. It is common knowledge that the skin is very porous and is the largest organ we have.

In 2009, INDIGObaby was born because of the need to create and supply local babyfriendly products for moms and children.

When my son was a toddler, my husband and I decided to move to Palawan to pursue one of our dreams to live in Philippine’s Last Frontier. We studied basic organic farming, bought a piece of land close to the sea and planted a few organic vegetables for our family. I taught yoga classes and gave yoga retreats at Bahay Kalipay, a raw vegan food detox center in Puerto Princesa which uses the principles of eating closest to nature’s sources as the main component for healing the body. I learned a lot during this 2-year period. Not only is it important to eat more fruits & vegetables but also taking note of the QUALITY of the produce and the SOIL from which it was nourished from. These factors will be able to give you the true nutrient content of your food. Local organic produce in season is far more potent in nutrients made especially for you than non-organic imported produce.

Our bodies and our seasons respond to the natural rhythms of the universe.

Living back in the concrete jungle, I make it a point to continuously detox my body and my mind from clutter, toxins, negative energy and impure food. Here are some of them: 3. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – A good use of apple cider vinegar is to clean vegetables and fruit. Just pour one tablespoon in a bowl of water with the produce.

1. CHIA SEEDS – A gelatinous plant food that are rich in fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids

which are considered good for the heart. Make your own chia pudding with coconut cream or gata which costs only 30php at the local market.

Ingredients: Chia seeds, water, coconut cream, any preferred fruit. I love mangoes!

Instructions: Pre-soak chia in water for at least 30 minutes. Prepare your homemade coconut cream and mix in chia after soaking. You can add whatever fruits like organic mango and strawberries. Store in fridge overnight and eat the very next day.

2. SWEET POTATO LEAVES JUICE or KAMOTE TOPS JUICE – I prepare

kamote tops juice at home for my family on a weekly, sometimes daily basis because it is high in nutritional value. It contains protein, dietary fiber, essential minerals and rich with antioxidants. For my children, I make sure they get their dose of Vitamin C through this drink because it is great for fighting off free radicals.

Here’s how to make Kamote Tops Juice:

4. DRINK GREEN SMOOTHIES! – Most

mothers have difficulty feeding their children greens but consider blending with fresh fruits in a smoothie, your kids just might have it! I drink and feed my children green smoothies because I believe in getting vitamins and minerals from easily digestible food sources as opposed to pharmaceuticals. It has a cleansing factor to it too because of all the fiber you get from the fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Please note, however, that smoothies made with blenders are different from juicing made with “juicers” which take out the fiber out of the fruits and vegetables (e.g. slow juicers). The latter type takes out the good fiber leaving pure fructose. I personally recommend to prepare smoothies using a blender.

Here’s an easy recipe you can try yourself.

2 glasses of water, 1-2 bananas, 1 mango, a bunch of organic pechay (no stalk) blend in a high speed blender and serve. No need for sweetener! Get creative with it, too. I call my green smoothies “Hulk Juice” and my son raves about it to his classmates. Now they all want some, too!

Ingredients: a bunch of kamote tops, calamansi juice, water Directions: Boil kamote tops leaves in water for a few minutes until water turns into a deep red. Strain the juice and mix in calamansi juice and if desired, add some honey as sweetener.

Be careful about the amount of honey, though, because too much sugar is not good. You may choose to serve this drink hot like a tea or chilled for a refreshing highly nutritious drink!

Next time you are in the organic market, get a bunch of local kamote tops.

Monica is a certified yoga teacher and partner at Beyond Yoga (www. igobeyondyoga.com). She co-founded FLOW Surf Yoga Samba Weekend Retreats (www.flowretreats.com) in 2009 and has done yoga retreats around the Philippines and Asia. This year, she started a health food business, Backyard Farms, (www.backyardfarmsph.wordpress.com) because she believes what and how you eat will help save the world. She regularly blogs at www.dharmadream.blogspot.com and www.birthingbeyond.blogspot.com

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By Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio

It was the most wonderful time of the year, and probably, the most indulgent, too! With all the fattening meals and sweet treats that we can’t resist indulging in, the holiday food splurges end up with excess calories and extra weight!

