We’ve all heard the phrase, “you are what you eat,” and we all know that fruits and vegetables should be at the core of our daily diet. The reason for this is that most of our vital nutrients and minerals come from fruits and vegetables. Not only are they low in fat and calories, they can actually prevent many of the illnesses and chronic diseases that are so common in our fast-food culture. Doctors routinely prescribe a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit for patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes, Crohn’s disease and many cancers. If you’re already taking care of your body by other means, such as exercise, drinking spring water, and avoiding saturated fats, wouldn’t the natural next-step be to seek out organically grown produce?
Whether you choose to start your own organic vegetable garden or buy organic produce from a store, you will soon enjoy the goodness of food that is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Beside the benefits to your health, going “organic” will guarantee better tasting food.
Here are the best reasons for eating organic fruits and vegetables –
No pesticides. Organic vegetables and fruits will not contain any chemical pesticides. What are some of the known side effects to pesticides? Doctors have attributed several different illnesses to the prevalence of pesticides, including respiratory problems, neurological deficits, skin conditions and some cancers. Instead of dousing their crops with chemical pesticides, organic farmers use crop rotation to enhance the quality of the soil.
Better health. This may sound like a cliché, but the truth is that organic fruits and vegetables really are better for you. They have higher levels of vitamins and minerals, including the all-important vitamins A, C, D, and B group, plus minerals like calcium and zinc. When you eat organic produce, your body absorbs these nutrients more readily than it would from a vitamin supplement, giving them a greater role in your health.
Eco-friendly. Because organic fruits and vegetables are grown by environmentally conscious farmers using eco-friendly measures you are likely to notice a difference in the flavor. Once you enjoy a salad made with fresh, all-organic ingredients, it will be hard to go back to non-organic vegetables.
Always in-season. Eating food that is “in season” makes a lot of sense for your body. Instead of guessing at the supermarket about which fruit is really at its peak, an organic farmers market makes it easy – they only sell locally grown foods, so it must be in-season. People appreciate how this eliminates the guesswork about what to buy.
More energy. When you look after your body by eating organic foods, your body thanks you. Organic fruits and vegetables give your body an extra boost of energy, which can also enhance your mood and benefit your overall health.
You can grow your own. It’s easy to grow your own fruits and vegetables in an organic garden, which makes a great hobby. As the price of organic produce has gone up, many people have chosen to grow their own veggies and fruits in the backyard.
Enjoy your favorite recipes like never before. When you start eating all-organic fruits and vegetables, you may want to revisit some of your favorite home cooked meals. Instead of canned or frozen green beans, try steamed organic beans. Make berry compote using organic seasonal berries and you will never go back to the berries you used to enjoy.
Next time you enter the supermarket, ask if they sell any locally-grown organic produce. Many larger chains offer a wide range of organic vegetables and fruits, but not all of them are grown locally. While it may be a little more expensive than traditional produce, the taste and the health benefits make it well worth the extra cost. And remember, the more you enjoy fruits and vegetables, the more frequently you will eat them.
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