BENEFITS OF ORGANICALLY GROWN FOODS
August 26th, 2008
Opting for organic, healthy foods can help in the prevention of many illnesses. Consuming an abundance of organic fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins has many health benefits. Many health experts have determined that organic foods contain more nutrition and are much safer than conventionally processed foods.
Foods grown organically, unlike conventionally processed foods, do not contain any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The small pesticide residue doses found on foods in the marketplace can lead to an increased health risk.
Across the United States, farming has become increasingly reliant on pesticides, hormones and fertilizers. While conventional farming methods can lead to a higher yield, these methods can also lead to human health and environmental hazards.
As a result, many farmers have switched to organic growing methods. Consumer support for these methods contributes to environmental protection as well as reducing illness occurrence. Organic foods are produced with only natural additives.
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic labeling system, produce and other foods that are 100 percent organic can carry the phrase “100% organic,” foods that consist of at least 95 percent organic ingredients can carry the USDA’s organic seal. Foods that are at least 70 percent organic can include the phrase “made with organic ingredients” on their packaging.
Concerning health benefits, organic fruits and vegetables may contain as much as 40 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown foods. A higher intake of antioxidants has been shown to have a protective effect against development of coronary heart disease, cancer, and cataracts. Antioxidants can also reduce occurrence of colds and flus.
Many environmental problems are associated with conventional land-intensive, chemically-dependent agriculture. In the cultivation of crops of all varieties, the typical farmer utilizes a range of different chemicals, including insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers. When these crops are harvested, trace amounts of the chemicals utilized during the planting and growing processes remain.
These chemicals result in topsoil erosion and pesticide runoff from farmlands into lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, and groundwater and are also found in fish and in other animals. While synthetic pesticides leave toxic residues on food they also disrupt natural ecosystems located around farmlands and adversely affect the health of farm workers.
The organic farming system, as an alternative agricultural practice, offers effective solutions to the detrimental effects on the environment caused by nonsustainable, conventional farming practices. Consumers purchasing locally-grown, organic produce contribute to sustainable methods of land use that lead to far less pollution than conventional agricultural methods.
Consumption of these conventionally grown foods results in absorption of these trace chemicals in the body. Over time, these insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers can accumulate in a person’s body. One of the most significant health benefits associated with eating organic food is that the organic products are free of potentially harmful chemicals.
For more information about nutrition for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
One Response to “BENEFITS OF ORGANICALLY GROWN FOODS”
1Palm Springs Savant
September 1st, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
Well said. I am an advocate for organic foods and beleive we need to reduce the amount of pesticides we consume from our food supply. I just wrote a similar post about this on my own blog today. Thanks for writing this.
Leave a Reply