So you ate all that, now what?

You can kick in a happy, healthy new year for your family with these organic and healthy after-holiday meals.

Starters

Salad Course Although not originally a Pinoy starter, salad has made its way to our dining tables in recent years.

And while veggies are healthy, we also have overlooked the possibility of pesticides making their way into our tummies through these luscious greens. Good Food Community actually has a salad pack of roughly about 500 grams, containing vegetables and even some fruits which might be in season. Throw in some Feta Cheese from Down

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To Earth if you like and then go for home made salad dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, plus a little bit of pepper and dried oregano, where you can be in control of where to get your ingredients. Many Sunday markets should have your herbs and spices, but if you like it easy, you may also check organic vinaigrette from Sugar Leaf.

Cheese and Honey For cheese and honey with bread sticks, crackers and dried fruits, I suggest to check Holy Carabao Holistic Farms and and Down To Earth for available cheeses, and purchase artisanal honey from My Personal Farmer or pure, unprocessed honey from Backyard Farms PH.

Main Course

Holy Carabao, as well as Down To Earth have organic ham produce and while the challenge is still on for me to find pan de sal made with all organic ingredients, the rice staple in

!

a Pinoy home can actually be bought from Down To Earth, Holy Carabao, and Backyard Farms- whose red rice I’ve personally tried myself. I love the texture of their red rice against my tongue!

For roasted chicken, fried chicken or even chicken salad, we have a lot of websites that sell organic, free range chicken! Aside from the usual mentions above, Pamora Farm also carries organic chicken, as well as Sunshine Chicken. (For chicken salad, creating your own mayonnaise is also a challenge, although its main ingredient of eggs is readily organic in many places these days.)

Desserts

Fruit or Buko salad should be easy with the fruits, especially in the advent of Sunday markets like Salcedo Weekend Market, Mercato Central, Eastwood Gourmet Market and more. However, one must be

creative to find all-purpose cream and condensed milk alternatives, which could possibly be substituted with nutmilk or coconut milk (or gata, as advised by one of our contributors, Monica Manzano).

Beverages

To go with your cheese and honey can also be wine, and Healthy Options carry some.

The other option would be to get locally produced ones like rice or strawberry wine from the Mountain Province.

Hot Chocolate on the other hand can come from Holy Carabao’s tablea pieces and they also have certified organic coffee beans from Negros for coffee lovers. Tea can be served right away from one’s garden, if you’ve grown enough tarragon leaves for boiling just in time. Here is a word from Hindy Weber-Tantoco, co-founder of Holy Carabao: “We only work with farmers who practice sustainable and holistic agriculture.

The tablea is from sustainably-grown, nonGMO cacao, without the use of chemicals.

They are also processed in age-old artisanal techniques.”

Honestly, there are more enough ways to go about an organic New Year’s meal and these are just some of what I can think of. But generally here are some principles I go by as a newbie organic momma: buy local, buy fresh, buy in season, don’t think too hard, and be excited with the possibility of totally new creations! Have yourself a happy, healthy and organic New Year!

Here are also some of my tips to cleanse or detox from all the excess we’ve enjoyed in the past 2 months.

In our church, we always go through a 7-day-fast during the start of each year. There are different kinds of fast- one-meala-day fast, purely-water fast and liquid fast. I usually opt for the third kind so I can be sustained at work.

It means ingesting only all liquid, like soups, shakes, smoothies, and juices. Perhaps alkalinized lemon water will be a good detoxifier around this time together with clear soups. Although the main goal is to spiritually cleanse and connect to God, I cannot see the harm in simultaneously using the time to do a physical cleansing as well.

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The holidays are noisy so some silence is due after the busy season. I think it will also benefit us greatly to put our thoughts in order and in proper focus before completely rolling for the new year.

Get-togethers happen mostly in the city, where it is crowded and dense almost everywhere. Get away then—go to a mountainous area, and breathe fresh air.

