In the News

This week, California regulators announced steps to reduce childrens lead exposure at day care facilities across the state. In a hearing, the State Water Resources Board adopted a goal of reducing lead in centers drinking water to no more than 1 part per billion the toughest lead reduction action in the nation to date.

Lead exposure at the earliest, most vulnerable stages of a childs life can have pronounced and lifelong consequences, said Susan Little, EWGs senior advocate for California government affairs. The boards action is a huge step forward in making sure we do everything possible to protect them from the risks of this potent neurotoxin. Parents shouldnt have to worry if their children are at risk from lead-contaminated water and food when they drop them off at day care. This move will go a long way toward making sure that doesnt happen."

EWG, along with CalPIRG, Clean Water Action and other organizations and advocates,urged the water boardto adopt the 1 ppb goal as part of the regulations for a new lead testing law recently signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that was originally sponsored by EWG.

Opponents to designating PFAS the family of highly toxic chemicals as hazardous substances under the Superfund law claim the designation will effectively ban PFAS across all commerce. EWG broke down these claims and explained why they are not true.

Heres some news you can use going into the weekend.

EPA Lead and Copper Rule

E&E News: Enviros lament lost opportunity with lead rule revamp

"It is indeed a very good thing," agreed Olga Naidenko, the Environmental Working Group's vice president for science investigations. "It is fair to say it is long overdue to not allow sample cheating."

Heliyon Cumulative Risk Assessment

Environmental Monitor: Assessing Cumulative Risk From Water Pollutants

New research from scientists at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that an approach that assesses cumulative risk from water contaminants could save lives. EWG senior scientist Tasha Stoiber spoke with EM about how the team developed the innovative new approach.

Meat Eaters Guide to Climate Change + Health

Live Kindly: What is Red Meat Really Doing to the Planet?

Lamb also has a high carbon footprint. Some believe its even higher than beef. According to the Environmental Working Group, this is because lambs produce less edible meat than cows.

Metals in Jewelry

National Jeweler: CA Law Tightens Restrictions on Lead, Cadmium in Jewelry

Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) introduced SB 647 in February. It was co-sponsored by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, the Environmental Working Group and the Center for Environmental Health.

Monsantos Glyphosate

Salon: Why Dr. Zach Bush believes herbicides could end life on Earth

As Salon's Matt Rozsa reported earlier this year, an Environmental Working Group study tested 21 oat-based cereal and snack products for glyphosate. 17 of then contained glyphosate at levels considered unsafe for children, including multiple brands of Cheerios.

Medical Health News: Why Dr. Zach Bush believes herbicides could end life on Earth

As Salon's Matt Rozsa reported earlier this year, an Environmental Working Group study tested 21 oat-based cereal and snack products for glyphosate.

Plastics

Enviro News: CAUTION ADVISED: Study: Tea Bags Leaching off Billions of Microplastic Particles into Herbal, Green Teas

There is very little published research on the potential adverse health effects of chemicals that leach from plastic food containers, so its difficult to say theyre safe with any degree of certainty, especially with long-term use, Anila Jacob, MD, Senior Scientist with the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization, told WebMD.

Seafood Guide

Mercola: Would You Trade the Worlds Most Nutritious Food for Gold?

Similarly, when the Environmental Working Group tested farmed salmon from U.S. grocery stores, they found farmed salmon had, on average. Reprinted byHealthGlu

Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce

American Fitness Professionals and Associates: The Science Behind Three Commonly Consumed Red Fruits & Vegetables

When possible, you should always look for organic tomatoes as they are included on the Environmental Working Group's 2019 Dirty Dozen List.

Eating Well: How to Lose Weight on a Budget

If organic is important to you, the Environmental Working Group has identified the foods that are most contaminated (that you should consider buying organic), as well as the produce that is cleanest and most free of pesticides (that you can buy conventional).

