The Benefits Of Organic Food For Your Health

Organic food health benefits are debated more than ever. With people demanding to buy organic food more, researchers are tying to find the benefits and risks of eating organically.

Sometimes researchers have said that the organic food health benefits are really nonexistent, while with other studies, multiple benefits have been found. By researching organic foods, a person can find the real story about organic food health benefits.

Organic food health benefits may begin with the debate of the nutrition level of certified organic food versus regularly grown food. Depending on what information is read, different information is given.

According to the research on organic food that the New York Times did in 2003, their report was that "recent preliminary evidence suggests that the levels of certain nutrients, especially vitamin C, some minerals and some polyphenols -- naturally occurring antioxidants that may help bolster the immune system -- are higher in organically grown crops."

This comment alone reinforces such food health benefits that a person can gain by eating fresh organic food.

Outside organic growing, many farmers, in order to have their plants grow larger and more bountiful, add pesticides and toxins. Such food health benefits stem from the lack of these toxins and pesticides.

Pesticides have been linked to making people ill, and can cause a person to avoid fresh vegetables that are needed for an overall healthy diet. Toxins in the body can cause problems such as headaches and tremors.

Because organic food health benefits help reduce the risk of these undesirable benefits, natural and organic food should be definitely taken into consideration when choosing foods.

One particular such food health benefit occurs when the additives that are found in almost all foods are not used. Organic food production prohibits the use of food additives such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and hydrogenated fat.

This in itself is excellent for all people but especially children. The less artificial sweeteners that children can be exposed to the better according to most doctors.

Organic food health benefits are numerous. Debates rage as to what exact benefits organically grown food can offer the public. Some claim that the nutrient levels are higher, others say they are the same.

But one thing is for sure. Organically grown food offers little to no pesticides, and this can help everyone be healthier. No matter whether studies are right in linking certain ailments to pesticides or not, even children can gain from such food health benefits.

Because of the lack of artificial ingredients, children can be healthier and happier. This fact alone is enough to make anyone start enjoying fresh organic food.

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Organic Food

Organic food is generally considered to be produced without the use of artificial fertilisers, without synthetic pesticides or antibiotics, hormones or other growth promoters. There are thus standards to which organic food is produced, traditionally on small family run farms, but there are some larger operations emerging since evidence has emerged that organic farming is more environmentally friendly and more sustainable that many contemporary farming techniques. There are also benefits for the people who eat organic farm produce.

The advantages of organic food for the consumer include higher nutritional levels, and over the long term studies have found the health benefits to be substantial. It is perhaps for this reason that organic baby food has become very popular. A university of Washington study found that preschool children fed regular diets had six times more metabolised organophosphate pesticides in their bodies than children who had been fed on organic diets. Organic fruit vegetables and juices as a part of a healthy balanced diet can considerably reduce exposure to harmful pesticides.

When shopping for organic foods to complete the cooking formulas of your favourite organic food recipes, look out for the organic certification of a product. The certification of organic food is done to protect the consumer in the growing market for organic foods. This prevents a producer from defrauding a consumer, or tricking you into eating what you don’t want to. There are, however, various certification bodies with different criteria, so this should be kept in mind. Also remember that the certification of a product is primarily a marketing drive by the producer, who is trying to get you to buy the product.

When visiting an organic food shop, sometimes called a health food store, you will notice that the prices seem slightly inflated. These organic food suppliers ask more for their products because most of the time the farm that supplies them is a small scale operation. This means that the cost cutting benefits of mass production are usually not applicable to organic foods. Consumers who value the ethics and benefits of organic food are usually willing to pay a bit extra for their organic groceries.

In the United States the sales in organic foods have increased between 17 and 20 percent over the past few years, while so called conventional products have seen a considerably lesser growth of 2 to 3 percent over the same period.

There has even been an increasing trend amongst those who enjoy spoiling their pets to such a degree that they are bying organic dog food. According to the Organic Trade Association, sales in organic pet foods have risen to three times the growth rate of organic products made for human consumption.

Organic food is far healthier that non organic

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marius_Bezuidenhout

What's the Deal with Organic Foods? Part 1

Organic Food: Ten Foods You Should Definitely Buy (Organic) for Your Young Children

I believe successful computing also involves successful health management. So you will receive articles like this one periodically interspersed between computing articles. Poor health produces poor computing.

1. Baby Foods: A 1995 report found 16 pesticides in approximately half the non-organic baby food samples.

2. Rice: In California, rice fields have been sprayed with so much pesticide that the groundwater has become contaminated.

3. Strawberries: 500 pounds of pesticide an acre is sprayed on non-organic strawberries.

4. Cereal grains: 90% of tested non-organic wheat cereals were found with pesticides according to a 1994 U.S. Food and Drug Administration report.

5. Corn products: Processed foods containing corn (e.g. popcorn and corn chips) were among the top 15 foods most likely to expose children to unsafe doses of organophosphate pesticides.

6. Bananas: Non-organic bananas from Central and South America are produced using benomyl (linked to birth defects) and chloropyrifos (neurotoxin).

7. Green Beans: A 1993 report found that 7 percent of the non-organic beans imported from Mexico contained residues of illegal pesticides.