Write down thoughts. Leave old and useless ones behind and remember only those that matter. Make a list of your 2014 highlights, including those you are grateful for, and make a list of faith goals for your 2015. I encourage you to do this as I have been doing so for years now, where each time only leaves me feeling more blessed and grateful for a life well lived!

TOP 10 Online Suppliers of Organic Produce 1. Down To Earth: Real Food, Real Farmers. (http://www.downtoearth.ph) 2. Holy Carabao! Holistic Farms (http://holycarabao.com) 3. Backyard Farms: Your Natural Food Source (http://www.backyardfarms.ph/home.html) 4. Good Food Co.: Good Food + Great People = Sustainable Community (http://www.goodfoodcommunity.com) 5. My Personal Farmer (http://www.mypersonalfarmer.net)

6. Pamora Farm: Home of Free-Range Chicken (http://pamorafarm.com) 7. Sunshine Chicken (http://solraya.blogspot.com) 8. Sugar Leaf (http://www.sugarleafph.com) 9. Prado Farms - Contact 0920-9831329 to order lechon weeks in advance. (https://www.facebook.com/pradofarms) 10. Organic Manila (http://www.organicmanila.com) and/or The Green Grocer (http://www.thegreengrocermanila.com/ home), though not mentioned in the article, are also viable options!

The Science Behind Dose Does Not Make the Poison We would naturally think that the higher quantity of harmful substance we ingest, the worse will also be the effect. But that is simply not the case for pesticide consumption. Whether we are exposed to less or more, the effect can follow a U-shaped curve:

• • •

A very low dose elicits a high level of “ response” or “health harm.”

At a higher dose that is along the bottom of the U, this same chemical elicits little or no response.

Then at the highest doses, the effects increase again. For other pesticides, an inverted U-shaped curve can occur, where intermediate doses cause the greater response, and testing at high doses can completely miss the effect.

This means that identifying sufficient threshold dose or “safe exposure” simply isn’t possible when it comes to pesticides. As such, avoidance of such toxic substances at any levels must be avoided!

Source: Vandenberg, L. et al. “Hormones and Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals: Low Dose Effects and Non-monotonic Responses.” Endocrine Reviews.

March 2012

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*Limited supply only

Alleviation of Constipation: THE ROLE OF PREBIOTIC GALACTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (GOS)

By Denise Lucille C. Francisco, MD, DPPS, DPSPGHAN

C

onstipation, defined as a delay or difficulty in defecation for 2 or more weeks, is a common problem among young infants and children.1 It can be secondary to anatomic (e.g. obstruction) or functional causes, the latter of which is the most common cause beyond infancy.

Functional constipation or the behavioral type of constipation means that the child has hard stools which could be caused by poor dietary intake or poor toilet habits. The child is generally healthy and does not require any form of surgery for this condition. Signs and symptoms include painful or hard bowel movements accompanied by soiling (poo marks on diaper or underwear), stool-withholding behavior (“nagpipigil”, with scissoring of legs or tip-toeing), and having large caliber stools (“parang dumi ng matanda”) sometimes obstructing the toilet. These could cause a great deal of anxiety to both children and parents, therefore early prevention would be most prudent. Severe constipation requires treatment with laxatives, but nutritional therapy, especially increased dietary fiber intake, is also recommended, primarily for the prevention and treatment of mild constipation.2 One nutritional alternative may be the use of prebiotics which stimulate the growth and activity of ”friendly” bacteria (called probiotics) in the colon thereby promoting gastrointestinal health.3 Human milk has been the standard of formulating components of milk formulas containing commercial prebiotics such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). GOS has shown to improve fecal characteristics such as stool consistency and stool frequency. Clinical studies have shown that milk with 4 g/L of GOS were shown to be well-tolerated and supported normal growth in infants with note of a softer stooling pattern similar to that reported in breastfed infants.(5)

T he effects of GOS are:

4

1. Softer stools similar to breastfed infant (due to the fermentation of the oligosaccharides by microorganisms in the colon that increases the fecal water content) 2. Increase gastrointestinal motility or movement for easier evacuation of stools (due to the fermentation and growth of Lactobacillus species and bifidobacteria, subsequent production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), increasing water content of the fecal mass) 3. Increase water content of stool (as human milk oligosaccharides are specific types of dietary fiber, they can bind water) As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”, this particular quote but emphasizes the importance of preventing the burden of disease at its outset. Good nutrition composed of a balanced diet as well as regular toilet habits can help prevent constipation and promote better health and well-being among children.

