The Top Five Reasons To Buy Organic

The Top Five Reasons to Buy Organic

As people search for healthier lifestyles, buying organically grown foods has increased in popularity. Farmers of organic produce preserve our earth by raising crops the natural way. Foods grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides provide healthy and pure alternatives to conventional foods that may contain harmful residues of chemicals. In organic farming, use of chemicals and toxins is prohibited. In raising livestock, using antibiotics is prohibited in favor of natural means maintaining health. Genetically modifying any plant or animal is strictly forbidden. Five reasons to buy organically grown foods include

1. There are no additives or preservatives in organic foods which leaves a more natural and delicious flavor.

2. Organic foods do not depend on non-renewable resources.

3. Buying organic foods supports the small family owned farms that produce it.

4. Organic foods do not promote pollution of water or harmful work conditions for workers because no chemicals are involved.

5. Free from pesticides, organic food is safer.

We have the opportunity to be more aware of the products we are buying. Although in the past we would not have known that our food was saturated with harmful chemicals, we do have that information, now. We now have the choice to shop for food that is grown the way nature planned.

Organic fruits and vegetables are a perfect place to begin in smarter shopping. Apples, imported grapes, nectarines, pears, peaches, red raspberries, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes and spinach are a several already on the market. Other foods are also becoming increasingly popular as organically grown: eggs, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, milk, juice, bread, soup, meats, nuts, pasta and many baby foods.

As you shop smart, look for the three categories of labels used by the USDA on organic foods.

1. 100% organic-means the food is made from 100% organic ingredients.

2. Organic made-means 95% or more is organic ingredients with the rest being heavily restricted, but no genetic modifications.

3. Made with organic ingredients-means the food has no less than 70% of organic ingredients with the rest being heavily restricted and no genetic modifications.

If any product has less than 70% organic ingredients, the USDA regulates that it cannot be labeled as "organic" on the packaging in any way. However, these products may list the organic ingredients.

Eating healthfully is not eating cheaply. Most families are concerned that the price of organically grown foods is more expensive than chemically grown foods. As organic becomes more popular, however, the prices are becoming more competitive. The question should be, "What is our health and long life worth?" Shopping smarter by buying organic should be the answer.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Aniseed

Use the dried fruit. The strong oil in Aniseed provides the basis for its internal use to ease griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. It also has an expectorant and anti-spasmodic action and may be used in bronchitis, in tracheitis where there is persistent irritable coughing, and in whooping cough. The oil itself can be the base for an ointment to help control lice and the oil can be used directly in the control of lice.

Apple Tree

Use the bark to create a tonic that will treat gravel in the bladder and also aid in reducing fever.

Arnica

Not to be taken internally, this is an excellent treatment for bruises and sprains. It will also help relieve rheumatic pain as well as pain and inflammation of phlebitis.

Arrowroot

Used as a demulcent and nutritive food for urinary and bowel affections in infants and invalids in convalescence.

Astragalus

Widely used in Chinese Medicine, it boosts the immune system. Use for anything from the common cold to cancer.