8. Peaches: A recent US report stated that 5% of the non-organic peach crop was TOO contaminated for children to eat.

9. Apple juice: Non-organic apple juice ranks second highest for organophosphate residues.

10. Grapes and raisins: They very well may be the most pesticide polluted fruit in North America.

With these statistics, we must become more vigilant about what we feed our children and ourselves. This kind of contamination can undoubtedly inhibit the healthy growth of our children.

Olan Butler is the Chief Architect of BHO Technologists, a computer productivity & organization software provider http://www.bhotechnologists.com with headquarters in Kansas City. Olan also provides Computer Services in the Kansas City area. Join his FREE newsletter "Computing Success Secrets" for a steady stream of computer and life benefit tips. You'll be glad you did!

Why Does My Organic Food Last Longer?

I have been asked 'Why does my organic food last longer?' So, let's take a look into this and I'll even give you tips to make your food last longer.

Organic food and conventional foods are not grown the same way. Organic farming is regulated and is more in line with the traditional methods. Here no synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers are used. Sewage sludge is not permitted, nor are irradiation and genetically modified foods used.

Instead, the organic farmer works in unison with the land and the soil. He recognizes that the soil is alive. He knows that healthy soil is full of nutrients and that plants grown in this soil then are healthy and full of nutrients.

And it is this thinking that represents a major difference between the two methods of farming. Conventional methods often leave the soil severely depleted of nutrients, making the plants unhealthy and susceptible to pests and disease.

Organic produce does not miraculously defy the life cycle and defeat decay. No, it just has a better start. To accurately determine which growing method would produce plants that lasted longer, you would need to pick straight from each field - the organic and the non-organic. Take them both home and then see which lasts longer.

But, before you go ahead and do that consider that the most nutrient content from your produce would be from fresh produce. This is true for both growing methods. So ideally you would be eating your fruits and vegetables well before the point of decay.

To maintain the life of your tomatoes longer, buy 'tomatoes on the vine'. The vine is able to maintain the tomato longer so you will get to keep them longer. This works for organic and non-organic alike.

When buying bananas, don't choose the green ones. Chances are that they were picked so yearly in their life cycle that they may well never get 'ripe'. Instead select bananas well on the way to being ripe or with very little green left on the peeling.

Buy the healthiest looking vegetables for these would be the most alive and with the most nutrients. And ideally, select organic whenever you can.

Doris Temple created http://mom-going-organic-sensibly.com to fill the need for unbiased information. The Website provides information about organic food, products and healthy nutrition. Sign up for a free monthly email newsletter (ezine) to get the answers you need and keep updated: http://www.mom-going-organic-sensibly.com/ezine-signup.html

Grow Raw Food Organically and Get Healthy!

When considering a diet that is high in nutritional value and low in preservatives and additives, you should consider an organic raw food diet. Raw food has become the focus of many people's diets, and for good reason. Raw veggies are richer in nutrients and fiber, and the nutrients are in the forms that are most easily digested by the human body. Factor in an organic growing environment to that equation and you have a diet rich and dense in everything that tastes good and is good for you, without the downside of chemical or genetic contamination.

The basis of eating any raw food diet is avoiding cooking away the vitamins, minerals and beneficial enzymes. The food is eaten just as it is harvested.

But you better ask yourself- how is that food grown? If grown on a factory farm, the raw foods nutritional value should come into question.

Most large scale commercial farming companies follow a strict petrochemical regime to both protect and enhance their crops, some of which are grown from Genetically Modified seeds. These chemicals and genetic modifications are designed to keep the plants free of bugs and to help them grow bigger in size. The problem with that method is that the pesticides are poisons that don't wash completely off, and most of the size enhancement is caused by water bloat. These chemicals are used on everything -- carrots, tomatoes, apples, pears, anything grown by a large farm for the supermarket chains. So even though you are consuming the food in its most natural state you are also taking in all of those chemicals, causing all sorts of havoc in human and animal bodies. Pesticide residue has been linked to many childhood ailments and chronic adult diseases, including cancer. Genetically modified corn has now been linked to organ damage in humans, and to Bee Colony Collapse Disorder. Vets have also correlated a distinct uptick in pet cancer rates since the introduction of genetically modified corn into pet foods. Chemicals and genetically modified foods should not be a part of our diet.

But organic food bought at the supermarket or at a health food store can be pricey, and since it's transported a great distance it's not as fresh as it could be.

What's the solution? Grow Raw Food yourself, in your own organic garden. Even if you only have a patio or balcony, you can still grow much of your own raw food.

The benefits are enormous. The raw food you harvest out of your own garden is fresh picked the day you use it, rather than picked days, or even weeks before you buy it, like the supermarket versions! The raw food you harvest out of your own garden requires nothing more than your two feet to transport it to your kitchen. And the raw food you harvest hasn't been processed in a huge packing plant and subject to contamination with e coli or salmonella. Best of all, organic fruits and vegetables aren't polluted with pesticides, and are nutritionally dense since they're not bloated with water. Organic fruits and vegetables taste better, especially when fresh picked from your own garden.

So if you want a healthy raw diet, grow your own raw food organically.

