I receive regular questions about organic foods. So, why are they so popular and what’s the trend all about?

Organic foods are becoming more popular by the day it seems. As people in general are becoming more aware of the impact of their food choices they are seeking out healthier alternatives and as the awareness of organic food grows, this seems to be the first place that people are looking and a good place that is.

Organic food is the fastest growing trend in the food business in the Unites States. It is raking in a stunning 14 billion dollars per year and expected to grow to over 23 billion in only a few more years.

So, why should you go organic?

Well, the first thing you should know is that organic foods do not contain the pesticide residue that is found in conventionally grown foods.

Data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that organic fruits and vegetables have only a third as many pesticide residues as their conventionally grown counterparts.
Meats that are grown organically do not contain the antibiotic and hormone residues that are found in conventional meats.
Here’s the gist!

Organically grown foods are nutritionally superior to conventionally grown foods! There has been plenty of proof in several studies. In 1998, a review of 34 studies comparing the nutritional content of organic versus non-organic food found organic food had higher protein quality in all comparisons, higher levels of vitamin C in 58% of all studies, and 5-20% higher mineral levels for all but two minerals. In other cases, mineral levels were drastically higher in the organic foods – some were as much as three times higher in one study involving iron content.

Here are some of the difference in the organically grown foods!

• 27% more vitamin C
• 21.1% more iron
• 29.3% more magnesium
• 13.6% more phosphorus

My suggestion to everyone of my client and others that I help is GO ORGANIC whenever you can! The benefits are far too great.

Eating organic food should be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle! That is if you take it seriously!

So…..DO YOU?

Well, I think the jury is still out according to some Doctors, but carrots are certainly a potent food with lots of wonderful health benefits. Actually the latest research shows that fruit is even more important for the nutritional support of your eyes and vision.

A recent study published in the June 2004 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

As studies continue to shoe more and more health benefits of eating frutis and vegetables, many still have a hard time making it a priority. Are you eating your fruits and veggies?

Remember, GO ORGANIC! Organic fruits and veggies are loaded with many more nutients!

Just my thoughts!

Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals used to kill weeds and other unwanted plants. They are commonly used in gardening and other elements of agriculture. There are two types of herbicides. Specific herbicides are designed to kill specific types of plants while leaving the other plants in the area unharmed. Non-specific herbicides kill all the types of plants they come into contact with.

While herbicides can be very useful in eliminating unwanted plants you need to be careful when using them. Only use them as directed. Never apply more than the recommended amount on the plants. Use protective gloves while working with herbicides and wash your hands when you are done. If the herbicide comes into contact with your skin, immediately rinse the area with warm water and soap. Make sure you properly store unused herbicides out of the reach of children and pets.

Herbicide use is controversial. They are very useful in gardening and agriculture to eliminate unwanted plant life. The chemicals in herbicides can cause animals to become ill or die. The chemicals also pollute water supplies including rivers and streams. Herbicides can also cause health issues including rashes, illness, and death in rare cases from inhaling herbicides. Birds are often affected by the effects of herbicides.

Over time, plants build up a tolerance to herbicides. This means that either you will have to live with those unwanted plants or use a herbicide that is even stronger. The government has banned the use of some herbicides due to the negative effects they have on the environment. The impact of these herbicides is just too high to justify their use.

A safer alternative is to use an organic herbicide. They are more expensive than regular herbicides, but they are much better for the environment. The Organic Consumers Association is a group of advocates against herbicides. They continue to lobby for safer products on the market.

The use of herbicides for removing unwanted plants is very popular. However, it is important to evaluate the harm against the good this type of product offers. If you only have a small amount of plants to remove, consider doing it by hand rather than using a herbicide. If you do choose to use one, make sure you follow the directions and use gloves. Always store the product in a safe place because it can be harmful to children and pets.

Organic Foods: What’s the Big Deal?
By: Pat King

When you think “organic foods,” what comes to mind? The majority of us think of foods that are farmed more carefully, in accordance with nature, and typically have less potentially harmful pesticide residues. We also think of the slightly increased price on organic foods. But what else do we really know about organic farming and the produce they bring to our supermarkets? What are other benefits of eating organic? Not surprisingly, there are lots. Read on to find out.

-Organic farms help to preserve our environment. With “going green” being the latest environmental trend, it has never been a better time to hop on the bandwagon. Organic farms make sure to conserve water, help build soil, respect the natural balance of the ecosystem, farm so that the produce does not contribute to global warming, and help further nutritional research (pesticide use, environmental issues, etc), largely on their own dime. For those who want an all-natural, environmentally friendly produce purchase, organic is your best bet.

-Organic foods are often tastier and better for you. Because these foods are grown organically, as opposed to artificial fertilization, the soil they are grown in is often full of more nutrients. The difference between an organic fruit or vegetable versus a non-organic fruit or vegetable could be your recommended daily nutritional intake. This could be especially interesting if you have children, whose bodies need lots of nutrients to grow and stay healthy.

-Organic foods can help prevent cancer and other sicknesses. Sounds radical, but the fact is, since organic foods are not doused in pesticides and herbicides that suppress the production of cancer-fighting antioxidants, they can obviously produce more of them. The Organic Consumers Association has found that the elimination of pesticides helps “explain why the level of antioxidants is so much higher in organically grown food[s].”

More good news is that we now have organic alternatives to pretty much everything we consume, including cotton, lawn products, and even dog food! So the next time you’re in the grocery store, really check out the organic section. You’ll find that the health and environmental benefits far outweigh the couple extra quarters you’ll spend on them.

For more information on Organic Foods please visit http://www.FitnessLifeClub.com

Or go to my ask page and ask me personally http://www.AskPatKing.com

Pat King