1) "In a recent study, scientists surveyed a random sample of 81 coffee farmers in eastern Jamaica... In the study, 78 percent of the farmers experienced symptoms related to pesticide handling, including dizziness, headaches, difficult breathing and tightness in the chest.” (Link)
2) Dr. Mercola says,"Coffee beans are one of the most heavily pesticides-sprayed crops. So, you should select only coffee beans that are certified organic. Remember, you will obliterate any positive effects if you consume coffee that's been doused in pesticides or other chemicals." (Link)
3) According to the CS Monitor, up to 250 pounds of chemical fertilizers are sprayed per acre of non-organic coffee. When you sip your conventional coffee, you are ingesting the pesticide residues, which contribute to many health problems including cancer and miscarriages in pregnant women.
Americans drink about 400 millions cups of coffee every day, and most of the coffee beans are imported. The U.S. Department of Agriculture actually has little control over the type and amount of pesticides used on imported coffee. The most effective way to protect against potential harm from the pesticides is to drink organic coffee." (Link)
Located within Elements Mall
This is a convenient location because Elements Mall has a bus station on the ground level. Can even take buses from Shenzhen (to Kowloon Station). Once in Kowloon Station, just go upstairs to the Mall and you'll easily find 360.
Established in 1998, Health Aims believes in “nutritional therapy” as a way of strengthening your body’s natural healing through the use of health foods and supplements. Find organic foodstuffs such as wheat, black beans, salt, brown rice tea, vinegar and oat drink powder. You can also find health supplements such as yogurt powder, functional enzymes, fish oils and probiotics. Nutrition consultations are also available.
27 Electric Rd., Tin Hau, 2402-2883, healthaims.net
Good Life Nutrition House
A food supplement specialty store in the heart of Central, this small shop carries a decent variety of sports supplements ranging from protein powder and muscle enhancers to energy bars and drinks at good prices. It also stocks health-promoting supplements such as medicinal herbs, fish oil, vitamins, enzymes and diet shakes. Other outlets can be found in Causeway Bay and Jordan.
Shop 134, Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen’s Rd. Central, Central, 2537-5278, goodlifenutritionhouse.com
Wonderful Grace
Wonderful Grace specializes in nutritional therapy and offers a large selection of nutritional supplements and personal care products imported from New Zealand, USA and Japan for patients with chronic diseases, as well as people of all ages. Health supplements such as antioxidants, plant extracts, omega oil, bee pollen, probiotics, multi-vitamins and herbal tea are available.
Room 3208, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2566-0855, www.wonderfulgrace.com
Nature’s Village
Nature’s Village offers a great variety of eco-friendly products with more than 1,200 branded nutritional and sports supplements, including purified vitamins, organic herbs, protein and meal supplements, and even imported sports drink and nutrition bars. Nature’s Village has seven branches in Hong Kong.
G/F, 38 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2121-1637, naturesvillage.com.hk
Catalo
Founded in the US in 1982, Catalo is one of Hong Kong’s best-established natural health foods retail chain stores, with more than 20 outlets. It stocks more than 150 products made from natural ingredients. Natural food supplements available include bilberry eye extract, fish oil and green tea extract, and organic foods such as oats and juice. Head down to their retail counters in Causeway Bay Sogo, CRCare and Mannings to stock up on all your healthy needs.
Shop 5A, LG/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2723-3032, www.catalohk.com
Health Gate
A allergy-friendly mini-supermarket with myriad health foods and supplements, Health Gate carries more than 2,000 health items catering to food sensitivities or restrictive diets. Products include gluten-free foods, organic wines, natural beauty products and hypoallergenic cleaning supplies. Free delivery for orders more than $600. Visit Health Gate’s website to shop online.
8/F, Hung Tak Building, 106-108 Des Voeux Rd. Central, Central, 2545-2286, www.health-gate.com
Healthy Delight
Originally a distributor of homemade yogurt, this organic store stocks more than 2,000 health products, including a vast range of health supplements, organic foods, baby items and natural remedies such as probiotics and omega oil. The store also has a nutritionist offering diet advice for customers. Online shopping available.
Unit 203, Conwell House, 34-38 Stanley St., Central. 2525-9128, www.healthydelight.net
Best2u
Drop by this one-stop health supplement store. The women’s products are especially extensive, with evening primrose oil, menopause formula, spirulina, royal jelly and ginkgo biloba extract, all at good prices. Enjoy a 10 percent discount through September 30 if you pay $300 or more with PayPal.
Shop 217A, 2/F, Metro City Plaza I, Po Lam, Tseung Kwan O, 2177-0726, www.best2u.com.hk
I found out recently about a process that is legal in America called irradiation. Irradiation sends radiation into raw vegetables, fruits and nuts, which are then sold at grocery stores and restaurants. Irradiation is used to kill insects and bacteria, but sadly it also kills enzymes, good bacteria and nutritious values in the plant. Irradiation is known as "cold pasteurization".
I personally believe this process should be illegal. Here is a link on Wikipedia about irradiation: link. Here is another link about irradiated mangoes: link. The irradiated mangoes are smaller, less ripe and less healthy than the regular mangoes. Fortunately, irradiated foods have to be labeled as such unless they are sold in restaurants. The FDA's tolerance of irrdiation is motivating me to purchase more organic foods, as irradiated foods can not be labeled as organic. Also, I hope to eventually start growing my own food as well, probably starting with wheat grass.