Learn more now about how to grow raw food organically and improve your health!

BJ Novack has been growing organic food since the 1970's, and blogs about achieving an environmentally sound lifestyle.

Organic Food Benefits - Why Eating Organic is Better For You

A four year European Union funded study highlighting organic food benefits, found that organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants and organic produce had higher levels of beneficial minerals like zinc and iron. Organic juices, for example, have far more antioxidants than their conventional counterparts. However, the findings from this study only confirmed what most people regard as commonsense- foods grown in mineral rich soil with natural fertilizers and no chemicals, simply have to be more nutritious. Many of the pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and other chemicals used in conventional food production have been linked to cancer, immune suppression and a host of other degenerative diseases that accompany immune suppression.

What Types of Organic Foods Are Best

Simply put, you should stick with foods that come directly from nature. Your vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, and grains should be in their natural, unadulterated form or as close to it as possible. The bulk of your organic purchases should focus on vegetables and fruits. When buying meat, eggs, and dairy products, make sure that these are from animals that are pastured or grass-fed and not from confining, factory farms.

Meat, eggs, and dairy products from pastured animals will give you the best organic food benefits. When compared to feed-lot, confining factory farm commercial products, they offer you more "good" fats, and fewer "bad" fats. They are richer in antioxidants; including vitamins E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. In addition, they do not contain traces of added hormones, antibiotics or other drugs.

Be aware that not all organic foods are created equal; the organic label has been greatly compromised in recent years. Consequently, you have to be very leery of major super centers and supermarkets which have been adding their compromised version of organic foods to their shelves. Potato chips and sodas are still bad for you regardless of whether or not they are labeled organic and you cannot get any organic food benefits from eating them. The organic food industry is a huge multi-billion dollar business and many unscrupulous manufacturers are simply out take advantage of people's desires to eat healthier and live healthier lives by placing compromised or outright false versions of organic products on grocery shelves.

Genetically Modified Foods Disguised as Organic

You also have to be aware of organic food that is genetically modified. You will not get any organic food benefits from genetically modified foods disguised as organic. This is outright deception. By some estimates as much as seventy percent of the foods that are available to us today are genetically modified. The best way to be sure you are not purchasing organic food that is genetically modified is to look for the USDA seal. The USDA organic seal ensures that growers of organic produce adhere to very strict organic standards in their farming practices. Manufacturers who use this seal also have to adhere to these strict organic standards.

Another way to determine if you are buying genetically modified food is to look at the PLU code. Genetically modified foods have 5 digits beginning with #8. For example, GM orange 84072. Foods that are organically grown have 5 digits starting with #9. For example, organic orange 94231. Foods that are conventionally grown have a four digit code. For example, conventionally grown orange 4057.

The Environmental Working Group published the findings of a study in which they identified produce with the highest and lowest levels of pesticides. This should help you make smarter choices as you shop for food. If you are concerned about organic food benefits you should avoid thin skinned produce such as peaches, nectarines, strawberries, celery, bell peppers, kale, lettuce, grapes, carrots and pear as these have the highest pesticide residues.

If you are buying conventionally grown produce here are your best choices provided they are not genetically modified: onion, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato.

Did you find this article on organic food benefits useful?

For more tips on eating well and getting a lean, healthy body go to http://www.bodyhealthcomplete.com

Organic Food History and Current Trends

Farming practices used before the 1900's are classed as organic. It was only after this that added chemicals such as urea and DDT were brought into farming - previous to this, farmers didn't have the knowledge and simply put, were happy enough with things as they were; as most of us today would be. After all, home grown food is often the nicest, most tasty food we put on our plates.

For some reason, during the 1960's and 1970's the concept of organic food became a separate entity to the 'normal' food we were then buying. Consumers had been effectively duped into believing that what they were buying, was food as nature intended, it not appreciating that the chemicals which were added during growth of the 'normal stuff' were what actually made the food abnormal in the first place.

Rachel Carson, a prominent writer, biologist and ecologist established public awareness of these issues via 'Silent Spring', a book she wrote which basically brought about major controversy on the use of agricultural chemicals and synthetic pesticides in particular. As a direct result of this book, and the growing concern over the use of farm chemicals which consumers were suddenly more aware of, chemical regulation procedures were put into place, and when the demand for organically grown food rose, so did the need for further regulatory procedures to cut down on the ecologically destructive and toxic chemicals.

Today, organic food is finally reaching an all time high of acceptance from consumers, so its demand is increasing - more 'organically acceptable' agricultural procedures are gaining momentum, and it seems even though it is more expensive than chemically treated foodstuffs, it is healthier, and it is that health factor which is winning the battle against chemically treated consumables.

A creation of a whole new set of ideas about organic standards which first came into debate in 1990, took over ten years to refine to relative perfection, and they will still evolve as new practices come into force. It is by these standards now that, organic food and other products such as wool in the USA is grown/gathered.

All of this though begs the questions - why can't farmers just grow food without chemicals at all, why does it need regulation, and why were chemicals introduced into grown food and other consumables in the first place; I think you already know the answer though, and that's money.