Winnipeg Free Press (Canada): The trouble with buying organic

To start, check out the Environmental Working Groups annual Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/), which provides information about the produce with the highest pesticide residues and those with the lowest. This can help with shopping for organic produce.

Ask Men: Best Sunscreens for Mens Faces

In addition to that, this cruelty-free daily facial sunscreen scored an EWG rating of one, which is not an easy feat.

Beauty World News: Beach, Please! Its Time to Break This Hideous Beach Habit

The EWG rates ThinkSport SPF 50 Sunscreen with a perfect score, as it has no known biologically toxic chemicals and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes.

She Knows: Protect Your Kids Skin With These 5 High-SPF Sunscreens

But perhaps best of all, it has an excellent rating from the Environmental Working Group for ingredients that are least likely to have negative impacts on humans or the environment. Reprinted byWomans Tale;Yahoo!

Tap Water Database

The Garden City News (NY): Go Green with Kelly and Colleen

Get angry, and then get educated. Review the resources available on the websites of the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org); Our Water, Our Lives (ourwaterlives.org); Water for Long Island (waterforlongisland.org); and The Citizens Campaign for the Environment (citizenscampaign.org).

Natural News: Whats really in your tap water? (The answers might surprise you)

Sending your samples off to a lab might not be practical, but you may be able to find out more about your water online. If you use a municipal water supply, check out the EWG Tap Water Database. ReprintChemicals News

The News-Star (Monroe LA): Tulane study points to natural cause for arsenic-tainted water

According to a new study from the Environmental Working Group, even tap water that has been dubbed 'safe' may not be and could increase cancer risk.

North Carolina Health News: DEQ, Greensboro wont identify industry that contaminated downstream drinking water

Melanie Benesh, the legislative attorney for the Environmental Working Group in Washington, said in an email that Greensboro should absolutely notify residents in the vicinity and downstream from this accidental spill.

Telegram and Gazette (Worchester MA): Shrewsbury town meeting to address chromium in well water

Unexpected levels of the chemical, recognized as a human carcinogen when inhaled, were first detected in the towns wells in 2016 after a report from the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit watchdog group.

Read this article:

EWG News Roundup (10/18): California Seeks To Reduce Lead From Daycare Facilities, Debunking PFAS Polluters' False Claims and More - Environmental...

It is important to know what you eat because healthy food choices lead to a healthy mind, body and soul. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock Images)

It is often said that we are what we eat. As much as it is essential to have a nutritious diet, a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibre, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy lifestyle, it is also important to observe the effects of it on the environment. In India, a major problem of lack of nutrition in diet due to adulteration may lead to problems such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and eating disorders.

It is important to understand what you eat because the right food choices lead to a healthy mind, body and soul. with more awareness, the consumption of organic or naturally grown food has increased.

Adopting an organic diet is a wise choice for both the environment as well as personal health. Organic items are free from harmful components and more nutritious than regular food along with better taste, while being sustainable in the long run.

Free from harmful pesticides and chemicals

Pesticides and chemicals such as fertilisers and herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides are majorly used in conventional agriculture which are dangerous for health, especially for children and pregnant women, as they can cause serious health issues like cancers, brain tumours, leukaemia, immune disorders, infertility, cardiac disease, hypertension, Alzheimers and numerous other diseases. In organic farming, naturally derived pesticides are used, in place of synthetic pesticides that are common in conventional farming. Natural pesticides are non-toxic, thus eliminating the risk of major health issues.

Better quality

Organic vegetables and fruits ensure high quality as they are grown using natural methods of agriculture, without chemicals and toxins. Organic food products are always fresh because they are not treated with any preservatives or wax for longer a shelf-life. Though they do not taste like our favourite junk food, which is more spicy and sugary, they are rich in flavour thanks to the use of natural fertilisers such as manure and compost.

Supports environment

They are environment-friendly as organic vegetables, fruits, and dairy products are not treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides, which are not only dangerous to us to consume, but also for farmers and people living near farm areas. Chemicals can contaminate soil, water, and other plants too. Organic farming includes natural cultivation practices, which increase soil fertility, conserve water and reduce pollution. It also helps in reducing carbon dioxide, slows down climate change and the effects of global warming.

