How to find Organic and Natural Food Coupons Online - Updated!

Photo courtesy of MamboSprouts.com

The best way to find coupons is to go directly to the manufacturer's website or to their Facebook/Twitter pages. Some sites will offer printable coupons while other sites may have mailing lists. Don't be afraid to join a mailing list or subscribe to a newsletter. Many times the newsletter will offer great coupons, discounts and coupon links. Create a separate email address just for newsletters if you're worried about getting too much mail in your main inbox.

Links to Organic and Natural Food Coupons

Online Organic Food Coupons - A comprehensive list of companies who offer online coupons!

All Organic Links -.You can locate organic food companies through All Organic Links and see if they offer coupons.

EatingWell.com offers valuable printable coupons from natural brands for food, groceries, and other natural products. I signed up for their newsletter and get the same coupons in an email.

Mambo Sprouts Online Coupons - You can print organic and natural coupons for free from their site

Mambo Sprouts Messenger & Sprout e-news - Sign up to get FREE articles, product information, e-coupons and more! The sprout E-news monthly newsletter shares their latest giveaways, recipes, e-coupons and more!

Publix GreenWise Market Magazine - A monthly magazine that can be found inside Publix stores. The magazine has both Publix coupons and other manufacturer's coupons. You can also sign up online to get a free subscription delivered to your house.

Whole Foods "The Whole Deal" - A value guide that you can pick up inside your local Whole Foods. You'll find more than $30 in coupons, budget recipes, money saving tips and more.

Whole Foods "The Whole Deal" Printable Coupons - Print out coupons from the latest issue of "The Whole Deal"

Manufacturer's Sites

Alexia Foods - Register and print out a coupon for $.75 off their new Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Julienne Fries!

Arrowhead Mills - Sometimes have coupons on their site.

Barbara's Bakery - Their site sometimes offers online coupons.

Coconut Water Chatter

Coconut water is one of the hottest food trends. Is it all hype, or is coconut water worth trying?

Coconut water is the thin liquid found inside young green coconuts. A freshly opened young coconut is a refreshing drink when you’re under the hot tropical sun. If you’re far away from the tropics, pasteurized coconut water can be found at your local grocery or health food store.

Pure coconut water has no cholesterol, is very low in fat and calories, and naturally contains the essential electrolytes potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.

An 11 ounce serving of coconut water has about 60 calories and 700 milligrams of potassium, more than a banana. Potassium helps regulate fluid and mineral balance, controls normal blood pressure and helps your muscles contract. Coconut water is considered isotonic, which means that the electrolyte balance is similar to our blood. Fresh coconut water was used for emergency plasma transfusions during World War II.

A Substitute for Sports Drinks?

Many consider coconut water a natural sports drink. Traditional sports drinks are formulated with the right balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates for athletes and others who exercise vigorously. Sports drinks are recommended if you exercise 60 minutes or longer or when you’re exercising in extreme heat. Water is effective for light to moderate exercise. Some experts say that coconut water doesn’t contain enough sodium or carbohydrates to effectively replace sweat or fuel energy during strenuous exercise. Since sodium is the primary electrolyte that’s lost in sweat, an adequate amount is needed for rehydration. However, there are a few studies that have tested coconut water and found it to rehydrate just as well as traditional sports drinks. Coconut water definitely shows potential, but there needs to be further scientific research before any conclusions are made.

The Jury is Still Out

Coconut water can be pricey, but it’s a healthy replacement for sugary, high calorie drinks and may help rehydrate during illness and after exercise. More scientific research is needed to fully recommend using it during and after exercise, though. I have encountered several athletes who believe coconut water works just as well or better than sports drinks. They say coconut water doesn’t cause nausea or bloating and replenishes their bodies efficiently after exercise. People with kidney disease should discuss using coconut with their doctor or dietitian first, since the potassium content is high. Just a note: flavored coconut water may contain added sugar and be higher in calories.

Quick and Easy Ways to Add Coconut Water to Your Diet

- Make your oatmeal with coconut water for an added boost of potassium.

- Add cold coconut water to your fruit smoothies after a workout.

- Freeze a tetra pack of coconut water for 30 minutes for a refreshing slush.

- Use coconut water instead of regular water to make rice. It will boost nutrients and add a little flavor.

Images: gameanna / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Am J Emerg Med. 2000 Jan;18(1):108-11.
J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2002 Mar;21(2):93-104.


 

A Handy Chobani Kitchen Conversion Chart!

Understanding Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Everyone talks about antioxidants and free radicals, but what are they and how do they really work? Oxidation occurs when oxygen is exposed to cells and causes them to change. A real life example would be when oxygen hits an apple slice and it turns brown. Our bodies typically use oxygen in an efficient way, but sometimes cells get harmed in the process and free radicals are created.

Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that often collide with other cells and cause interference with normal cell functioning. They are considered free because they are missing an important molecule (electron) which sends them on a desperate journey to gain stability with nearby stable molecules. This sometimes causes a chain reaction and can result in the disruption of a living cell and ultimately cause DNA damage. Free radicals are also created from environmental pollution, smoke from cigarettes, radiation and other chemicals. The resulting oxidation is linked to a variety of health problems such as cancer, diabetes, macular degeneration and heart disease.

How Antioxidants Work