Q: What Are Organic Foods?

A:Organic foods are foods that are grown naturally without the use of any pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers. Organic farming in its strictest sense is bigger than backyard gardening using natural methods. However, there has been a growing trend to grow fruits and vegetables organically in the private garden too. Some of these private garden supplies make their way onto the local farmer’s market were they are purchased by individuals looking for organic produce. Regulated organic foods must receive certain certification in some countries in order to be sold on the open market in huge volumes.

Q: Why Are Organic Foods Becoming Popular?

A: The actual organic foods movement is recorded to have started in the 1940s. Today more and more people who are seeking to eat healthy and are turning to organically grown produce. Studies show that naturally farmed fruits and vegetables are healthier than genetically modified produce which in some cases has been linked to chronic disease. The popularity of organic foods is being fueled by the growing awareness of the potential dangers of GMO produce and the benefits of eating foods without chemicals, pesticides and other harmful elements.

Q: What Are The Environmental Benefits Of Organic Farming?

A: Environmental benefits are the other reason why this type of farming and its produce are becoming more popular. To begin with, farming organically does not release harmful pesticides and chemicals into the environment. Studies show that chemicals soak into the environment ending up in rivers and streams where they affect marine life amongst other dangers. In a nutshell unlike organic farming, fertilizer aided farming disturbs the ecosystem and overtime may cause irreparable damage.

Organic farming clearly affords an opportunity to the environment regenerate itself without the effects of chemicals and pesticides.

Q: Will Organic Farming Become The Leading Method Of Food Production?

A: This appears highly unlikely in the immediate future. Due to climate change it is becoming increasingly difficult to attain food security in many parts of the world. As a result there is instead a growing use of GMO foods that are drought resistant and can feed more people.

At a commercial level it is clear that organic farming is growing year after year. Private gardens will become the new frontiers for micro organic farming primarily for immediate healthy eating reasons. More people are becoming aware of the dangers of weight gain and obesity in relation to hypertension and heart disease. These concerns will likely be drivers for private organic farming.

The author is a seasoned researcher and writer on healthy eating and hypertension issues. He has also written on eggplant nutrition facts and celery nutrition facts amongst other day to day eating healthy topics.

Some people may answer no to that question, but the fact is that there are more chemicals in food today than ever before. Food manufacturers not only add chemicals to food such as MSG to enhance the taste, but use them in the processing of food. And not only that, but it is now estimated that there are over 100,000 chemicals on the market today with 1,000-2,000 new ones added each year. That is staggering! Many of them end up in our water, in the air and in our food. It is also estimated that 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides and 30% of all pesticides are carcinogenic! In other words, they can cause cancer.

The word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process foods, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy products. Farmers who grow organically do not use toxic chemical methods to control weeds, fertilize and prevent livestock disease. For instance, they spread things like mulch and manure to keep weeds at bay. Organic farming methods are designed to reduce pollution and encourage soil and water conservation.

At one time, organic food was only found in health food stores, but now most supermarkets have at least a small health food section. I think in years to come that will change and groceries will offer even more organic foods. One of my favorite stores to shop is Trader Joe’s. Not everything in the store is organic but a lot is, so read your labels.

I believe there are many benefits to eating organic. One is that it helps us be more aware of getting back to nature. Long gone are the days when people use to get their hands down in the dirt farming and gardening. It was just plain good for the soul. Most people don’t even step their bare feet on the dirt or grass to get physically “grounded”. For some people gardening is better than therapy. My mom was like that. When I was growing up she spent at least 2-3 hours every night in the spring and summer in her flower and garden beds.

In addition to the emotional and mental benefits, the physical benefits are huge. A big one is as mentioned, avoiding the toxic chemicals. Also, there are nutrients present in organic foods that are absent in commercial foods. Overall organic foods show much higher levels of nutrient minerals and much lower levels of heavy metals.

Here is a short list of nutrients found in higher levels in organic foods.

Magnesium – keeps muscles from spasming, good for nerves and decreases mortality from heart attacks. Average 138% more.

Calcium – important for the bones. Average 63% higher in organics.

Chromium – deficiency is associated with adult onset of diabetes and hardening of the arteries. This micronutrient is low in Western diets. Average 78% more.

Boron – along with calcium has been shown to prevent osteoporosis. Average 70% higher in organic food.

Selenium – an antioxidant nutrient that protects us from damage by environmental chemicals. It protects against heart disease and cancer. Found on average 390% more.

Lithium – used to treat certain types of depression. Average 188% more.

Heavy metals like aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury averages anywhere from 25-40% less in organic foods.

