Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Organic food safer, healthier
CONSUMING more organic food has been proven by nutritionists and dieticians worldwide to be healthier and safer than conventional food in the market.
A data compiled by the US Department of Agriculture revealed that since the 1940s the mineral levels in fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy have declined substantially in conventional foods.
Combine this with earlier (pre-ripened) picking, longer storage and more processing of crops, and it's not surprising that we may be getting fewer nutrients in our food than we were 60 years ago.
On average, organic crops contain higher levels of trace minerals, vitamin C and antioxidant phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients, many of which are antioxidants involved in the plant's own defense system, is higher in organic produce because crops rely more on their own defenses in the absence of regular applications of chemical pesticides.
Decreasing one's toxin burden and increasing one's intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can have a significant impact on health, especially when trying to improve or restore health.
With the health benefits they give, organic crops can prove to be much cheaper.
Consumption on junk foods and fast foods, which could be hazardous to health overtime, is reduced, resulting to less medical expenses.
In Davao City, Tacdrup, a local NGO that advocates for sustainable agriculture and environmentally-sound farming methods, has associated with Mindanao Agri-Network Corporation (Mancor), to distribute organically grown brown rice and vegetables and fruits to local market.
These organic products can be found citywide, in leading malls and various doctors' clinics, at competitive prices. For more information on where to buy organic crops, call 297-2215, or visit www.tacdrup.org.ph.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 23, 2006 issue)
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