Organic food is GMO- free

In Genetically Modified Organisms, structural DNA of plants and animals are changed through the process of genetic engineering or Gene Technology. Its used to improve levels of nutrition and create specific traits. However, they have higher levels of toxic chemicals and pesticides, which can cause organ damage, gastrointestinal disorders, among other ailments. Antibiotics and other growth hormones can also have major health effects, while reducing ones immunity. Non-GMO foods contain more nutrients, such as omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Organic farming keeps the soil healthy

What you buy at the time of grocery shopping tells a lot about your health as well as the environment. Conventional foods are sprayed with harmful chemicals that kill living organisms which is needed by the soil to become nutrient-rich. Once these organisms get killed or replaced by synthetic fertilisers, it becomes more harmful and toxic.

Even organic dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, cream, cheese are rich in nutrients, have higher level of omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin A and vitamin B. Therefore, organic products are much safer and because of high nutritional value, protect us from various diseases and help in reducing the risk of heart disease, preventing skin diseases, cancer, arthritis, and numerous eye diseases, while providing strength to our immune system, said Rishabh Chokhani, Founder, Naturevibe Botanicals.

With an increased number of people suffering from health issues, switching to organic food is the right decision for better health.

See more here:

Sustainable living: Why consuming organic food is good for health - The Indian Express

123RF

If you like organic products, they work for you, and you can afford them, then go for it. Just know you're not poisoning yourself with the regular sort.

OPINION: One of the stranger interactions I've had lately was explaining to someone why I didn't want to write about thetampons they werepromoting.

I had tried them, I'd said, and I didn't like them. I should have left it at that.

Instead, I became embroiled in an unexpectedly intimate email exchange where I tolda well-meaning acquaintance that the thing about this particular brand of tampon, fashioned from organic cotton, was (and I quote myself here): "They don't hold shape well so you sort of have to smoosh them up."

I've long been wary of the organic tampon.

My friend, a nurse, once found herself at the mercy of an after-hours GP a dead ringer, as it happened, for Robin Williams' character in Mrs Doubtfire after borrowing such a device from her flatmate, only to find that when the time came to remove it,just the string emerged.

Despite her medical prowess, my friend was unable to retrieve the rogue tampon on her own, cue the Mrs Doubtfire encounter. She recalls the examination room's decor posters featuring topless men on motorcycles and the expression of disgust on the doctor's face (so unprofessional!) as she fished that sucker out. My friend hasn't been tempted toward an organic tampon since.

The thing is though, organic tampons are GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT and GOOD FOR YOUR BODY. This is what we are told by people trying to make money off our guilt (about ruining the planet) and fears (about all the stuff that could prevent us living our best lives), so, it must be true.

It doesn't matter that wearing one of these things feels like being stabbed in the pancreas whenever you sit down suddenly.

Organic tampons allow our plastic-bag-shunning metal-straw-sucking virtue signalling autopilots to extend all the way into our probably-not-organic-cotton undies.

They fulfil an intangible purpose, as well as a practical one.

I've always been a sceptical sort a brief but severe phase of evangelical Christianity notwithstanding but my bulls metre is currently at an all-time high, following a close reading ofThe Vagina Bible by Canadian ob/gyn Dr Jen Gunter.

Theinternet arch nemesis of sexy-charlatan-in-chief Gywneth Paltrow, Gunter has made something of a sport calling out quackery, countering fear mongering with fact wielding, offering peace of mind and probably saving women across the world thousands of dollars in the process. The book is essentially a user guide for anyone who has a vagina(including trans women and trans men), or came out of one, or finds themselves in proximity to one from time to time.

It's hundreds of pages of everything that's missing from the school health curriculum, and plenty that's missing from the medschool curriculum, too. I have been insufferable about it for weeks. When my flatmate said:"I'm 37, what more could there possibly be to learn?" my eyes lit up.

