Organic Food

Organic Food - Hype or Hope?

The big debate on organic food is still ongoing. 

Story at-a-glance

• “Organic Food — Hype or Hope?” analyzes the benefits of organically grown foods. A problem common to many organic farmers is pesticide drift from neighbors growing their crops using conventional methods
• Pendimethalin keeps showing up in organic produce sampled in Germany, and has become a particularly difficult problem as organic farmers whose wares test positive for it cannot meet Germany’s strict organic rules
• If the European Union decides to impose even stricter limits on pesticide residues in organics, drift will prevent many organic farmers from qualifying for organic certification altogether
• Hundreds of studies have shown organic foods contain fewer detectable pesticides than conventional and higher levels of certain nutrients, especially antioxidants, which are important for health and disease prevention
• Studies have also shown organic farming is better for the environment and human health, provides unique social benefits and is more profitable for the farmer

Tips For A Healthy New Year

Healthy Eating Choices For 2016

Christmas is a time for indulgence for many but also a time for reflection of what we want to change in the new year.  Since being healthy is the most important aspect of our life, why not consider a more healthy approach to consumerism.  Here are a few tips on how to eat organic, cooking your own food and where possible even grow your own food.  Shopping wisely need not be expensive, it is about knowing what you want to eat and shopping accordingly rather than being guided by what you see in the shop.

• Cook your own meals at home, ideally from scratch (including growing as much of your own food as possible)
• Upgrade your baking by swapping out coconut flour for wheat flour, butter for margarine, pureed fruits and veggies for sugar, and coconut oil for vegetable oil
• Choose meat that’s pastured (grass-fed) and organic; avoid processed meats

Four Foods You Must Buy Organic

Buying organic is expensive but it pays off in the end as the article shows:

• One of the strongest selling points for eating organic food is the fact that doing so can significantly lower your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals used in conventional agriculture
• Both the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and a US Endocrine Society task force warn that pesticides pose a major threat to human health, and should be avoided by everyone
• Recent studies confirm that eating an organic diet can significantly reduce your toxic load

What Happens When You Switch To Organic Food

This article caught my eye as it highlights the effects of organic food on the body and well-being.  A switch that reduces pesticide exposure in adults by 90 percent has to make you think.

 Results of Switching To Organic Food