Organic - part 2

Just like catching your own fish, fresh is best !

Okay, I'm back at it again people ! It's been 'one of those weeks' but I am finally able to get to the computer to do my little part in the name of good health, etc, etc. So last time I wrote a bit about who the organic consumers are ( you know, us, the edumacated, sophistimacated types...)
now I'd like to give you a few of the cold, hard facts, but first, a couple fun & interesting dates for your calendar....
This Saturday: Sept. 16th is International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer ( so think about how you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions )
Next Thursday: Sept 21 is Peace One day - An International day to recognize non-violence
Next Sat: Sept. 23 Fall Equinox
ORGANIC FACTS
What is organic?
'Organic refers to the way agricultural products—food and fiber—are grown and processed. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.' www.ota.com

• Chromium is a micronutrient that is low in Western diets. Its deficiency is associated with the onset of adult diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Chromium was found to be higher in organic foods by an average of 78 %.
• Selenium is one of the antioxidant nutrients that protects us from damage by environmental chemicals. It is protective against cancers and heart disease. It was found to be an average of 390 % higher in organic foods.
• Calcium, needed for strong bones, averaged 63% higher in organics.
• Boron, which has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis (along with calcium) averaged 70% more.
• Lithium, which is used to treat certain types of depression, was 188 % higher.
• Magnesium, which reduces mortality from heart attacks, keeps muscles from spasming, and eases the symptoms of PMS, averaged 138 % more.
• Aluminum has been implicated for years in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It's content in organic food averaged 40% less that in commercial foods.
• Lead toxicity, which has been in the new a lot lately, can adversely affect our children's' IQ. It averaged 29% lower in organic foods.
• Mercury, which can cause neurologic damage, averaged 25% lower in organic foods. www.lookwayup.com
• Organic products meet stringent standards
  Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
  Organic food tastes great!
  It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
  Organic production reduces health risks
  Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
  Organic farms respect our water resources
  The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
  Organic farmers build healthy soil
  Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
  Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
  Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
  Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
  USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops. www.ota.com

Okay, I could go on & on but you get the idea. Before I go for this time I'll also leave you with these thoughts....remember, everything on Earth was always organic until a couple decades ago ! This is NOT a new concept !

Next blog.... Myths and Truths about soy !