Go Organic at Jandis Natural Market

"The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway."  — Michael Pollan

Organic products have gone from relative obscurity to mainstream as they have experienced exponential growth over the past 20 years. In fact, according to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to $24.8 billion in 2009. Furthermore, The Packer reports that organic produce leads the way for the entire organic industry. This is likely a result of increased awareness of the harmful effects of pesticides and herbicides.

Organic produce and other products are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products are from animals that are fed organic feed, raised in natural settings, without antibiotics, growth hormones, animal bi-products or toxic chemicals. 

Although rising consumer demand for organic products continues to sprout many organic businesses, Jandi’s Natural Marke & Organic Cafe — a family-owned business in Oceanside — was one of the first Organic Health Food Markets on Long Island. Jandi’s owner, Howard Chasser, takes pride in the fact that the store his parents opened in 1976 is not only thriving today, but serves the health-centered community by providing quality organic food, with a helpful and knowledgeable staff, a lovely café and juice bar and tools for health living. His core philosophy is one of education and service. 

Shopping for organic products can get pretty confusing because many stores mix organic and conventional produce and products. Rest assured that at Jandi’s, produce is 100 percent organic from a premium grade with quality that you can rely on.

The organic café serves delicious proprietary recipes, juices, smoothies as well as a selection of raw foods. Additionally, Howard points out that Jandi’s has the biggest selection of gluten-free foods on Long Island as well as a wide array of soy-free, nut-free, raw, kosher, vegetarian and dairy-free products. You can also save money on bulk grain and legume purchases by purchasing items on sale and using Jandi's rewards.

 7 Reasons to integrate organic products into your life

1. Reduce exposure to harmful toxins by checking EWG’s  Dirty Dozen & Clean 15. Organic produce grown in mineral-rich soil without chemicals provides a higher level of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Start buy purchasing organic produce that you consume regularly and that contain the highest in pesticides. For example, potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, celery, strawberries, peaches, blueberries and apples are some of the most pesticide-contaminated vegetables and fruits. Additionally, it is wise to avoid conventional coffee and peanut butter since they are highly contaminated with pesticides.
2. Choose organic beef to avoid antibiotics and growth hormones and get the benefits from livestock that eat organic feed and are partially pasture-raised. Studies show grass-fed beef has substantially more omega-3s, vitamin E and CLA is a healthy fat that has been shown to fight obesity, cancer and diabetes.
3. Organic chicken and eggs also provide a higher level of nutrients. Organic feed bans the use of antibiotics, animal bi-products, growth enhancers or arsenic. These eggs have a brighter yoke and both the chicken and the eggs definitely taste better.
4. Choose organic milk since it is hormone and antibiotic free. Commonly used growth hormones like rBST or rBGH have been linked to cancer and other diseases. Studies also show that organic milk has substantially more  anti-oxidants, vitamin E, beta-carotene and omega 3 fatty acids.
5. Organic cheese is an important choice because of its higher concentration of fat, which carries the heaviest dose of the hormones and antibiotics consumed by non-organic livestock.
6. Avoid GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) by choosing certified organic products. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine reported that, “several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food.” Get your own non gmo shopping guide.
7. Organic products promote a healthier you while cultivating  a healthier environment.