Tuesday 25, 2023
I have been eating as organic since I started my deep dive into Health, Life, and Nutrition Coaching.
My most significant changes were stopping buying processed foods and reading labels for hidden and added sugars in store-bought products. Then I started looking for organic products.
Once only found in health food stores, organic food is now a common feature at most grocery stores. But still, due to the availability of organic options and seasonal locally grown fruits and vegetables, it is not the easiest thing to do, not to mention the cost, because It does cost more for organic farming.
This week, I’m celebrating the opening of the first Whole Foods Store in our area! So finally, I don’t have to hunt down organic products in my local grocery store. Everything is Organic, and I didn’t feel any more that I was spending, and they have many things on sale that are available with an Amazon card!
It could be a refreshing change because it was new and fresh. In addition, the employees were friendly, well-trained, and knowledgeable during their first week
According to the Mayo Clinic, the potential health benefits of organic foods compared to the conventional process Include the following:
· Nutrients – Organic products may have more of certain antioxidants and types of flavonoids
.· Omega-3 fatty acids – The “healthy fats.” The feeding requirements for organic livestock are found in organic meats, dairy, & eggs.
· Toxic metal – Lower levels of the toxic chemical cadmium, naturally found in soil and plants, compared with conventional methods, due to the ban on synthetic fertilizer in organic farming
.· Pesticide residue – Lower levels of pesticide residue. However, there are some approved for organic farming
.· Bacteria – Meats may have higher amounts of dangerous bacteria that aren’t treatable with antibiotics. The overall risk of bacterial contamination will be the same.
Here are your Food Safety Tips to keep in mind whether you go “totally” organic or choose to mix conventional and organic foods
:· Choose a variety of foods from a mix of sources – This way, you will get a better variety of nutrients and lower your chance of exposure to a single pesticide
.· Buy fruits and vegetables in season when you can – Ask your grocer what is “in season.” Or buy from your local farmer’s market.
· Read food labels carefully – Just because a product says it is organic or has organic ingredients doesn’t mean it is a healthier choice. Look for added salt, fat, or calories.
Look for the USDA Organic Seal. Certifies 95% organic or more
· Wash and scrub fresh fruits and vegetables well under running water. – Helps remove dirt, germs, and chemical traces from produce. But you can’t remove all the pesticides by washing.
Throwing away the outer leaves of leafy vegetables. Peeling fruits and vegetables can remove contaminants but may also cut nutrients.
Alternative: Soaking in salt water can help remove all contaminants
.A couple of foods for thought, according to
UC Davis Health:
“Increased pesticide exposure can increase the risk of ADHD and autism. Conditions never heard of growing up in the 40s, 50s, and 60
Pesticides are also linked to reduced cognitive skills, learning ability, and memory
Exposure to pesticides may lead to the development of Parkinson’s disease, fertility issues, cognitive decline later in life, and a potential link to cancer (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2015.)
If you are interested in more information to know more, I can send you more research links.
Please take time to notice that the common denominator here is PESTICIDES.
Here is a helpful handout to know when to spend the extra money on organic and when you don’t need to.
Check out the Dirty Dozen (BUY ORGANIC) and the Clean Fifteen (NO NEED TO BUY ORGANIC)
As you can probably see, any fruit or vegetable with a thick outer cover protecting the editable produce is “clean.” I like to add Bananas to the list too
It’s all about Age-Gility and flowing into our next decade of life. Not about living longer but living better your best life!
Until next week, Live with Age-Gility
and
Trust Your Truths!
Bye for now!