Alternative nutritional therapy in the form of prebiotics, such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are shown to soften stools similar to breastfed infants by supporting the growth of “good bacteria” in the colon, thus promoting gut heath and the immune system.

Dr. Denise Lucille C. Francisco specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology. She got her medical degree from the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and underwent Residency and Fellowship training at the same institution.

She is a Diplomate of both the Philippine Pediatric Society and Philippine Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. She is currently a Visiting consultant at the Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and The Medical City, and a part time staff of the Sta. Ana Hospital.

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Why ORGANIC NUTRITION is a Good Choice FOR

Parents

by Edwin D. Feist Chairman and CEO, ANTECH, Inc.

M

any generations ago, the father of medicine, Hippocrates made a simple yet profound statement when he said: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Food can indeed be a powerful source of wellness but in today’s world, it can also be the slowest form of poison.

We live in a world dealing with a population explosion. In the 50’s and 60’s the world population was only at 3 billion. Today global population is at 7 billion and projected to hit the 8 billion mark by 2020! One of the ways to address the increasing need for food is to re-engineer the food supply.

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There are at least three ways to re-engineer the food supply:

Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase the yield of agriculture products Use of geneticallymodified (GMO) ingredients and chemical preservatives in the processing of foods Use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones and genetically modified feeds to accelerate the growth of livestock

The by-product of re-engineering the food supply is an increase in harmful chemicals in the food that we eat and give our children, assaulting organs and disrupting growth and development. Hence, food today can also be a slow source of poison causing harm particularly affecting infants and children.

As adults, we have the capacity to metabolize or excrete these harmful chemicals minimizing their harmful impact. Children, however, do not have a fully developed immune system equipped to metabolize harmful chemicals. In addition, infants and young children’s organs maybe at an early stage of development and are more sensitive to their harmful effects.

New studies confirm the harmful effects of pesticides on the brain affecting a child’s intelligence by affecting brain architecture, interrupting neuron response and nerve cell response. Recent studies have also demonstrated that pesticide exposure impacted children’s cognitive abilities.

Antibiotic residue in the food that we eat or the milk we give our children can sensitize and lead to allergic reaction. Scientists affirm that the damage of GMOs in our food may be irreparable.

When choosing certified organic food always look for the organic seal in the packaging which is the guarantee that the product meets organic standards of certification from the country of origin.

Here are some examples of organic seal certifications from the United States, Canada, European Union and the Philippines.

One of the ways to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals is to eat organic food.

Organic food is a process of producing food that follows stringent conditions as a requirement of certification. As an example, organic milk must come from certified organic cows. To be certified organic, cows must feed on strictly organic fields free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides for at least 3 seasons prior to milking. Antibiotics or artificial growth hormones are strictly forbidden.

Mr. Edwin D Feist is the Chairman and CEO of Antech, Inc. He has over 40 years of professional experience in the healthcare industry in the Philippines and international markets. He is Past President of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and Infant and Pediatric Nutrition Association of the Philippines (IPNAP). He is currently the President of American Chamber Foundation, the Vice Chairman of Euromed Laboratories, and the Chairman of the Board of Bausch & Lomb Phils., Inc.

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WITH

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla

By Marianne Natu-el

W

hen it comes to advocacy on organic nutrition, Ms. Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla is a suitable resource.

This former MTV-VJ-turned-TV host, and currently homemaker and wife to action superstar Robin Padilla, is a certified “organicaholic,” a title she bestowed upon herself, matched with an Instagram account she calls “Organicaholic_Mariel.” Mariel shares with Think OrganIQ her journey to a healthier lifestyle.

