|
8 Dec
|
Posted by admin
|
What does it mean to go organic? Why is it so important? Organic produce is grown without using pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a government-approved certifier inspects the farm to make sure it meets the U.S.D.A.’s organic standards. Foreign chemicals in the body, like the ones on non-organic foods are called xenobiotics.
Live longer
Foreign chemicals like pesticides can generate free radicals in the body. These cause damage to cells, proteins and DNA, which allow normal cells to function improperly and die prematurely. When we maintain a clean internal and external environment, including reducing stress, and exercising, we feel better. The World Health Organization has found that vegetables produced today have 5-40% less minerals than those produced 50 years ago. Organic farms are typically smaller and more conscious of soil repletion; therefore the food is higher quality.
Stronger immune system
Xenobiotics are known to decrease our immune system. Those who have higher levels in their body tend to exhibit symptoms of allergies, chronic infections, auto-immunity, and cancers. Often missed, the first sign of being highly toxic is allergy symptoms, or an infection that lasts longer than usual.
Reduce your cancer risk
Pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. These chemicals taken into our bodies in small amounts each day accumulate in our tissues. They cause free radical damage and decrease our anti-oxidant stores leaving our cells vulnerable.
Healthier nervous system
Pesticides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers are known to affect the nervous system. They can cause “brain fog” or toxic encephalopathy. This is a condition that is characterized by lack of mental clarity, difficulty making decisions, getting things done, and forgetfulness. Xenobiotics can also cause damage to the myelin coating on our nerves, changes to our coordination, numbness and tingling of our hands and feet.
Balanced hormones
Xenobiotics are well known for affecting the endocrine system. They can have an increasing estrogen effect, which can cause more PMS, painful periods, cause fibroids, cancer. Some cause a decreasing testosterone effect, which can alter our mood, energy level and sex drive. They also disturb the thyroid hormones, which can cause weight changes, appetite changes, disturb sleep and affect hair growth. Reproductive health is also affected.
Eat food that tastes better
Let the feasting commence! It makes sense that as beings of nature, pure natural organic foods in our mouth taste better. Washington State University researchers proved that organic berries were consistently judged as sweeter. The latest research verifies that organic foods are lower in nitrates and these foods are then higher in antioxidants. Many gourmet chefs across the nation use organic foods because they believe they taste superior to conventionally grown foods.
Get more nutrition per bite
Why waste our time eating foods that don’t nourish us? The World Health Organization has found that vegetables produced today have 5-40% less minerals than those produced 50 years ago. Organic farms are typically smaller and more conscious of soil repletion; therefore the food is higher quality. Now research is showing us how organic food is more nutritious. When soil is fed organic matter rather than ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers, the food actually contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals, according to the 2005 study by Organic Center State of Science Review. More recently, University of California, Davis researchers found that organic tomatoes had higher levels of phytochemicals and vitamin C than conventional tomatoes.
Be kind to your children….and their children
Unfortunately, these chemicals in the soil, and on our food are cumulative in our bodies. Most are stored in our fat tissue. The more we come in contact with them, the higher our body levels or “body burden.” In addition, this level of toxicity is then passed on to our children through the woman’s womb. Studies show that infants are exposed in utero to many agricultural and industrial chemicals. They found them in mothers’ blood serum, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid and placenta. One study of Seattle preschoolers looked at urine samples and found the residues of organophosphorus, from insecticides, in 99% of children tested. The one child that had no pesticides had only been fed organic foods. This prompted a further study which determined that children that ate conventional foods had 9 times higher levels than those who ate 75% of their diet organic.
Help the environment downstream
Over 400 pesticides and herbicides are currently licensed for use on food crops, every year over 2.5 billion pounds are dumped on croplands, forests, lawns, and fields. Farming with synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides poisons more than just those farmers that work with them. The downstream effect causes dead zones in our oceans, algae overgrowth in our streams, rivers and bays. According to Science magazine, August 2002, the Gulf of Mexico has a dead zone of over 22,000 square kilometers. This hence affects the entire ecosystem.
Conscious eating
Supporting local organic farms does more than keep revenue in your city or town. It keeps your environment cleaner, less toxic. Local farm workers stay healthier. Organic farming also uses 30% less energy. Enjoy your local organic farmers fruits and vegetables and know that your money is helping not only you but also all those who touched the food and live on or near the land on which it was grown.
Author Bio:
Dr. Wendy Wells is a Scottsdale naturopathic in Arizona. She is well versed on all things organic, the HCG diet and much more.
| Category: Nutrition, Personal Diet | Tag: |
