Why Eat Organic Food? The Benefits of Organic Food and the Dangers of
Non-Organic Food
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It is hardly surprising that chemicals strong enough to
kill insects and plant infections can be harmful to the
human body and environment. There are literally hundreds of
permitted pesticides, insectisides, fungicides, hormones,
antibiotics and other chemical additives present in
non-organic food, not to mention food additives and
flavourings introduced after cultivation and in food
processing. All important reasons for eating organic food.
Over 3,000 high-risk toxins are present in the US food
supply, which by law are excluded from organic food. These
include 73 pesticides classified by the Environmental
Protection Agency as potential carcinogens. Pesticides also
leak into the water supply - for example, a 1996 study by
the Environmental Working Group found 96 per cent of all
water samples taken from 748 towns across the US contained
the pesticide atrazine.
Toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury enter the
food supply through industrial pollution of soil and
groundwater and through machinery used in the processing
and packaging of foods. For example, lead solder used to
seal tin cans imparts residue into the food, despite the
adversity to health. Cadmium has links with lung, prostate
and testicular cancer and mercury is toxic to brain cells
and has been linked to autism and Alzheimer's disease.
Heavy metals damage nerve function, block haemoglobin
production causing anaemia and contribute to lower IQ and
diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Organic food
safe-guard's against toxic metals.
Solvents are also used in commercially processed foods
which can damage white blood cells, lowering immune
defence. Further, the solvents benzene and toluene, have
known links with numerous cancers.
Produce imported from developing countries may contain
agrochemicals that have been outlawed in developed
countries.
<b>Cell health</b>
Other agricultural chemicals have been found to be
deleterious to cell health, such as PCP (pentachlorophenol)
that can cause DNA fragmentation in animals, as well as
numerous other chemicals found to damage cellular membranes
and negatively effect the functioning of mitochondria.
These include the insecticide endosulfan and the herbicide
paraquat, as well as chemicals 2-4-D, prathion and dinoseb.
Pesticides such as chlopyrifos, endrin and fenthion have
been shown to over stimulate certain enzymes involved in
chemical signalling, causing imbalance that has been linked
to inflammatory conditions, psoriasis and atherosclerosis.
<b>Children at risk</b>
Organic foods may be vitally important to protect children
from the damaging effects of these toxic contaminants. Two
separate reports, from the Natural Resources Defence
Council (1989) and the Environmental Working Group (1998),
revealed that millions of American children were exposed to
levels of pesticides from food that exceeded limits
considered to be safe. These include neuro-toxins that can
be hazardous to the developing brain and nervous system, as
well as potential carcinogens that some researchers believe
can be a particular risk to children and adolescents during
periods of high growth and breast development. The Benefits
of Organic Foods
Organic fruits and vegetables grown from clean, natural
soil with a rich and balanced mineral content, are not only
free from chemical contaminants, but win hands down with
regard to flavour and offer a fuller range of nutrients.
Non-organic equivalents contain more water and less
vitamins and minerals. Danish research published in the
August 2003 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry revealed significantly higher amounts of
flavonoids in the urine and blood samples of those on an
organically-grown as opposed to conventionally-grown diet.
<b>10 reasons to go organic</b>.
The Soil Association, a UK-based registered charity and
organic certifying body, lists 10 reasons for going
organic. These are:
1. To protect future generations
2. To pay the real cost of real food
3. To have an independent guarantee
4. to protect water quality
5. To enjoy greater flavour and nutrition
6. To keep chemicals off your plate
7. To reduce global warming and save energy
8. To prevent soil erosion
9. To help small farmers
10. To help restore biodiversity
<b>12 Best and Worst Non-Organic Foods:</b>
It might not always be possible to get the organically
grown fruit and vegetables you desire, in which case, the
Environmental Working Group have highlighted the 12
cleanest and 12 riskiest non-organic foods as listed below.
12 Cleanest non-organic foods:
Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn
(though avoid genetically modified corn), Kiwi, Mangoes,
Onions, Papaya, Pineapples, Peas
12 riskiest non-organic foods:
Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Grapes, Nectarines,
Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries
<b>Organic superfoods</b>
As well as changing to organic food in your diet, be sure
to add plenty of superfoods! Superfoods are the kings and
queens of the plant kingdom with miraculous benefits - the
most potent, anti aging, antioxidant rich, nutrient dense,
disease fighting, beautifying, immune boosting, mood
enhancing foods on the planet!
These include organic vegetables like spinach and brocolli
that may already feature in your diet, to more unusual
foods, like bee pollen, goji berries or coconut oil.
Organic coconut oil can actually speed up your metabolism
and help you loose weight! It is also anti-microbial and
fights against bacteria, viruses and funghi. There are
numerous other superfoods, from the more common to unusual
members of the plant kingdom.
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MIRACLE SUPERFOODS
http://www.miracle-superfoods.com
THE PINK DRINK
http://www.the-pink-drink.com
NATURAL NUTRITION FOR DOGS AND CATS
http://www.pet-nutrition-guide.com
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