PHOTO: Instagram/karacheese
KARACHI: Living organically simply refers to making natural, non-industrial choices when it comes to the food we eat, the personal products we use and ultimately the amount of waste we generate from the items we choose to use.
Why should we go organic? Because it’s the best way to re-align oneself in the healthiest way possible. Not only will we switch towards a decreased amount of chemicals and preservatives entering our system but we will further encourage a decrease in the amount of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers ruining the environment. Hence, an organic lifestyle will ensure that you are exposed to less and less toxins and more naturally manifested living.
Read: Why you should start growing vegetables and fruits at home
According to a recent report by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) that pointed out the alarming rate at which allergic asthma has increased over the past 50 years and that this is caused by a dietary shift, they argue that adopting an organic lifestyle can benefit us in the form of a stronger immune system that aids the reduction of allergies and health problems such as obesity, heart disease and so on.
All in all, the pros outweigh the cons for making consciously healthier lifestyle choices so we’ve compiled a list of organic substitutes in Karachi.
1. Organic Tea from Tangeloes:
The love for tea is endless for some people living in Karachi. However, the mainstream tea we consume is filled with preservatives, colouring and some teabags are even treated with epichlorohydrin, a plastic that helps to keep the bags from breaking that can greatly impact our health. Organic teas on the other hand are grown from organic soil and compost free from harmful herbicides and pesticides. Tangeloes is a Karachi-based health and beauty company that sells only organic products and their assortment of teas include a heart-warming blend of flowers, herbs and teas.
Check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/tangeloes/
2. Hormone-free cheese from Karacheese:
Pizzas, pastas, pies … cheese can sometimes be an inevitable component of our diet so why not have cheese that’s actually good for you? It may be hard to believe but ‘artisanal’ or handcrafted cheese is packed in nutrients that are actually good for you. Karacheese (Karachi cheese) is an artisanal cheese company based in Karachi that uses hormone-free, chemical-free and preservative-free milk as well as Halal, vegetarian rennet (enzyme used to curdle milk) in their cheeses. They have a wide selection of international cheeses such as English Cheddar, Pepperjack, Italian Asiago, Swiss Alp Kasë among many others that they produce locally and organically. The cheeses are even salted with pure Himalayan rock salt!
Check out their page at: https://www.instagram.com/karacheese/?hl=en
3. Organic hygiene and beauty products from Neco’s:
Personal care items impact our health and well being greatly because factory made products are not only toxic for the environment but they also cause skin problems that lead us to expensive visits to the dermatologist. What we allow on our bodies determines our health significantly due to the fact that products that have heavy components of chemicals can lead to skin disorders and magnesium poisoning (in factory-made skin whitening products.) Neco’s Natural Store and Cafe sells organic products for skincare, lip care and hair care that are worth trying!
Check out their page at: https://www.facebook.com/necosnaturalstoreandcafe/
4. Hygienic, naturally grown fruits and vegetables from Fresh Basket:
Market fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides to keep them fresh and away from bug infestation. However, this pesticide exposure has time and again been linked to pregnancy issues and infertility. Naturally grown fruits and vegetables are more fresh, packed with higher levels of nutrients and a lower amount of toxins. Fresh Basket is a Karachi based shop that sells fresh fruits, dry fruits and roots that are all grown organically and are pesticide free! They deliver to your address as well making the painstaking experience of standing in the markets during this heatwave much easier.
Check out their website at: http://freshbasket.com.pk/
5. Healthy meals from Bean & Peanut:
Karachi is one of the busiest cities of Pakistan. Most people who are working tend to succumb to their work routines and turn to ordering food from preservative and chemical packed restaurants that results in an overall stressful and unhealthy lifestyle. Bean & Peanut is a health food catering service dedicated not only to making your life easier during lunchtime at work but also significantly healthier with the organic ingredients that they use! They deliver macro calculated and calorie counted meals with updated meal plans every week. If you are finding it hard to switch to an organic diet because you don’t trust your own cooking skills then this is definitely a great option for you.
Check out their page at: https://www.instagram.com/beanandpeanutkhi/?hl=en