Having specialisedin women's health for 25years, Gunter has a particular interest in menstrual products. She has a whole section on "Menstrual Products and Mythology", and a chapter devoted to the time-worn question: "Are there toxins in tampons and pads?"

The paraphrasedanswer is: yes, but because of environmental pollution, not manufacturing processes, and even then, the concentrations are thousands of times less than those you'll find in food.

And, there's no difference between the levels of toxins found in "health food store"tampons versus "conventional"cotton/rayon blends, although, Gunter adds: "In one study the tampon that had the highest levels of dioxins was from an 'organic' company."

Gunter is not a fan of "where's the harm?"logic, particularly when it comes to companies capitalising on women's insecurities.Putting a sea sponge in there is an actively bad idea, for example they'rebreeding grounds for potentially harmful bacteria and impossible to effectively clean. As for knitted or crochetedtampons (Etsy has a lot to answer for...) she says: "Give them a pass."

But Gunterwould no doubt say that if you like the organic tampons on supermarket shelves, they work for you, and you can afford them, then go for it. Just know you're not poisoning yourself withthe regular sort.Me? I'll keep my virtue signalling confined to not owning a car and rarely eating meat, and my Carefree Silk-Ease firmly where they belong.

Read this article:

Why I'll never buy organic tampons - Stuff.co.nz

THE cannabis industry is on a roll. Over the last year, a budding array of hemp products have started appearing on the high street. Leading this green revolution is Westbourne-based, Daiba Organic. The company sell the compound Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which has been credited with helping relieve pain and reduce anxiety. The oil wont get you high and is legal in the UK and Europe. Its currently classified as a food supplement, but you do have to be over-18 to buy it.

Daisy Smith, who runs Daiba Organic with her partner Bart Majkut, have been selling CBD products since 2017.

Daiba Organics range of CBD infused products include crafted organic oils, tea and chocolate. Daisy and Bart recommend taking a few drops daily orally or adding to your favourite drinks or recipes. The oil is grown organically and in accordance with the European Union law. To extract the oil from the plant they use a cold press extraction process, which ensures the best quality oil with no heat damage.

Daisy, 33, says: More people are becoming aware of the benefits of hemp and CBD products. Its moving away from the previous associations of recreational drug use to the more beneficial properties of CBD. Our oil is 100 per cent organic and our products packaging are eco and vegan-friendly.

The pair describe cannabis as a versatile and powerful plant, packed full of flavour and fragrance, with a whole range of natural benefits.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report suggests CBD oil could be used to treat anxiety and depression but in spite of the reported health benefits, NHS Englands website said the quality and content of many cannabis-based products is not known. It reads: Some products that might claim to be medicinal cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But theres no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits.

Daisy added: Most of our followers are quite astute and already aware of the growing popularity and benefits of CBD products. Our oil is perfectly safe to use, and we make sure we choose the right plants at our farms. CBD oil is currently classified as a food supplement and not a medicine. The government legislation is very strict with claiming any medical benefits, but I can only say that we have many happy customers that are using our oil and they are finding life a lot more pleasant!

Heres one of Daiba Organics recipes, created in collaboration with Epi-Foods, to try at home.

CBD Power Balls SkinFood

Ingredients (basic dough):

100g dates, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight

100g roasted almonds

1 or 2 full droppers of Daiba CBD Oil 5.5%

Toppings (optionally):

Coconut flakes

Matcha

Cranberry Powder

Linseed

Grated Almonds

Cocoa nibs

Grated Daiba CBD Chocolate

Preparation:

Blend your soaked dates to a fine puree. Chop the roasted almonds with a large knife and mix with the date puree and Daiba CBD Oil into a dough. Form small balls from this dough. Roll these balls through any ingredient from the "Toppings" list above and garnish on a plate or wrap in sandwich paper.

