May 29th, 2010

organic food is better

organic food is better

What the Heck is Organic Food, Anyway?

"Organic" has of late become such a catchphrase that it has entered the vernacular of the everyday American to almost everyday use. It's a word of which many people believe they know the meaning, but few do. A few seconds of hard contemplation produces a myriad of questions: What is unique about organic food as opposed to the garden-variety supermarket wares? And what about organic baby food? Is it significantly different or superior? What are the benefits? Can I trust the labels? Below run some frequently asked questions and brief answers; just doing my part to assist in your education…

What is unique about organic food as opposed to the garden-variety supermarket wares?

Essentially the differences on your plate take place in two spheres: additives and preservatives. The former can mean anything that changes the quality of the food in color, consistency, taste and characteristics. The latter is anything that keeps food fresh for longer amounts of time and is typically some sort of sodium product.

Many additives, particularly food dyes, have been attacked as toxins. A handful of dyes have been made illegal on the American market due to reasons of human health. As the American diet is already dangerously high in sodium, there is no need for the consumption of further salts as preservatives.

On the farm level, the differences become even more dramatic. Organic food contains no genetically modified organisms, has no trace of poisonous pesticides and in grown in environmentally safe soil free of chemicals.

And what about organic baby food? Is it significantly different or superior?

Organic baby food boasts all the same advantages as regular organic food listed above. Since baby's body is much more sensitive to toxins than is an adult's, the benefits of avoiding additives increase substantially. The elimination of additives and preservatives in organic baby food also quite simply means that there are fewer ingredients to which baby may develop allergies and that digestion of organic baby food is easier.

Organic baby food is quick-cooked so that fewer nutrients will be lost, an unfortunate by-product of cooking food in general. Most organic baby food is salt- and sugar-free, and what baby needs more of either?

There have been recently claims that organic baby food is lacking in iron at a 20 percent clip. This can be reduced, however, by making your own or feeding baby more iron-rich food.

What are the benefits?

Well, this is the selling point of organic product. Less salt means smaller chance of kidney, liver or blood pressure problems. Fewer toxins in your diet mean avoidance of certain industrial maladies. Preservatives have been shown to be dangerous (even potentially lethal) to your health, but only after occupying space in products for decades. Organic ingredients make it possible for the average consumer to understand exactly what they are eating. And, once you've experienced this phenomenon, you are unlikely to look at non-organic food labels the same way again.

Can I trust the labels?

This one is tricky. Just as there are zillions of lobbyists and concerned citizen action groups, there are zillions of corporate employees and attorneys finding ways around existing law. Simple research helps a lot to cut through the claims and counterclaims. Some information may surprise you.

For example, if a baby food label is marked "chicken," this means that chicken must comprise as little as forty percent of the ingredients' total mass. If two ingredients are listed, the first need only make up ten percent and in the second less is allowable. It can get depressing.

The way I figure it, check the website. If it's loaded with flash, slippery promotional promises and a dearth of solid information, become suspicious. In general, small is better. With babies of six to nine months, a few vegetables and simple grain products a week suffices in tandem with breast milk or formula – a very small amount of organic product to find. Plus, a large supply is made up in little time at home.

Does organic food taste better?

Yes.

Annie's Homegrown Berry Patch Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 5-Count Pouches (Pack of 4)
Annie's Homegrown Berry Patch Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 5-Count Pouches (Pack of 4)
List Price: $21.52
Sale Price: $16.55
You save: $4.97 (23%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Organic Berry patch bunny fruit snacks are a delicious mix of strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavored bunnies. Certified organic, these bunny-shaped fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice and packed with 100% daily value of vitamin C.

Features

  • Pack of 4 (total 16 oz)
  • Three delicious, all natural flavors in every pouch: strawberry, cherry, and raspberry
  • Certified organic; made with real fruit juice
  • Vegan; gelatin free, fat free; and naturally gluten free
  • 5 packets, 0.8oz per box
Is Organic Food Better? (What Do You Think?)
Is Organic Food Better? (What Do You Think?)
Sale Price: $33.50
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

What are the health issues with the foods we eat? Are organic methods better for farm animals? What would you do about it? Lots of people think that organic food is better for you. They believe that organic food is the most natural and wholesome and that o

The Organic Foods Sourcebook
The Organic Foods Sourcebook
List Price: $16.95
See Reviews For This Product

Description

A must-have for every concerned consumer, this comprehensive reference explains the important health and environmental benefits of organic foods. It details where to find and buy them on a budget, and how "organic" differs from other "eco-labels." It also provides key information about current legislative activity as well as a complete resource guide.

Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron, DHA & ARA, 25.75 Ounce Canister
Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron, DHA & ARA, 25.75 Ounce Canister
List Price: $45.04
Sale Price: $27.63
You save: $17.41 (39%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Breast milk is the first choice for your infant’s growth and development, but if and when you choose formula, you should feel good knowing there is formula from Earth’s Best, the leading organic baby food. New Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formulas with DHA & ARA, available in dairy and soy, are specially blended without the use of growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics, dangerous pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They are nutritionally complete to provide 100% of the essential nutrients doctors recommend for babies during the first 12 months of life.

Features

  • Organic, an excellent source of iron, zinc and six B vitamins, 1-3 grams of protein per serving
  • No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
  • Contains DHA & ARA for baby’s brain and eye development
Now Foods Cocoa Butter Pure, 5-Ounce
Now Foods Cocoa Butter Pure, 5-Ounce
Sale Price: $10.01
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

100% Pure Multi-Purpose Moisturizer Condition: Skin in need of a multi-purpose, whole body moisturizer. Solution: 100% Pure Cocoa Butter is an all natural moisturizer that's safe for use on even the most sensitive skin types. It is popular for sunburn, dry chapped skin, scar tissue and stretch marks. In its natural state, cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, and may vary in color and appearance. NOW® 100% Pure Cocoa Butter is food grade. From Tree to Bar...And Beyond: Cocoa Product FAQ's

Features

  • Cocoa Butter (100% Pure) - 7 oz7 oz
  • Natural
  • Multi-Purpose Body Moisturizer
Castor & Pollux Organix Canine Formula, Chicken, Brown Rice & Flax Dry Dog Food, 15-Pound Bag
Castor & Pollux Organix Canine Formula, Chicken, Brown Rice & Flax Dry Dog Food, 15-Pound Bag
List Price: $40.40
Sale Price: $36.72
You save: $3.68 (9%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Castor & Pollux organix canine formula dry, made with 70% organic ingredients, 15 pound bags provides pet owners with a highly digestible and palatable organic, meat-based protein food. Certified organic, free-range chicken is the #1 ingredient in all dry formulas with organic brown rice, organic peas, organic carrots and organic flaxseed adding wholesome nutrition to this complete and balanced diet.

Features

  • Package contains 15-pounds
  • All natural, organic dry dog food formula with added vitamins & minerals
  • Made with organic chicken, brown rice & flax
  • No Corn, no Wheat, no meat by-products.
Organic Food
Organic Food
Sale Price: $1.99
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product
Miracle-Gro 2000421 Tomato Plant Food - 1.5 Pound
Miracle-Gro 2000421 Tomato Plant Food - 1.5 Pound
List Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $7.55
You save: $2.44 (24%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

For tomatoes and other vegetables. Effective in either acid or alkaline soil. Safe to use and won't burn when used as directed. Water soluble 18 18 21 formula with important micro nutrients. 1.5 lb. box.

Features

  • Scotts Miracle Gro #2000421 MG 1.5LB Tomato Food
  • SCOTTS MIRACLE GRO
Organic Raw Pumpkin Seed Butter, 8oz - Seeds Soaked and Germinated
Organic Raw Pumpkin Seed Butter, 8oz - Seeds Soaked and Germinated
Sale Price: $14.95
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

BTR? stands for Better Than Roasted. This term originated in the early days of our business, when a friend was sampling our soaked dehydrated nuts. He discovered what most people who taste these nuts realize: nuts that have been through this process taste better than roasted nuts. They?re sweeter and less dense. It?s an added bonus that nuts put through this process are also better for the body than conventionally roasted nuts. This four-fold, four day quality control process yields an extremely high-quality, fresh, sweet and crisp product. Our nuts are both healthier, and better tasting, than conventional raw or roasted nuts and seeds.

Features

  • Ingredients: Pumpkin Seeds
  • Our process starts with premium, whole, certified organic nuts & seeds
  • which we then hand sort, soak, rinse and dry at a low temperature, below 108 degrees, protecting vi
  • Foods high in live enzymes require less of our own digestive enzymes, helping us to conserve enzyme
Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Comments are closed.