Thursday, May 17, 2007

WHY SHIFT TO MUSCOVADO SUGAR?

THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF REFINED WHITE SUGAR TO OUR HEALTH1

Refined White Sugar which we commonly use in our daily drinks and food intake can be considered as an unnatural chemical, because through the refining process it is stripped of all the natural food nutrients that are originally in its plant form. During the refining process, 64 food elements are destroyed including potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphate, sulfate, and Vitamins A, B and D.

According to medical journals and other publications, the effects are not immediately visible but over a period of prolong use it can cause serious harm to the human body. White sugar is the leading cause or contribute to:

  1. Periodontal disease - cavities in teeth, bleeding gums, failure of bone structure, and loss of teeth
  2. Obesity and Weight Gain
  3. Depression, Mental illness, and Senility
  4. Hyperactivity, Anxiety and Loss of Concentration among adults and children
  5. Headaches and Migraines
  6. Heart Disease, Arteriosclerosis, and Hypertension
  7. Formation of Kidney Stones
  8. Arthritis
  9. Diabetes
  10. Cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, ovaries or prostate
  11. Suppression of the Immune SystemMajor Contributor to the Aging Process


THE BENEFITS OF MUSCOVADO SUGAR TO OUR HEALTH

Muscovado Sugar is a soft brown sugar made from pure juice extracted from sugarcane that undergone a natural process of cooking. It is commonly known as “binate” in Batangas, “pardo” in the province of Cavite, and “ginaok” in the part of Quezon. It is considered the best sweeterner for coffee and milk, and good for cooking and baking.

It contains 85% to 96.5% sucrose, which gives energy to the body and retains all of sugar cane's vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper and iron2.

Muscovado is considered a healthy alternative since there are no chemicals added during production, unlike white, refined sugar.


Therefore, shift now to healthy lifestyle and use Muscovado Sugar!


MUSCOVADO SUGAR…


Sugar for Healthy Lifestyle!




[1] Sources:
“Sixty ways Sugar affect your health”. Health Revolution.
http://www.healthrevolution.co.za/harmful_food/sugar.htm. Accessed Jan. 12, 2007.
“The Hazards of Refined Sugar…to the Mind and Body”.
www.everlastinglife.net. Accessed Jan. 12, 2007.
[2] http://candy.buyerreports.org/1-3580501-B000KNXBAI-Muscovado_Sugar_12_Kg_11.html

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

MAMANG-OS FESTIVAL: A Successful Celebration for the Farmers of Western Batangas

The first ever MAMANG-OS FESTIVAL: Matam-Is Na Katas Ng Kasipagan, a celebration of the harvest season of sugarcane in Western Batangas, was an enormous success last May 5, 2007 at Tuy, Batangas! “Mamang-os” is a Filipino word for chewing/ eating sugarcane which is commonly practiced by locals.

The one day celebration of the Mamang-os Festival showcased different local initiatives promoting entrepreneurial activities through the Exhibit of SME Products in Western Batangas, where different organizations and cooperatives set up booths presenting their local products and services.

Moreover, it also raised awareness on the emerging trends and development in the sugar industry; and highlighted the value of the sugar industry to the local economy, through the Sugarcane Photo Exhibit, where pictures illustrating the local sugarcane farming activities in Western Batangas were exhibited and the D’ Bash – audio visual presentation of different information and trivia about the sugar industry.

Likewise, the Mamang-os Festival was not just enlightening but it also provided fun and laughter to the small farmers through the Mamang-os Entertainment and Games - Sugarcane relays, “Sipsipin Mo ang Tamis!” (Sugarcane Eating Contest) and Patibayan ng Ngipin (Sugarcane Peeling Contest). The Court Dancing Competition - Group of dancers creatively presented through dance and exhibitions the message of the Mamang-os Festival, also provided color and excitement to the occasion.

One of the major highlights of the festivity was the presence of Lipa Mayor and Batangas Governor Candidate – Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto. She gave an inspirational message in support of the small farmers of Western Batangas and the sugar industry. Other guests include Cong. Eileen Ermita-Buhain, Vice Governor Candidate - Edwin Ermita and Ms Remedios Rikken from Abanse! Pinay. The festival was participated by different local organizations and cooperatives in the six municipalities of Western Batangas – Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lian, Nasugbu and Tuy, and government agencies such as DAR, DOT and the Local Government of Tuy. The event was organized by Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Inc. – CABALICATAN Project in cooperation with the Municipality of Tuy, Batangas.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Sugar for a Healthy Lifestyle

It is the only upgraded muscovado mill in the province that produces quality muscovado products and aims to secure the income of farmers in Western Batangas, Philippines.