In this modern technological age where farmers are in direct competition between each other to gain the bigger contracts of the supermarkets and other food retailers, they have to be cheap. They simply can't grow the vegetables (for example) as fast as the grocery store can sell them, so they have to resort to other methods to keep up, or did do at least until the consumers voice began to ring out strong and true.

Organic food is no longer a small niche in the food desires of Americans; it is becoming what everyone wants. Everyone now wants and feels the need to eat in a more healthy fashion with the onset of so many new medical conditions which prove costly as it is; a little more expense to eat something grown without strong use of chemicals (which could 'theoretically' make it worse) might mean a saving health-wise instead.

The organic food trend of today is growing ever-stronger, and not just for vegetables even though at one point organic purchases totalled over 40% of all organic buys. Meat and fish which is organically produced is still at the lowest of all food purchases, but is moving up the chain too. Dairy, bread and grain, beverages and snacks are all becoming more and more popular.

Today there are more Organic supermarkets popping up everywhere, sometimes in certain areas more than others - almost as though people in one state are more 'organic' than others but on the whole it is more of a blanket change than just a few people trying to eat in a healthier way, the amount of people eating organically is far more substantial than most realize. Suddenly people have more choice, and this is obviously because the demand is there. The world is finally going organic, and with any luck the bigger grocery store chains will have to meet this demand, rather than flood the market with low-cost chemically treated alternatives.

Carl Copeland is motivated to bringing information and resources to others regarding Food Storage, Food Safety, and Food Preparation and its benefits for everyday life. Save money by having your food last longer. More Info at http://www.Food-Storage-Info.com

Tasty Organic Food

If I asked you what is Trader Joe's? Most people wouldn't know much about it. I found the story behind this company is quite interesting. Did you know that Trader Joe's is a huge German based discount-grocery chain best known in the U.S. for no-glamour stores often located in marginal neighborhoods? Once you go and check it out most people seem to like it because it is so different from your regular neighborhood grocer. And the Germans are doing quite well with their new store concept so well that they are planning to expand to offer more stores in more locations throught the US.

If you have tried organic snack food and other organic made food you probably recall that the taste is different and sometimes too bland and not good. You really have to have some experience with organic food to know which ones will be pleasing to your palat. You should visit Trader Joe's, it's a new grocery in town that has a variety of different foods from around the world at pretty decent prices. And some of their organic snacks are delicious. Trader Joe's German store chains is owned by the company called ALdi and Aldi has such low prices with its German outlet store locations that Wal-Mart could not compete, Wal-Mart was more expensive in comparison to Aldi stores.

In the summertime you can get specially prepared meats that will save you prep-time with ready for the grill meat selections organic and non-organic like steak or beef kabobs with vegetables, frozen breaded Crab patties, orange chicken and Mahi Tuna. For some tasty snacks you can try the organic popcorn, muffins, choc chip cookies and cranberry oatmeal cookies. They also offer free samples of coffee and tea. And you should definitely try the Jasmine green tea it a family favorite.

There are three locations in Charlotte to visit: one in the university area off of Harris Blvd, Kings Drive near the downtown area and the other in the Piper Glen area off Rea Road.

Bonita Worth is a blogger at Mycarolinabuzz.com. Her blog is known as the Carolina Insider's guide to travel information for residents and newcomers of North Carolina which covers the best of both: popular destinations and exciting new product review information. If your looking for information on the North Carolina area check out her blog and share your comments and ideas.

Organic Food Versus Conventional Food

Many of us still wonder when we walk down the supermarket aisle which is the best food for the family-organic or conventional. Going organic has now become more of a trend.

Most health magazines have been quoting their experts who firmly believe that eating organic food is healthier, more nutritious and taste better. Fruits and vegetables are not laden with harmful chemicals which in turn seem to increase the incidence of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and certain birth defects.

Conventional foods are sprayed with pesticides that could contain chemicals that have been long banned. The fertilizers added are chemical based and synthetic herbicides are used to curb weed growth. These foods when consumed regularly can have a detrimental effect on the well being of a person in the long run.

Organic food is not just beneficial to the body but also to the environment. Organic farming preserves the wildlife and ecosystem. The ground water and soil are not contaminated; waste production is under control and the environment is pollution free.

Many turn to organic food because they believe it tastes better, more juicy and full-flavored and this psychologically gives them a good feeling. Organic fruits and vegetables are free from artificial coloring, flavorings and residual antibiotics. They are devoid of growth hormones and genetically modified ingredients.

Organic fruits and vegetables are costlier than conventional foods but it is a small price to pay for healthy and disease free life. Organic gardening is catching on as people want to grow their own food and in a small way help the environment.

Nayna Chakrabarty, a talented writer has her articles, anecdotes and stories published in well-known magazines and websites.

An abyss of imagination is a portal of creative ideas. It challenges its readers to think beyond the mundane world and explore a new dimension. Its vast content deals with the mystical religion of Hinduism, highlights adventurous travel hotspots with a touch of humor. The daily tips on fitness and wellness provide a new approach to healthy living. It integrates the dark side of the paranormal research with fun-loving tidbits on life. Besides entertaining it also provides a helping hand to all the creative writers and nudges them to explore their potential. So take a leap and drown into the abyss of imagination-nayna.in/blog

Buying Bulk Organic Food is a Great Way to Shop, We Save Money and it is Fresher

Bulk organic food is food which is mostly in its unrefined state, like wheat, salt, beans, corn, rice, things like these which can be stored away for months on end.

