Organics are worthy the price...sometimes!

There was study released recently showing organic foods does prove healthier. The organic good had more minerals and significantly more antioxidants. (You can read more on Dr. Mercola's site or in a British newspaper.) I had always wondered about organic food being "no different" b/c they TASTE so much better. But I'm thinking specifically about organics from the produce section.

I should point out that if food is processed and labeled organic, it is questionable whether it's worth your money (especially on a tight budget). Milk for example in it's natural state is "raw", not just "organic", so organic milk avoids some chemicals, but doesn't get you the benefits you expect when you pay extra for organic food. With animal products, organic does not mean that an animal is allowed to eat and live naturally, so it's all questionable if you are really getting your food "the way God intended." Buying from a local farmer is ideal. And food manufacturers may process the organic cereals so much, that your body can't even absorb the extra nutrients that you are paying for!

Did you know that buying process foods costs approximately the same amount as buying organic whole foods? Processed organic food may break the bank and gain little benefit, but whole, organic foods will cost about the same. It does take more time, but think of how much time you'll save when your not sick! Believe me, I know!

What kind of food do you really eat?

Do you know how much pesticides you are eating? Do you know how your food has been altered from it's natural state?

Here's a couple of resources to help you make good choices:

First learn what genetic engineering is. See next post for a quick video.

If you aren't willing to eat genetically modified foods, then check out the lists of foods that have genetically modified foods at: http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html

Warning: A large majority of processed foods do contain genetically modified foods, as a majority of our corn, soy, cotton, and canola are genetically modified, and derivatives of these are in most processed foods (high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, vegetable oils.)

By the way, organic foods can not be genetically modified, so they are never a concern.

Another area to consider is pesticides. Check out this handy pocket list of what foods have the highest amount of pesticides (ie, you don't want to eat unless its homegrown or organic) and which are have the lowest amount (but I would ignore corn in the list, unless it is labeled No Genetically Modified Ingredients.) Even if you don't think you can't afford organic, you can change the food you select.

Our bodies are overwhelmed with toxins. So, we need to help them out. But don't let your mind get overwhelmed. Just pick a few things you CAN change based on this new information. And think about how to eat one less processed meal this week. Find one recipe you fix at home without processed foods and plan ahead so you don't eat out. Slow and steady, we can build our health.