Is it organic? Check the Label

An organic certification program has been established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It requires all organic foods to meet certain strict government standards which regulate how these foods are grown, handled and processed. If a product is labeled organic it must be certified by the USDA. Fruits and veggies should have a sticker that says organic on it. Packaged foods that says organic may still contain unhealthy ingredients like refined sugars, refined salt, and hydrogenated oils. Be sure to read your labels carefully.

Some reasons why people chose to eat organic foods.

Organic gardening and farming without chemicals is better for the environment.

Organic foods taste fresher.

Organic vegetables are higher in vitamin content, with no chemical residue.

There are no harmful chemicals.

Organic foods may avoid multi-health issues.

Not only do I prefer and eat organic foods as much as possible, I also add organic essential oils in my cooking. This not only enhances the flavor, but you get all the health benefits that essential oils provide. That’s because Young Living practices organic farming methods. In fact, they are the world leader in the cultivation, distillation and production of organically grown, pure essential oils.

By not growing and eating organic foods, we are putting enormous amounts of chemicals in our bodies. It is one of the most important pieces of a healthy lifestyle.

To your good health,

Carol Wickett

Carol is an essential oil educator and a certified reflexologist. As a distributor of Young Living Essential Oils, she teaches the importance of using genuine, authentic essential oils for health and healing. She has been an advocate of natural health and wellness for the past 35 years. Among the things she has studied includes, the use essential oils, iridology, muscle testing, nutrition, tapping and other forms of energy medicine.
For more information and tips about Young Living Essential Oils, visit http://younglivingoils4life.com and get my Free Report, 7 Days of 7 Oils That Will Change Your Life!

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

Organic foods are one of a number of healthy food trends that is developing into a longer term commitment to healthier farming practices, and healthier food. It is not only that organic food is healthier to eat; it is also healthier for the environment. Other food trends include SOLE (sustainable, organic, local, environmental) and 100 mile (buying from local growers) foods.

Do you know where your food comes from? Are the asparagus you buy in November coming from a local farmer, or are they being flown in from around the world? What does it cost in energy and environmental impact to get the food from the farm to your table? Do you know the environmental impact of eating red meat? It takes 16 pounds of grain to produce one pound of beef.

Large scale food production – often accomplished through genetically engineered foods – is supported by manufacturers because they can earn more money from more production; and is supported by governments who want to ensure that their citizens have access to food (the premise is that unhealthy food is better than no food). There are more than 6 billion humans in the world, many of whom do not have enough food to eat. But what is the cost to the planet of producing on a mass scale?

Genetic modification, chemicals, pesticides, and intensive farming are just some of the techniques used to increase food production. And those techniques have negative impacts on the environment: from changing the genetic make-up of food, to contamination of land and water, to overworking land. Those food production techniques also result in food with less nutritional value.

Organic food advantages include healthier nutrients in the food and better treatment of the land, water and air. However organic food critics are concerned that the higher cost of producing organic fruits, vegetables, grains and meats results in a limited ability to produce on a mass scale.

Is organic food production sustainable?

Some say that only production of genetically modified foods can supply the demand of our growing global population. Organic food has been getting more attention in the media, in stores, in markets and in homes because more and more people are starting to recognize the importance of lessening our impact on the planet.

One way of doing so is to eat locally grown organic food. We have all begun to experience the effect of a warming climate; weather patterns are changing and intensifying. It is time to take action. After growth and harvesting, the average environmental footprint of non-organic food is 11 per cent for transportation, 46 per cent for production and processing, and 25 per cent for food preparation (storing in fridge, washing, cutting, preparing, and cooking).

The goal is to reduce the transportation, production, processing and even food preparation outputs: if food is grown locally and purchased locally transportation will be reduced; organic foods use less processing and because preservatives are not used, organic products are purchased on an as-used basis (no long shelf life for fresh organic vegetables, fruits, meats and grains).

Eating foods that are grown locally is better for the planet: a reduction of food miles – the distance that food travels from farm to warehouse to store to your fridge and then the dinner table – will help to reduce the carbon footprint of our consumption. (Note: the carbon footprint is a measurement of the impact our activities have on the environment; in this specific instance, it is a measure of the fossil fuels used to grow, harvest, store, ship, and sell food.) Support local organic farmers and make organic more than just one of many healthy food trends; make it a long lasting food decision.

In addition to buying locally grown organic food, you can grow your own. Organic vegetable and fruit gardens are easy to plant and grow: you need some time and attention to manage the soil, the compost, the pests but the result of growing organic food is healthier produce and a healthier environment.

Kris Bovay is the owner of Voice Marketing Inc, a business and marketing services company.
Kris has 25 years of experience in leading large, medium and small businesses. Kris and her family have developed a passion for healthy foods and contributing to a healthier environment; their organic garden produces tasty vegetables for the family. Is organic food better? Yes. Find out more at Organic Food for Everyone. Copyright 2010 Voice Marketing Inc.