Buying bulk organic food can save us allot of money, we can even buy other bulk organic things like organic tomato paste, cereals, juice concentrates, potatoes, pretty much anything which can be stored away for a long time.

Buying things like this serves us in many different ways, first we pay less for our food we eat, even though it is all organic we still pay less because we are buying in bulk. When you buy in bulk most supermarkets and health food stores will give you a much better price then the retail price because you are buying in such a large quantity.

So for example instead of paying $4.99 for a small bag of rice, you pay $12.99 for a big bag of rice which you can make 100 times the amount you could with the $4.99 bag. I do not know the real price of rice this was just to illustrate an example.

The point is that by buying bulk organic food we save, we also eat much better. Eating food which has been prepared with fresh ingredients is better absorbed by our bodies, all the vitamins, minerals and good fibers, of the food are fresh and at their most powerful point.

Also the food tastes better, have you ever tasted a loaf of bread that just came out of the oven, just newly made. There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh baked bread and it even tastes better if the grain used to make the bread was freshly ground.

I guess one of the down sides of buying bulk is sometimes there is more work involved when making food. Many times when we buy in bulk we will by whole grains, which need to be ground, and we can buy hand grinders or machine grinders, to do the work.

The Nutrimill Grain Mill, is an electric grain mill which works very well at grinding grain, the price is a bit expensive but well worth the investment. Once you buy one of these you will always have fresh flower for baking, or cereal for cooking with.

Let me say though that it is worth the extra work involved, because the taste of fresh food is so much more enjoyable. One of the best places to buy bulk organic food is a place called azurestandard.com, they have a minimum order of $50.00 and will deliver the bulk food to many different locations. Check them out.

Acharya D Hargreaves, is a published author of two health books, Digest Alive Lose Weight and build a great body Naturally, Digest Alive The Natural Cure to Heartburn and the owner of http://www.natural-way-to-lose-weight-fast.com a website dedicated to helping overweight and obese people with their weight problems.

In his spare time he likes to do 3D modeling and work with Art and writing, Acharya D Hargreaves lives on an Organic fruit orchard with his wonderful family.

Organic Food Home Delivery – Healthy Living Right To Your Front Door

The shift in farming practices all over the world has given rise to a popularity of organic food previously unseen. Suddenly, those who were content to just “eat healthy” are now committed to eating “green.” And for those who are enthusiastic and passionate about the benefits of eating organically – its enormous health benefits and environmentally friendly farming practices – there’s no length they won’t go to maintain an organic diet. Unfortunately, going organic isn’t necessarily the easiest of feats. While some of us have access to a bevy of fresh markets and whole food stores rich in organic choices, others are limited in their shopping options. Luckily, the popularity surrounding organic food has spawned an equally attractive counterpart – the organic food home delivery.

Organic food home delivery brings a variety of organic products straight to the consumer’s door. Everything from organic fruits and vegetables to organically raised meat and poultry can now be home delivered. In this way, an organic food devotee who lives in a small town in the Midwest has the same access to organic food as someone who lives in a city. It’s the organic food enthusiasts’ way of leveling the playing field so that these specially grown products can gain a foothold and gradually replace all traditional products. Organic food home delivery allows consumers to conveniently partake in a lifestyle of eating food and using products that are chemical free. The reduction – and possible future elimination – of these chemicals could have an unforeseen impact on our health and on the environment.

Those interested in organic food home delivery can research it in a number of ways. Today, there is a growing population of organic grocers who – in an effort to make their products convenient and accessible and thereby expand their customer base – offer organic food home delivery; all it takes is a phone call or email to the store and your needed items are sent straight to your door. Other organic food home delivery services operate as an online presence, making organic foods and products available to those who may not otherwise have easy access to them.

For easy to understand, in depth information about organic food visit our ezGuide 2 Organic Food.

Why Organic? The Importance of Organic Food in a Healthy Diet

A few years ago, in a sudden wave that overtook the country, Organic became the IT thing. Celebrities touted an organic diet; designers switched to using Organic fabrics to fashion their creations; and Farmers markets were suddenly 'the place' to shop at.

For some, following this new trend seemed to be the right thing to do. For others, it may have taken a serious turn of events in their lives that lead to them switching to an organic lifestyle. Or it may have been that they read about it and wanted to learn more. Whatever the reasons, today they are more and more people switching to this healthier way of living; and its benefits can be seen by both sellers who are of course making a profit, and consumers, who are getting a wholesome, healthy diet, be it at a slightly higher price.

So, why organic and will it help?

Organic refers to food that contains no preservatives, no added chemicals, fertilizers, coloring or additives and is not genetically modified. With regards to meat, the animals are reared without any antibiotics or growth hormones.

The benefits of an organic diet are numerous. To name a few:

1. Organic food contains lower levels of pesticides - Up to 70% of pesticides which appear in conventional food are banned in the production of organic food.

