After Much Contemplation....

This is the second time food supply has become the topic of interest. It used to be said if we knew what they put in hot dogs, we would not eat them. The problem then was additives, chemical preservatives and too much salt.

Some manufacturers are aware, and because of public insistence, have cut down and with the new labeling, if you do not like it, you do not have to purchase it. When it hits them in the wallet, they take note.

Sugar is the second culprit, which is also being addressed. This includes corn syrups, and again, your the boss.

Partially Hydrogenated oils and Hydrogenated oils are less tolerated by concerned consumers. As well, saturated fats.

Christian consumers, being advised of respecting the temple of Christ, as we take communion and believe that Christ dwells within us, are careful to make good nutritional decisions which will result in good health. We are not to smoke, and we should limit alcohol.

It has been a battle between what science says and what history teaches us concerning food product, through the ages.

Then, there is the manufacturer. Goods come from all over to be pooled for distribution? Does that require unhealthy additives and preservatives? How do we know what is in the food we eat and where it comes from? Does it contain unhealthy hormones? How have they been genetically altered or in some cases cloned?

We have laws which are strictly enforced and the consumer is protected were told. So what is all the controversy about? Tons of food appear at stores with packaging and labelling that allows competent adults to make choices from a larger variety of fruits and vegetables in season, as well as choice meats and fish. This includes imported goods.

The only other option is to buy locally or grow your own. We always support our local farmers, and are guaranteed freshness and quality, especially where growers specialize in organic gardens.

Producing your own is risky. There is such a thing as crop failure. Sometimes you just can't produce enough and putting up vegetables for the winter requires allot of space. Potato crops do well around here as well as butternut or any type of squash and pumpkins. Beets are a favorite along with carrots, cabbage and onions.

You'd better know what your doing as we have a very short growing season. I know people who finish harvesting their tomatoes in their garages, pulling them up to avoid heavy frost.

If your up to producing your own vegetables, you'd better plan on having a good size family. You certainly cannot do it alone. Time is of the essence when crops need to be harvested.

Why do we go through all that trouble when food is so accessible today? Maybe when we bite a tomato we know it does not have enticing dye in it. Like cake frosting dyes which are supposed to be non-toxic, it is not natural. That's where I draw the line. I want foods to be as "original" as possible.

Garden vegetables will have bugs and little imperfections as most who have had produce know. My mother used to say, just cut it off. Peaches had brown spots, and so forth.

We have come a long way, and it appears we've gotten better. But to be honest we still have kinks.

If our forefathers were to witness our progress they would be amazed. Every generation will be confronted with challenges. Challenges which test us sorely, but education is the key here. Careful selection of the goods you consume will make the difference in your health and that of your family.

As I contemplate, why are people dying from cancer, and endowed with diseases, I wonder at the cause? Is it from the goods consumed, or other environmental issues which pollute our water and air. How would those issues affect your garden? I read recently that fluoride in water is a health hazard. Some medicines are also appearing in our drinking water with serious consequences. The oil spill will eventually make its mark everywhere. The list is a mile long and a foot deep.

Who holds the truth? We read and decipher facts for ourselves. Statistics say we are living longer, and our lifestyle is easier than ever with many modern conveniences and choices.

The fact is that no one really knows. We may have gone too far, but who wants to go back, not me.

A very wise person remarked that even the scientists and specialist are baffled. Why is it that one of twins, having the same food and being exposed to the same conditions and elements can develop cancer while the other doesn't?

That tells me there is more....