Healthier Alternatives

Healthier Alternatives

In response to a growing demand on the part of consumers, more and more organic foods are flooding the market. However, many shoppers only seem to have an abstract understanding of the benefits of organic foods on the environment and their health. Organic food are not only better for your health, but it is also better for the environment.

Organic farming is beneficial to the lakes, rivers and wildlife because organic farmers do not use chemicals and synthetic herbicides. Pesticide-heavy runoff from farmland into rivers, lakes, and streams takes a toll on wildlife.

Non-organic producers point to federal regulations. Pesticide residues on any food marketed in the United States have to fall within federal guidelines. Even with those guidelines many believe that pesticide exposure may also affect male reproductive function and has been linked to miscarriages in women.

Organic farmers claim that pesticide residues in and on conventional foods may be higher than is being reported due to sample variations and losses during analysis. Organic farming differs from conventional farming in the methods used to grow crops.

Unlike other forms of sustainable farming, organic farming has common standards which are legally enforced and which ensure environmental, animal welfare, and health benefits. Congress passed landmark legislation that established requirements for the farming and processing of organic foods. The process begins with the requirement of farming the land organically for three years prior to certification.

Independent studies on wild plants, animals and birds indicate a significant increase in populations on organically farmed land. Unlike other forms of sustainable farming, organic farming has common standards which are legally enforced and which ensure environmental, animal welfare, and health benefits.

Naturally grown and ripened produce, especially when it's local, has a higher content of essential vitamins and minerals. Recent research suggests that organic produce contains more of certain vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy diet. On average, conventional produce has only 83 percent of the nutrients of organic produce. Consumers would be wise to stay educated about what they choose to put in their shopping carts and in their bodies.

About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for organic products and natural excercise.