The Start of An Organic Diet When asked on what triggered her to start the ‘organic’ lifestyle, Mariel was quick to give 3 reasons: “There are 3 reasons why I changed my lifestyle completely. The first is because Robin

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M

ariel noticed immediate benefits when she shifted organic - a glow in her skin, a happier mood, and relief from constipation. “I was constipated all my life. Now I was able to go to the bathroom.” But more than the shortterm benefits, Mariel knows that in the long run, the benefit is greater in the quality of life. “It is a process,” she quips, “...and is so far the best decision we ever made.”

O

rganic restaurants ihave flourished but Mariel recommends that organic need not be expensive.

is 15 years older than I am so obviously I think I might live longer. I want him to live longer, I want to extend the life that we can live together to the fullest.”

“The second reason is that Robin’s son had a liver problem. Because of that we made a sudden switch.

We changed everything: our rice, our meat, all our food talaga. It was a very drastic change. Everything that we use is organic and natural—all the ingredients and especially the meat - our chicken is free range, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free. Yung chicken, yun talaga ha! Moms stop feeding your children with regular chicken! Nakakatakot!” Asked if the shift to organic was a recommendation from a doctor, Mariel said that it was really Robin who first suggested the change and wanted it for his son and for them both.

A self-confessed diet-pill junkie for several years past, Mariel is now on a ‘cleansing period’ before having a baby of her own. She is religiously on organic diet for more than a year now. “Since my second year of high

school, I have been taking diet pills. I am a junkie. Whenever I looked at my old picture, I was super skinny. Gutom na gutom talaga ako. But my eyes were really dark; I hardly slept. I thought I was thin and I thought I was beautiful on the outside but really I was rotten on the inside. I was thinking in the future I want to have a baby. I don’t want a baby that is a product of diet pills. So I wanted to cleanse my system.”

Benefits of Organic Nutrition Mariel noticed immediate benefits when she shifted organic - a glow in her skin, a happier mood, and relief from constipation. “I was constipated all my life. So because also of my juicing (one can only be amazed with the juicing recipes that Mariel has concocted, taken with beautiful shots in her instagram feeds!), Now I was able to go to the bathroom.” But more than the short-term benefits, Mariel knows that in the long run, the benefit is greater in the quality of life. “It is a process,” she quips, “...and is so far the best decision we ever made.”

When asked about the perceived high cost of organic, her practical answer is “it’s more expensive when you get sick and hospitalized.”

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Organic Blueberries Popsicle A sure hit with kids!

½ cup organic coconut milk (make sure the one for drinking not cooking!)

1 cup organic frozen blueberries (the locally-grown blueberries are smaller) 1 tsp organic carob powder (a good alternative to cocoa ordered via iherb. com) Maple syrup (for a sweeter taste for children) Popsicle maker (you can buy online if you can’t find in supermarket)

Sustaining the Organic Diet Although Mariel does not consider herself an “extremist” when it comes to organic diet, and still goes out with friends for some dine outs, as much as possible they eat at home. In fact, this homemaker has made her organic diet to be self-sufficient by growing her own little organic garden composed of veggies, herbs and spices such as bokchoy, pechay, eggplant, calamansi, cucumber, carrots, ginger, mint, basil, tarragon and pandan on a small area on their rooftop. Sounds like a lot of fun! Unfortunately, the past typhoon ravaged the plants and so taking a nice picture of this organic haven is not possible at this time.

Stuffed Tomatoes

For the pizza-lovers, this is a healthier version!

Organic tomatoes Organic and gluten-free breadcrumps Basil leaves Olive oil Organic cheese Slice tomatoes and take out the inside for stuffing. Spread the inside with olive oil. Put glutenfree bread crumbs, top with basil leaves, and organic cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.

Buying organic is also easier with the growing stores both online and locally.

Organic restaurants have flourished but Mariel recommends that it need not be expensive.

From buying organic to growing it, Mariel takes on the full process by honing her inner chef persona. She has learned to cook and it is very apparent that she enjoys this a lot.

When invited to share her organic cooking with the magazine, she willingly said yes! Here are four of Mariel’s easy-to-prepare, no fuss, organic and yummy recipes that mom can do themselves:

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Blend all ingredients until smooth.

You may want to leave some frozen blueberries for some real fruit bites.