2. Organic food does not have any synthetic additives- They do not have artificial food colors and flavors, preservatives, nitrates and sulphites, artificial sweeteners or monosodium glutamate (MSG). Food is preserved and sweetened naturally using substances such a honey and grape juice.

3. Organic food has significantly higher levels of nutrients - Depending on the choice of produce, organic food is shown to have higher amounts of salicylic acid and more Vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

4. Organic livestock production does not use antibiotics or growth hormones- In a lot of cases, antibiotics or growth hormones are injected into cattle to make them larger, fatter and hence deliver more meat. In organically reared cattle, they are allowed to grow and develop at their own pace, and without any synthetics injected into their system.

5. Organic food is free of Genetically Engineered (GE) ingredients - Organic farmers do not use GE seeds or irradiation methods. Instead crop rotation and use of natural compost produces a richer soil in which to grown and harvest their produce.

And so, should you go organic? The answer is a definite yes. If price is an issue, then it's best to start with selecting those items that are used on daily basis- milk, meat, bread, eggs, fruit and veggies, and then gradually ease into a fuller lifestyle as and if and when you can afford to.

Usha Krishnan Sliva

Eat Raw Organic Food For the Ultimate Detox

Having a period of detox is an attractive idea, particularly after Christmas. If you change your habits and eat Raw organic food it will lead to an initial very satisfying experience where your body expels mucus whilst it cleans out your system.

If you suffer from bad breath or have poor digestion or feel continually tired or lethargic, then chances are a detox will help.

Detox Your Digestion

If you run marathons, you know to pack your body with carbohydrates the night before. The carbo-loading gives a slow release of energy, but the digestion of it also drains energy critically needed for the race. It's a balancing act for many athletes and shows the importance of understanding the properties of the food you eat.

A cooked meal can take up to 4 days to digest completely. When you eat Raw organic food, the digestion can be roughly 30 times quicker, taking 20 minutes to 4 hours.

Consider the marathon runner who would have a lot more energy if it wasn't diverted away to digest his food. The same applies to you.

Make sure you eat food that can be digested quickly and can pass through your system, instead of causing stomach aches and constipation. This is like having a mini detox. It will boost your energy and help you sleep better.

Detox Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol comes from good and bad fats and proteins. In short, you need to cut out as much bad fat and protein whilst maintaining a healthy intake of good fats and proteins. Fats are bad once they have been cooked and have lost their nutritional value. These include saturated animal fat, and polyunsaturated fats, such as refined cooking oils. A typical American diet is high in bad fats. Proteins from meat coat our stomach with grease and cholesterol, making absorption difficult and it constipates us.

Plant cells contain proteins and their walls are made of fiber. Fiber passes through our system quickly giving us healthy, regular bowel movements. It is another example of a mini detox.

Good fats are found in avocados, almonds, olives, walnuts, flax, hemp, sesame, sunflower and other seeds. These fats are fine to eat and combined in, actually help you to lose weight.

Detox Your Acid-Alkaline Balance

Many people with acute or chronic diseases have an overly acidic body which includes sugar, fat, dairy, candy, coffee, tobacco, alcohol and synthetic vitamins. Detoxing involves neutralizing the pH in your body. The pH measures the acidity / alkalinity. You should eat raw organic food including a lot of fruit and vegetables which are more alkaline to provide that detoxing effect.

About the Author

Christine Delareya is keenly embracing the vegan lifestyle and is already feeling far more energized. She has been surprised how easy it is to cook vegan once you know what to buy and where to get it from.

Here's a site she contributes to which compares diets and features the Raw Vegan diet http://www.compare-a-diet.com/raw-vegan-diet.html

Does Organic Food Taste Better?

Taste is a matter of preference, but sometimes that preference can be universal. When the question of whether organic food tastes better is asked, it makes sense to say yes. It may be subtle, but since organic food is grown in well balanced soil and without the use of chemicals, it has to taste better.

Some chefs swear by using only organic produce and meats. It is said that foods are richer in flavor, superior taste and quality. Meats from animals that are no fed chemicals, antibiotics or growth hormones, have a cleaner taste that is all about the meat and nothing else. Plants that are not sprayed with pesticides most definitely taste fresher and fuller.

There are three categories in the labeling of organic foods. "100% Organic" means that the ingredients of 100% organic and nothing else. If a food is labeled simply "Organic", then at least 95% of the ingredients are organic. And a food labeled, "Made With Organic Ingredients", is required to use at least 70% organic ingredients and are also required to follow strict guidelines for the remaining 30% of the ingredients, such as no genetically modified organisms.

In San Francisco, caterers can include chefs who insist on organic foods to be used in their entrees as well as appetizers and desserts. Do the guests realize that the food is organic when they eat it? Maybe not, but they know it tastes good. Most likely it tastes better than any other type of non-organic food they have eaten. They may believe it was cooked differently, or that it was the chef's skill that produced such a succulent meal, and while this can be true, it all starts with fresh and untouched foods.

Chemicals alter the taste of produce, but we have all become accustomed to it. We do not know the difference because we were raised on it. When we taste a fresh piece of lettuce or spinach, we realize how that produce should really taste. In San Francisco, catering with organic foods is in demand. Those hiring a caterer, for an event, may request a chef who uses only organic foods in the preparation of meals.

