Green living and the organic lifestyle

What is organic food and what are its benefits? Organic food by definition simply means free from modification, produced naturally without pesticides or fertilizers, and derived from animals that have been reared with none to minimal antibiotics, hormones, or other drugs. Once only available in certain "niche" stores, it is now fast becoming widely available due to increased awareness and interest in green and organic living. Local food stores now stock organic foods so you do not need to go far to get hold of it.

The benefits of eating organic food are endless and nothing beats the positive effects it has on your health. Organic foods have been shown to improve your immune system, help you sleep better, shed excess weight more easily, and improve your circulation just to name a few. Organic foods are produced with fewer chemicals, which means you will have fewer chemicals going into your body. Organic food can boast intense, realistic flavors, and a higher vitamin and mineral content.

Although some people would like to go organic and lead a healthier lifestyle, some worry about the cost. But with careful planning and preparation, going organic is actually quite affordable.And, the peace of mind knowing you and your family are consuming foods that haven't been treated with pesticides or genetically altered is worth the extra money spent.

The pesticides used by conventional farmers can have many negative influences on your health, including neurotoxicity, disruption of your endocrine system, carcinogenicity and immune system suppression. Pesticide exposure may also affect male reproductive function and has been linked to miscarriages in women. Additionally, conventional produce tends to have fewer nutrients than organic produce. On average, conventional produce has only 83 percent of the nutrients of organic produce. Studies have found significantly higher levels of nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and significantly less nitrates (a toxin) in organic crops.

So it's a smart idea to buy and eat organic produce and free-range organic foods as much as possible for maximum health benefits. In addition, the knowledge that you're supporting the organic foods industry that is dedicated to protecting the environment by steering clear of harmful pesticides and chemicals that can result in the loss of topsoil, toxic runoff and resulting water pollution, soil contamination and poisoning and the death of insects, birds, critters and beneficial soil organisms should help you feel even better.