Pour blended mix in a popsicle maker until frozen.

Organic Adobong Kangkong Filipino comfort food!

Organic Banana with Peanut Butter and Cocoa A simple, healthy and light snack

Organic banana Organic peanut butter Organic unsweetened cocoa powder Slice the frozen bananas into small circles.

Spread peanut butter on top and sprinkle with cocoa powder.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup liquid aminos (alternative to soy sauce) ¼ cup water Kangkong stalks with leaves Sunflower oil Oyster sauce Garlic Pepper (to taste) Saute garlic in a pan. Pour all liquid ingredients, and put organic kangkong last.

Sprinkle pepper to taste.

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On The Wholesome Table:

Food that’s Natural, Fresh and Real “Eat consciously, live consciously” is a mantra that Bianca Araneta-Elizalde has lived by for almost two decades. And it is a lifestyle that she would like to share through The Wholesome Table, her latest endeavor with husband, Juan.

The restaurant opened in Bonifacio High Street Central last July with the promise to serve food that is natural, fresh and real. “It is not really about what you are eating per se but how it is prepared and the ingredients you are using to prepare it,” the model and mother of three explains her take on healthy food. It is far from the common perception of restrictive diets requiring low calorie-consumption.

Antibiotic-free, unprocessed, organic are just some of the words that get thrown around a lot at The Wholesome Table. “It’s really about where you’re getting your food, knowing the hidden chemicals present, how processed it is, what are the additives that are in there that are wreaking havoc to your system. We are really focused

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on decreasing your exposure to toxins that are present in food,” Bianca elaborates.

The Wholesome Table is all about going back to basics, starting with food that is fresh and clean from the source and prepared with better and healthier ingredients. How vegetables and fruits are grown, how livestock is raised, how seafood are caught are things that Bianca’s team looks into.

So yes, they serve french fries, burgers and pizza but all guilt-free since they come from good sources. The Grass fed Beef Burger and the Spanish inspired pizza with tomato sauce, turkey chorizo,

shiitake mushrooms, roasted garlic, fresh mozzarella and Grana Padano are just a few of the comfort food in their selection. While much consideration is given to the non-meat eaters and there is even a special category of whole grain meals-in-a bowl concocted

by Bianca herself, The Wholesome Table is definitely not solely for vegans or vegetarians. “I wanted it to be very balanced. I wanted there to be meat options so vegetarians can come and bring their friends or whoever who want meat,” Bianca emphasizes as she points to the Slow-Braised Pork, Meatloaf and Chicken Marsala on the list. The menu, which was developed in collaboration with a group of chefs is not cuisinespecific. “It’s global so there’s something for everyone,” Bianca assures.

The pursuit of balance is also evident in the interiors which is a mix of stone and old wood, with splashings of green courtesy of a couple of trees. “I wanted rustic but I also wanted a modern touch,” clarifies Bianca who was very involved in the construction. “I wanted it to feel like a barn or a country home”. The look was very much inspired by the warm, cozy and relaxed vibe of San Francisco, and Northern California, which Bianca considers to be her second home.

On the wall hangs several blackboards enumerating various beverages divided into superfood smoothies, refreshers, detox juices, superfood juices and nutmilks. “These are all personal recipes, drinks we make at home and have developed over the years,” she enthuses. Because they don’t serve canned soda, they formulated organic sodas for those who can’t do without their fizzies. All their coffee beans are sourced locally.

A corner of The Wholesome Table displays their own brand of superfood like spirulina and maca powder.

These are sold alongside the bottled Wholesome Juice.

All these is a completion of an idea that Bianca has nurtured for several years. It took awhile to put her ideas into action because they were not sure if the market was ready for it. In the end, the advocacy won over the trepidation. “This was a lifestyle choice. For whatever it is, it’s just opening people’s eyes to a different way of looking at real food, letting them see that it’s possible to eat a tasty organic meal,” she concludes.

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Water for my Baby:

What to Use? Local Lab Test on Water from Dispensers

In a laboratory test conducted by a Department of Health-accredited validating laboratory, using multiple tube fermentation technique and Colony Forming Unit, 6 out of 10 waters sourced from a water dispenser has shown to be positive with microorganisms such as fecal coliform.