While organic foods taste better, they are better for you. Our bodies were not meant to process chemicals that are sprayed on our foods or ingested by the animals that we eat. Some of these chemicals, antibiotics and hormones can adversely affect our health.

Componere Fine Catering - Spectacular San Francisco, Sonoma Napa Caterers
Description: Gourmet caterers for corporate events, private parties and wedding catering in the San Francisco Bay Area and Napa-Sonoma. See and taste the difference. http://www.componerefinecatering.com/

Does Organic Food Taste Better?

Taste is a matter of preference, but sometimes that preference can be universal. When the question of whether organic food tastes better is asked, it makes sense to say yes. It may be subtle, but since organic food is grown in well balanced soil and without the use of chemicals, it has to taste better.

Some chefs swear by using only organic produce and meats. It is said that foods are richer in flavor, superior taste and quality. Meats from animals that are no fed chemicals, antibiotics or growth hormones, have a cleaner taste that is all about the meat and nothing else. Plants that are not sprayed with pesticides most definitely taste fresher and fuller.

There are three categories in the labeling of organic foods. "100% Organic" means that the ingredients of 100% organic and nothing else. If a food is labeled simply "Organic", then at least 95% of the ingredients are organic. And a food labeled, "Made With Organic Ingredients", is required to use at least 70% organic ingredients and are also required to follow strict guidelines for the remaining 30% of the ingredients, such as no genetically modified organisms.

In San Francisco, caterers can include chefs who insist on organic foods to be used in their entrees as well as appetizers and desserts. Do the guests realize that the food is organic when they eat it? Maybe not, but they know it tastes good. Most likely it tastes better than any other type of non-organic food they have eaten. They may believe it was cooked differently, or that it was the chef's skill that produced such a succulent meal, and while this can be true, it all starts with fresh and untouched foods.

Chemicals alter the taste of produce, but we have all become accustomed to it. We do not know the difference because we were raised on it. When we taste a fresh piece of lettuce or spinach, we realize how that produce should really taste. In San Francisco, catering with organic foods is in demand. Those hiring a caterer, for an event, may request a chef who uses only organic foods in the preparation of meals.

While organic foods taste better, they are better for you. Our bodies were not meant to process chemicals that are sprayed on our foods or ingested by the animals that we eat. Some of these chemicals, antibiotics and hormones can adversely affect our health.

Componere Fine Catering - Spectacular San Francisco, Sonoma Napa Caterers
Description: Gourmet caterers for corporate events, private parties and wedding catering in the San Francisco Bay Area and Napa-Sonoma. See and taste the difference. http://www.componerefinecatering.com/

Organic Food vs. Non-Organic - Which is Better?

Farming has been around for ages. At a point in time, this was what most people did until other things developed such as the automobile industry. The old way of farming otherwise known as non-organic involved the use of the following to fight pest infestations and to produce better crops.

The first are pesticides and herbicides. This was discovered in foods that appear to have highly toxic chemical residues. Thought the FDA has already banned these fertilizers from being used, chemical companies export it. Since some crops are imported, this comes back to the States and is eaten at home.

The second is contaminated sewage sludge. The idea was to use human waste to fertilize non-organic crops. This wasn’t a bad idea but this is also mixed with chemical and industrial waste before being sent to the treatment plant. Tests have shown that large amounts of this in the human body may contribute to chronic illnesses.

The third is the use hormones, antibiotics and remains of other animals. This is usually found in eggs, meat and dairy products. Doctors consider this as a disaster waiting to happen since incidents such as mad cow disease has already happened. This problem could even be worse for humans if this is ingested.

The last is irradiation. Spices are exposed to radiation to kill bacteria or microorganisms that may be present. This also does more harm than good since it can lead to various diseases.

Recently, studies have shown a different view since the chemicals and other substances used are toxic which caused various illnesses and deaths. To alleviate this threat, the government has decided to make changes in the agricultural industry. It encourages farmer to shift from the old ways to something that is better and safer for everyone.

This is what organic farming is all about. This kind of farming aims to develop crops and livestock using the most environmental, humane, economic systems available to date. For this to work, 2 things are needed. First is fertile land that can be used to plant different crops. The other is people who will work on the land.

European countries are also veering away from the old approach and are practicing it. These countries call it ecological agriculture which relies heavily on taking care of the environment.

Organic farming works on the following things:

1. Making sure the soil can be used for a very long time without the use fertilizers that were used in non-organic farming.

2. Giving the crops proper care using soil organisms and not by using pesticides.

3. The recycling of livestock manures and organic materials which includes crop residues.

4. Controlling the growth of weeds and insect infestation through crop rotation. This means not using anything that science has used in the ways of non-organic farming.

5. The growth of farm animals by paying attention to the evolutionary adaptations and respect for the natural process. This means that genetic engineering is strictly prohibited.

6. Lastly, the effects of this method on the environment.

In terms of which is better, everyone can see that this new approach is safer and better than the old one. It no longer uses genetic engineering, irradiation and sewage sludge which were the things used to make non-organic produce.

