Organic Foods are a Healthy Choice
Chemical and Antibiotic Free Foods can Make a Difference in Health
Nov 25, 2008
To be organic, a plant needs to be free of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals, while meats need to be free of antibiotics and growth hormones. The animals are fed without the use of byproducts, and most animals are raised naturally and have the room to roam freely.
Eat Organic for Better Health and Taste
Some people eat organic simply for the taste. They believe that dry, organic meats have a better flavor and are tenderer than non-organic meats.
Others eat organic for the health benefits. Organic meats tend to contain a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids compared to their corn-fed animal counterparts.
Without pesticides or fertilizers used in growing plants there are fewer free radicals that can harm a person’s body as well. According to the Pesticide Action Network, pesticides can increase the risk of autism, delay puberty and cause birth defects among other things.
A few of the most important foods to eat organically are strawberries, rice, apples, bell peppers and bananas due to the large amounts and different types of pesticides often used. Milk is another because of the growth hormone that many of the dairy farms inject into its cows.
Eating organic can go beyond the usual fruits, vegetables and meats that many people think of. Grains, milk, tea and oils can be found in the organic section as well.
One new craze is hemp, an organic grain found in the form of seeds, oil, butter, powder and milk. Hemp is believed to be beneficial in disease prevention and nutrition, and can be used alone or mixed into a favorite recipe.
According to Manitoba Harvest Hemp, one of the leading organic hemp retailers, the products are beneficial in treating certain cancers, can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and can help to decrease the effects of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Another trend is organic tea. Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate is grown in the rainforest, and each leaf contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and many antioxidants. Yerba Mate is said to induce mental clarity, sustain energy levels and reduce fatigue, as well as aid in weight control and fight bad breath.
Eating Organic is Easy
With the creation of purely organic sections, many grocery stores are taking hold of this new trend and making it easier for the public to eat organic.
There does however tend to be a price difference between many organic and non-organic items due to the way they were grown or treated.
If the price is a problem, think about growing organic foods at home. Vegetables like tomatoes and peppers are great right off the vine, but they can be canned as well and eaten all year long. Fruits such as strawberries and blueberries can also be cleaned, frozen and enjoyed long after they are grown.
The good news is that people growing fresh groceries at home will know exactly how the foods were cultivated and won’t have to worry about pesticides and other bad products ending up in their meals.
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