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Organic and Locally
Grown Foods
Organic farming is a system of growing and processing foods without the use of synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, pesticides,
herbicides, irradiation, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Organic farmers actively nurture the land by protecting
and building the soil. Soil must be free of prohibited synthetic pesticides for at least three years.
Organic foods are healthier and so are those who consume organic produce regularly, according to a recent study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The nutritional value of organically grown and conventionally grown produce was compared. Organically grown produce was higher in magnesium, vitamin C and iron, and lower in potentially harmful nitrates, which result from nitrogen fertilizers. 10 Reasons to Eat Organic 1. It's healthy On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. 2. No nasty additives Organic food doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by Organic standards are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate. 3. Avoids pesticides Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. Government testing has found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips. 4. GM-free Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards. 5. Reliance on drugs removed There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Organic standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics. 6. No hidden costs Compare this with the billions that tax payers fork out to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming. 7. High standards Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in US law. 8. Care for animals Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organizations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the government. 9. Good for wildlife and the environment It is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes. 10. Top for taste Many people prefer organic food because they say it tastes better & a number of top chefs choose organic. Eating Locally Grown Produce Instead of buying your produce at the grocery store where most of the fruits and vegetables are imported from other states, check out your locally grown produce stores. This way you can buy the fresh produce that is also in season. Here are some tips on how to get involved in becoming a regional and seasonal eater:
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