Although presence of fecal coliforms in water may not be directly harmful, and does not necessarily indicate the presence of feces1, there is an elevated risk of waterborne diseases at high levels. This is quite alarming especially for moms who are used to getting water from this container to feed their babies.

Adults may be less susceptible to the risk as the immune system is stronger than that of a baby, who at an early stage, the latter’s organs are not yet fully developed, making young ones more susceptible to diseases.

6 out of 10 waters tested were positive with organisms Result of laboratory test conducted by a DOH-accredited validating laboratory

Negative with Bacteria

Positive with Bacteria

MPN-Most Probable Number, HCP-Heterotrophic Plate Count; Based on the laboratory tests, methods used to test the water samples are as follows: Multiple tube Fermentation Technique and Colony Forming Unit. All Limits are taken from PNSDW, Department of Health Manila, Philippines, 2007. Standard Methods for the Examination Water and Wastewater, 21st ed, American Public Health Association (APHA) etc. Washington DC, 2005.

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Ready-to-drink, Sterile Water for Infants & Young Children

Experts Recommend Sterile Water Because the safety of infants is most critical, the World Health Organization (WHO), US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all have one and the same recommendation when it comes to water for infants and young children – water should be sterilized. In home settings, clean water should come to a full rolling boil and allow to cool for not less than 70°C, and use of microwave ovens for boiling should be avoided due to the uneven heating that may result to ‘hot spots’ that can scald the infant’s mouth.2 AAP recommends that even bottled water (e.g. purified, distilled, etc.) and filtered water should come to a rolling boil of one minute or longer.3

The Case of Boiling Water

Boiling does kill bacteria but note that there are also spore-forming bacteria (heat-loving bacteria) that may not be eradicated. Boiling water also do not take away chemical and heavy metal contaminations leached from the cookware itself. Studies are currently showing that certain cookware can be toxic.4 The problem is, these cookware are the common cookware that we use.

In the same laboratory test, a manufactured, bottled and sterilized water, Dr. Edwards Sterilized Drinking Water, was also tested and is found to be void of any microorganisms. Using a 3-step process including filtration, distillation and autoclave sterilization, the final product is contained in a BPA-free packaging with airtight liner seal to ensure maximum safety. Dr. Edwards Sterilized Drinking Water is manufactured under aseptic (sterile) conditions using strict US Pharmacopeia manufacturing standards.

The safety of young children is mostly in the hands of parents especially to those well-informed and well-researched.

Take no chances on the fragile health of a young one. It is also always best to consult a medical practitioner on anything with regards to the health of your baby.

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Mommy Directory

THESPECIALISTS IN THIS ISSUE

Available thru Bundle of Joy Home Delivery - 317-7777 www.bundleofjoy.com.ph

DENISE LUCILLE C. FRANCISCO, MD, DPPS, DPSPGHAN Pediatrician, Gastroenterologist The Medical City Clinic Ground Level, SM North EDSA Annex, QC Mondays and Fridays 2:00PM – 4:00PM Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center EDSA, Mandaluyong Room 314, Physician’s Center Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00PM – 3:00PM

CATHERINE ANNE G. PANGILINAN-VAZQUEZ, M.D., DPPS, FPSP Pediatrician, Gastroenterologist Clinic Details: Manila Doctors Hospital Room 315 Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

UST Hospital Room 404 Monday-Wednesday-Friday 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

1:00PM – 3:00PM

Available thru Available thru Bundle of Joy Home Delivery - 317-7777 Bundle of Joy Home Delivery - 317-7777 www.bundleofjoy.com.ph www.bundleofjoy.com.ph

