More Organic & Wholesome Foods?

The controversy on benefits of organic foods still persists, despite evidence showing that they are much lower in pesticide and chemical contamination, contain higher omega 3, and have less dangerous bacteria than conventional foods.  Various factors could be driving this controversy, and behind the powers of politics and industrial domination, money is a key factor.

The scale with which agricultural industries use chemicals and pesticides is beyond our imagination.  These harmful chemicals permeate our soil and waterways, causing wide-spread contamination in our foods.  We must shift away from the apathetic attitude of ‘what we don’t see, we don’t think about’.  Perhaps it is time to ponder what we are putting into our body every day, now that we know pesticides and chemicals in foods are linked to autism, cancers, neuropathy, hormonal issues, birth defects, diabetes, etc.

It might also be of interest to know that organic food industries also subscribe to eco-friendly practices and sustainability. This approach is important and relevant to us – we do not selfishly deplete our natural resources for our current uses, without considering the needs of the future generations to come.  Hence, it makes sense to choose organic foods when possible.

Interestingly, we now also have the choice of using whole food supplements to bridge the nutritional gaps in our diet.  Good quality whole food supplements are cultured from organic vegetables and herbs with enzymes and probiotics.  Because they are fermented from natural foods, the vitamins and minerals found within these supplements are not isolated as in conventional supplements. Instead, these whole food supplements are highly complex and contain activators, trace elements, antioxidants, coenzymes, and enzymes on top of the vitamins and minerals, just like how nutrients in foods are in nature.  In other words, whole food supplements retain a profile of nutrients and cofactors similar to what is found in fresh foods and may be well utilised by the body as the cofactors may allow the vitamins and minerals to work more synergistically.

Whether we choose organic foods or conventional foods, the key to health is the same. By adopting healthy eating habits and adding appropriate nutritional supplementation, we can become healthier.   A healthy diet should consist mainly of wholesome, natural food (as little processing as possible). In considering buying organic foods, here are some tips:

•             ‘Natural’ does not mean organic or chemical free. Beware of self-labeled ‘Organic’ products – they may not be organic.

•             Look for formal organic certification on product packaging, e.g. USDA, OCIA, SGS Organic.

•             Buy organic for fruits high in pesticides: apple, pear, strawberry, cherry, grape, peach, nectarine, apricot.

•             Buy organic for vegetables high in pesticides: bell peppers, carrots, celery, cucumber, green bean, potato, spinach & leafy greens.

•             Buy organic for nuts high in pesticides (buy organic): peanuts, almonds.

•             Buy organic for ALL dairy products (milk, yogurt, eggs, etc).