Fwd: Organic Foods Really Are Better

December 18, 2007

See AOL's top rated recipes and easy ways to stay in shape for winter.

Free Weekly Health Tip prepared for Cyndi

December 18, 2007

The Sponsor:

Check out the beautiful photos by Michael McPeak at http://www.anandasoup.com. They could be a great holiday gift!

Your Tip:

Health Tip: It's Official -- Organic Foods Really Are Better

If you're a person who already buys organic foods, read on about the largest study ever done comparing the nutritional quality of organic and conventionally grown foods.

If you're a person who does not buy organic foods, read on. It may change your mind . . .

In this four-year European Union study, funded at a cost of $25 million, the fruit, vegetables, and cows were raised on adjacent organic and nonorganic sites at a 725-acres farm near Newcastle University and other places in Europe.

Researchers found that the:

Â·organic fruits and vegetables contained up to 40% more antioxidants.

Â·organic produce had higher levels of iron and zinc.

Â·milk from organic herds contained up to 90% more antioxidants.

The UK's Foods Standard Agency - similar to our US Department of Agriculture - has formerly said that there is no difference between organic and conventional foods. The FSA is reviewing the research.

Professor Carlo Leifert, co-ordinator of the project, said the differences were so marked that organic produce would help to increase the nutrient intake of people not eating the recommended five portions a day of fruit and vegetables. "If you have just 20% more antioxidants and you can't get your kids to do five a day, then you might just be okay with four a day," he said.

Here are three "food for thought" questions:

Q: What is not found in organic foods that might make them a good investment in our long-term health?

A: Pesticides and herbicides

Q: If we assume that the process of growing organic foods is healthier for the farmer, the shipper, the grocery store clerk, our soil, our water, and our air, then could the extra cost of organic foods be a wise, long-term investment?

A: I'd answer a big YES! What about you?

Source:

Times Online October 28, 2007

Tip Provided By:

Dr. Liz Lipski has a PhD and is board certified

in clinical nutrition. A 30-year practitioner,

author, and the Director of Doctoral Studies at

Hawthorn University. She is founder of Innovative

Healing, author of Digestive Wellness, Digestive

Wellness for Children, and many other publications.