www.facebook.com/numababyshop Email: info@numa.com.ph Tel. No. 732-1522/732-1954

www.indigobabyshop.com 0922-8499892 | 882-7857 info@indigobabyshop.com

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REFERENCES: THE ROLE OF GALACTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES (GOS) IN CONSTIPATION: 1.Baker et al. Clinical Practice Guideline - Evaluation and Treatment of Constipation in Infants and Children: Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2006: 43e1-e13. 2.Niittynen et al. Galacto-oligosaccharides and bowel function. Scandinavian Journal of Food and Nutrition 2007; 51 (2): 62-66. 3.Szajewska et al. Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Fermented Products. Walker’s Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease: Physiology, Diagnosis and Management, 5th ed. 2008: Vol 1, p. 399-407.4.Scholtens et al. Stool characteristics of infants receiving short-chain galactooligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides: A review. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2014 October 7; 20(37): 13446-13452. 5.Ashley et al. Growth and tolerance of infants fed formula supplemented with polydextrose (PDX) and/or galactooligosaccharides (GOS): double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Nutrition Journal 2012, 11:38 THE MANY BENEFITS OF LACTOSE: 1.Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. Copyright 2009, Elsevier. 2. Adam AC, Rubio-Texeira M, Polaina J. 2004, Lactose: the milk sugar from a biotechnological perspective. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2004; 44 (7-8):553-7.3.Lawlor-Smith C and Lawlor-Smith L, 1998, Lactose intolerance. Breastfeeding review 6(1):29-30.4.What is galactose? Retrieved from http://www.galactose.org/5.Duggan C, Watkins JB and Walker WA. (2008). Nutrition in pediatrics: basic science, clinical application. Hamilton: BC Decker. 6. Ballard O and Morrow AL (2013). Human milk composition nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin N Am 60(2013) 49-74. 7.Nommsen LA, Lovelady CA, Heinig MJ, et al. Determinants of energy, protein, lipid and lactose concentrations in human milk during the first 12 mo of lactation: the DARLING Study. AM J Clin Nutr 1991; 53(2):457-63. 8.Khan S. Hepworth AR, Prime DK, Lai CT, Trengove NJ, Hartmann PE: Variation in fat, lactose and protein composition in breast milk over 24 hours: associations with infant feeding patterns. J Hum Lact 2013, 29(1): 81-89. 9.Glycemic index for sweeteners. Retrieved from http://www.sugar-and-sweetener-guide.com/glycemic-index-for-sweeteners.html 10.Moynihan P. Foods and factors that protect against dental caries. Nutrition Bulletin (2000); 25: 281-286. 11.Abrams SA, Griffin IJ, Davila PM. Calcium and zinc absorption from lactose-containing and lactose-free infant formulas. Am J Clin Nutr 2002; 76 (2): 442-446. 12.Cochet B et al. Effects of lactose on intestinal calcium absorption in normal and lactase-deficient subjects. Gastroenterology 1983; 84 (5 pt 1): 935-940. 13.Goedhart AC, Bindels JG. The composition of human milk as a model for the design of infant formulas: recent findings and possible applications. Nutrition Research Reviews (1994), 7, 1-23.14. Douglas L, et al. Probiotics and prebiotics in dietetics practice. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008; 108: 510.15 Ito M, Rimura M. Influence of lactose on faecal microflora in lactose maldigesters. Microb Ecol Health Dis 1993; 6: 73-6. WATER FOR MY BABY: WHAT TO USE?: 1.Doyle, M. P., and M. C. Erickson. 2006. “Closing the door on the fecal coliform assay.” Microbe 1:162-163. ISSN 1558-7460.2. “Guidelines: Safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula” published by WHO in 2007. Accessed through http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/micro/pif_guidelines.pdf?ua=1 3.http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Sterilizing-and-Warming-Bottles.aspx 4. http://www.naturalnews.com/036029_cookware_non-stick_chemicals.html#ixzz1ydxrKdOF ORGANIC FOOD HOW CAN I TELL?: International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements or IFOAM definition of Organic Agriculture; Source: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/ article_10992.cfm; BABY FOOD RECIPE: http://www.babycenter.com; 1. Adgate JL et al. Measurement of multi-pollutant and multi-pathway exposures in a probability-based sample of children: practical strategies for effective field studies. J Expo Anal Environ Epidemiol. 2000 2. Curl CL et al. Organophosphorus pesticide exposure of urban and suburban preschool children with organic and conventional diets. Environ Health Perspect. 2003

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