I'm sure you have read a lot about the problems with fresh spinach and lettuce over the past month or so and it is time to separate some of the fact from rumor that has been spread in the press.

There were four fields farmed in San Benito and Monterey counties in California, that were irrigated with contaminated irrigation water, containing manure from cattle that were infected with a strain of e.Coli bacteria (strain O157:H7), that causes harm to the intestines - the usual symptom is bloody diarrhea.  Healthy adults can usually overcome the infection without antibiotics, but young, aged, or infirm patients need medical attention and all patients benefit from correct diagnosis and antibiotic treatment where appropriate.

The four fields confirmed to be contaminated are not currently being used to grow new crops but that does not mean that the underlying issues have been solved.  The FDA points out in its 10/12/06 news release that contamination of spinach, lettuce, and other leafy green vegatables is an ongoing problem.

Since leafy green vegetables are an important source of vitamins and minerals, what are our alternatives for providing our families with essential nutrients? 

1. You can be more selective about where you buy your produce:  Buy from local farms, preferably organic farms, where you can find out how the farmer gets his irrigation water and what kinds of fertilizers are used.  Avoid farms that have fields located near where livestock is used, or that use fresh manure.

2. Wash your vegetables - just because the bag says the vegetables were already washed doesn't guarantee they are clean.  Unfortunately, you can get sick from only 2 dozen e.Coli bacteria so point 1 is more than point 2.

3. Saute spinach in a little oil and garlic. There is some loss of nutrients but a great increase in safety.  You will probably eat more spinach if it is sauteed so this will offset some of the nutrient loss.

4. Add sea vegetables to your diet.  Sea vegetables from cold-water ocean seabeds away from highly populated coastal areas can contribute important nutrients and if you get them from a reliable source that provides ongoing quality control and lab testing of both their raw materials and finished product, you can be confident you are providing your family with good safe nutrition.

Seasilver combines 7 different kinds of sea vegetables, from cold-water ocean seabeds away from densely populated areas, along with aloe vera, pau d'Arco, grapes, cranberries, and black cherry, to provide your family with important nutrients in a delicious liquid form.  All ingredients that go into Seasilver undergo strict quality control and the finished product is also quality tested in Seasilver's quality control lab.

You can try Seasilver for your family 24 hours a day by calling the customer service line at 888-814-4077 - take advantage of the 60 day satisfaction guarantee.