It is not easy though to stop non-organic produce to enter the market. This is because some products that are the demanded by the consumer have to be imported. Even if there efforts on the part of the government to ban the use of such substances, there are no regulations in the countries that export it to the United States.

Unless there is a regulation that is agreed by that country or the crops that are imported can be made locally in a major scale, this is something that cannot be eradicated. The best thing to do is to only buy organic foods that could substitute those that are not.

This requires more support from the consumer and tougher government legislation for the safety of the public.

The number of organic farmers has more than doubled in the past 16 years. This will continue to grow as long people see the bigger picture.

About The Author

Scott Byers is the main contributor to [http://healthyeating.thebloggingplace.com] - a blog all about improving your eating habits.

Helpful Tips on Finding Organic Food Websites You Can Trust

There's more and more hype about eating organic food nowadays. And with the advance of the internet, it's becoming a lot easier for those of us who prefer organic food to find good information and local suppliers. The quickest way is to simply search for "organic food websites".

But knowing which organic food websites you should trust is a different ball game altogether.

Do they source local foods? Are they passionate about animal welfare? How long has the company been going?

So, to help you make the right choice, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Look for an organic website that's local to you. Chances are the produce will be fairly local too. If it's not available locally, a good website will tell you. And they'll give you their reasons why. It may be because it's out of season in your area and they have to go abroad, which is fine as long as they tell you.
2. Read their website carefully;
3. How do you know if it's organic? Good websites will have a page of FAQs where you can read the answers to questions you will be asking. If it's not completely organic it should say so! They may not always be able to give the exact location of where their produce comes from, they may purchase the same item from several growers in the same week, which enables them to take smaller harvests and give you a more reliable supply.
4. If you're having a box of vegetables or fruit delivered to your home, make sure it has a good nutritional balance.
5. Look to find out if their wholesalers use artificial chemical fertilisers, antibiotics and drugs. They should state so if they do, a truly organic farmer will move his animals to a fresher pasture rather than use anything artificial. Animals are free to graze and there is absolutely no cruelty involved and no animal fodder is genetically modified on an organic farm.
6. An organic farmer has to run his farm organically for two years before it is recognised by the Soil Association as organic. This period is known as conversion. If the organic food website is selling conversion food, again it should say so and it will be suitably labeled as such
7. Will they exclude items from the boxes that you don't like?
8. Can you tailor the box to suit your specific requirements?
If you're not 100% satisfied with your home delivery, does the company offer to exchange or refund your money? If the company is flexible you're more likely to return.

There's bound to be "a hungry gap" at some point in the year, especially springtime. It's where the hardy winter crop has already been harvested and the spring ones haven't ripened. This is particularly apparent in British crops. Where do they source their produce at this time?

Finally, if the organic company can't buy a specific fruit or vegetable in its own country they may buy from abroad, i.e. bananas, coffee, chocolate you won't be able to check if it's organic unless they state so.

But you can look for "Fairtrade" on their website, the Fairtrade movement entitles citizens to campaign for an international trade system which is based on justice and fairness.

Lesley and her husband Barry love cooking, traveling, and discovering delicious new ways of enjoying food. Want more mouth-watering recipes, complete with photos, and full shopping lists - visit CookingWithTheJoneses.com

Benefits of Organic Food - A Total Positive Impact on The Body's System

With the development of the consumer society, home agriculture has decayed more and more. Plus, the chances of growing food independently, in urban areas is next to zero, and one depends on hypermarket chains and markets for the necessary supplies. Whole industries have grown out of the food demand, and the advantages of organic food have been forgotten by many of us. We are sometimes too busy, too ignorant or uninterested in the consume of naturally grown products. In the following lines we'll make a brief attempt at underlining the benefits of organic food once more, in the hope that more and more people will get back to nature.

The most important of the benefits of organic food is that it has a total positive impact on the body system. Such food contains no chemicals, food additives or preservers, it has no risk of genetic modification and the cultures from which it comes are completely herbicide and insecticide free. This means that the nutritional value and the quality of the food is the real thing that the human body needs to function within optimal parameters. More nutrients thus create the major benefits over items resulting from mass crops.

Lots of studies have been conducted in order to expose the benefits of organic food to a larger number of consumers. Thus, statistics indicate that there are more trace minerals, more vitamins and anti-oxidants in the food. People who suffer from chronic health problems should only use organic food, and here we refer to cancer patients in particular. The chemicals and fertilizers that are spread on the crops for the production increase, pass into the fruits, vegetables and the rest of the food items and then into the consumer's body, leading to gradual intoxication.

All the benefits of organic food could in fact be reduced to a singular concept: that of health convenience. If you are curious to analyze things in depth, you'll find out that there are dozens of studies, articles and materials that depict the advantages of the organic food. If people were more careful with what they ate, the number of diseases would decrease and so would mortality rates. The market thus changes its demands and hopefully evolves towards a healthier, safer future.

Patrick is a passionate believer in the power of technology to better the lives of everyone and his passion and drive are hallmarks of his attitude to doing business.

He highly recommends http://www.healthyweightlosssharing.com for further reading on Tips and Tricks to loss weight effectively.