Researchers in Barcelona have discovered that organically grown foods have higher levels of antioxidants, making them effective in fighting cancer and other degenerative health conditions. With the increased availability of organic foods, it may be worth changing your eating habits to incorporate organics into your diet.
What’s the Difference?
Conventionally grown foods are fertilized with high amounts of nitrogenous chemicals. This keeps the plants from developing their own defense mechanisms against pests. As it turns out, this is a major difference between the levels of antioxidant chemicals found in organic foods. Plants raised organically are required to develop their own defenses against pests. This increases levels of naturally occurring antioxidants.
When plants are stressed, they create polyphenols, which are the building blocks of important antioxidant chemicals. Foods, such as tomatoes, carrots, oranges and others, raised organically, have higher levels of vitamin C, lycopene and carotenoids. These nutrients are effective in fighting free radicals which are associated with developing cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, among other conditions. Advocates of eating for health vitality and wellness have long suggested that eating organic whole foods is an important part of fighting the effects of aging.
With increased numbers of farmers markets and large grocery store chains offering organic products, it is possible to incorporate these foods into your diet. If you do not have access to organic foods from your local grocery store, consider growing your own organic fruits and vegetables.
Growing your own food can make a small contribution to reducing air pollution, allows you to control how your food is grown and is something your entire family can enjoy. Even if you have a small space, you can grow small pots of fresh tomatoes, peppers, carrots and herbs.
– The Alternative Daily
