From Brains to Beauty - the Healthful Benefits of Organic
The health and environmental benefits of eating organic foods is overwhelmingly positive. But, the beauty perks are out of this world. At the top of the benefits list for eating organic are beautiful skin, losing weight and helping to keep immune systems strong.
Organic farming prohibits the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides, herbicides and insecticides that can break down cells in the body, interfere with metabolism, and have been linked to causing cancer, weight gain, autism in children, and more. In fact, USDA Organic Certification requires “food or other agricultural products to be produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering (GMOs) may not be used.”
Organic Foods Are More Nutritious
According to the Organic Consumers Association and The Organic Center, organic foods are 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals compared to their conventionally produced counterparts, and contain higher levels of:
★ Beta carotene
★ Vitamins C, D and E
★ Antioxidants and health-promoting polyphenols
★ Essential fatty acids and minerals
In fact, organically grown fruits and vegetables are known to be 30% higher in antioxidants than fruits and vegetables grown under chemical-intensive, conventional agriculture practices. These higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins can help improve the health and quality of our skin. Working from the inside out, our bodies, with the help of nutrient-dense organic foods, may be better able to target the harmful effects of sun damage and free radicals under the skin’s surface.
Keeping Toxic Chemicals Out
According to the Organic Consumers Association, organic foods do not contain:
★ Food additives, such as MSG
★ Artificial sweeteners, including high-fructose corn syrup and aspartame
★ Contaminants, such as mercury
★ Preservatives, such as sodium nitrate
This recipe for health helps defend the body from heart disease, cancer and other diseases such as diabetes, hyperactivity and even allergies. Also, the reduction of health hazards from the environment, for example the spraying of toxic pesticides on crops, not only has a positive impact on our health, but on our local environments.
Organic Foods Taste Better
Poor quality soil and harsh chemical residues also diminishes the taste of foods. With healthier, living soils and no synthetic chemical usage, many people argue that organic foods downright taste better! The Organic Consumers Association states that more than 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues remain on non-organic food even after washing. These residues not only affect the way our food tastes, but are released into our blood stream as food is digested.
Organic Food and Weight Loss
Consuming organic, nutrient-rich foods has also shown to help with weight loss. Eating foods drenched in pesticides and chemical additives, grown in sterile soil and overly processed, can result in eating a lot of empty calories. Organic, nutrient-rich foods can make you feel full faster and longer. Chemicals may actually increase food cravings and are known to cause water retention and weight gain, according to Alan Greene, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University, and Chuck Benbrook, Chief Scientist for the Organic Center.
Research has shown that a diet rich in organic foods can help our bodies defend themselves from diseases and keeps our environment healthier and clear of poisonous toxins. Equally important, taking care of our bodies and our communities makes us feel better. Feeling good about our surroundings and ourselves makes us more beautiful on the inside and out.
Starbar: Committed to Organic Health
Starbars combines USDA certified organic, raw superfoods with essential beauty nutrients in a unique, convenient, and delicious line of food bars that help bodies power up, slim down and look amazing. A tasty snack bar with star power, add Starbars to your healthy, organic diet today!