Benefits of Organic Produce

What are the benefits of organic produce? Yes produce labeled "organic" costs more. Is it worth it? Only if you want to live longer and lose weight.

By now you've heard that consuming fresh fruits and vegetables can prevent cancer and assist in maintaining a healthy weight. Fresh produce should be the foundation of your diet. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables will result in vibrant health and prolong your life. Here are some frequently asked questions about organic produce and its benefits.

Organic Fruit

Q. What is organic?

A. Organic produce is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Organic fruits and vegetables are not genetically modified in any way. Certified organic produce must be grown according to standards set by the country where it is grown.

Q. What are the nutritional benefits of organically grown produce?

A. Organic produce has more vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. For years studies have chronicled the precipitous decline in the vitamin and mineral content of our fresh fruits and vegetables. This is likely due to our modern methods of farming and harvesting which have increased crop yields and appearance at the expense of nutrition.

Currently the largest study of its kind is being undertaken by the European Union to determine the benefits of organically grown produce. Early results of the study released in 2007 confirmed that organic fruit and vegetables have up to 40 per cent more antioxidants than non-organically grown produce. Anti-oxidants are beneficial in preventing cancer.

Q. How does eating organic produce prolong life?

A. Organically grown fruits and vegetables have less toxic residue from pesticides.
Many physicians and scientists believe the increased incidence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and even autism can be attributed to the toxic build-up of pesticides and other harmful substances from modern farming methods. The fewer toxins the healthier your immune system. A well functioning immune system allows you to naturally fight off disease.

Q. Can eating organic produce help you lose weight?

A. Yes eating organic fruits and vegetables can accelerate weight loss by ridding your body of toxins.

Toxicity from chemical additives, pesticide residue, and fertilizer causes an inability to digest food, resulting in a build up of partially digested food in the colon and intestines. This toxic buildup blocks the benefits of nutrients, including absorption of vitamins and minerals. The brain thinks the body is starving because it is lacking in vital nutrients, so it sends signals of hunger and a desire to eat - and the vicious cycle of overeating and more toxic buildup continues.

The bottom line: eating conventionally grown fruits and vegetables could sabotage the lifestyle changes you are working so hard to adopt. Switching to organic produce will prolong life and make it easier for you to maintain a healthy weight.

Yes organic costs more - but isn't your long-term health (and a smaller waistline) worth it? How much will you spend on treating health problems caused by toxicity as compared to spending a little more now on organic produce?

Benefits of Organic Produce

by Diane Gilabert
http://www.lose-weight-for-life.com
Your site for permanent Weight Loss and vibrant Health.

Tags : anolon ultra clad 12 covered deep skillet all clad masterchef 2 7 piece cookware set