* Daiba products are also stocked at Sunrise Organics and Earth Foods

Read more from the original source:

This couple make cannabis oil that you can add to your food and drink (and it's all perfectly legal!) - Bournemouth Echo

The city is known for its foodies and wide variety of foods available, be it special innovations in namkeens or its delectable Poha and Jalebi combos. One of the to-do things for celebrities, when they come to Indore is to taste its ware. On World Food Day, which falls on October 16, we bring a preview of best local food of Indore, international cuisines in Indore and unique organic food in the city. The day is celebrated every year to mark the founding date of the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945.

Innovative Indores most popular food: There is a large variety of the food items that have been invented in Indore. The undoubtedly most popular is Indori Poha, which is even in the race for getting geographical identification of the city.

The khopra patties, is innovation of Indore. The patties are delicious balls of fried potato with surprise coconut centre and eaten dunked in green and red chutneys. You can try them in Sarafa and Chappan Dukan.

From savoury sev varieties to roasted diet variants, Indore has the largest collection of Namkeens manufactured under various brand names. A meal without sev is unimaginable for many here.

In winter, an Indori speciality of small cubes of yam (garadu) that have been fried and sprinkled with spices to make a delicious crispy chaat is a must have. How can one forget the wide variety of kachoris and samosas in the city! From the spicy lal balti kachori to most-loved aloo (potato) kachori sold outside SGSITS college, the city has a flavour to please everyone.

Sweet or tangy or spicy? Samosas dip in a new taste in different parts of the city as per inclination of people. Protein rich and delicious mong bhajias are among the most popular evening snacks in most offices and can be found being sold in every corner of the city.

The mention of Indores food is incomplete without Joshis Dahi Wada and Bhutte ki Kees, which is popular all over the world now because its unique style of serving and lip-smacking taste.

For sweet-tooth: Indore does not fail the sweet lovers and offers a large variety of sweets from Jaleba to sugar-free diet candies. Some of the most popular sweets in the city are: mawa batti (a larger variant of gulab jamun stuffed with dry fruits), jaleba, imarti, kulfi faluda, makkan bada, rabdi, and mangli rasgulla.

French version of pastries and bakeries are quite popular in Indore, but more inclination is towards Indori style sweets, where we even prepare Rabri cakes, baker Shruti Vincent said.

International cuisine blends in the city: Considering the love for food, many international cuisines have made their way to Indore. Some latest trending international cuisines are Persian Gulf, French, Italian, Chinese, American, Mexican, Thai, Japanese and German.

A new addition from this World Food Day in Persian Gulf cuisine offered by Aamir Diyab is Baba Ghanoush Pita. This is the first time that it is being prepared in the country as street food I am sure, and we intend to launch it from this world food day to celebrate the day with food lovers of Indore, he said. The dish name means the father of coquetry or indulged/pampered/flirtatious daddy or spoiled old daddy.

Italian cuisines mean more than pizza for Indoreans. There are several varieties of pastas and other delicacies. Chicken Fajitas, Berried tea, Three Cheese Pasta and of course the Mushroom Rosti are among popular dishes.

Chinese has always been a favourite cuisine for Indoreans, and now, momos that have recently become a part of Indores cuisine have a spicier and friend modification as well. Several varieties of other international cuisines have been adopted and loved by Indoreans with highlighting Nachos from Mexican cuisine, pastries and bakeries from French, burgers, pies and waffles from American, and more.

The unique organic food centre: Promoted by Padma Shri Janak McGilligan Palta, Indore has its very own organic food centre and farmers market named Jaivik Setu. On every Sunday, one can enjoy a variety of north and south Indian cuisines prepared from organic vegetables and flour. The stress here is mostly of healthy eating and diet. However, feeding the Indori indulgence, one can find some delicacies street food style items as well.

Continued here:

Indore: World Food Day; City offers innovative snacks and international cuisine too - Free Press Journal

RIPPING off local growers at a farmgate stall by more than half their profits is 'a new low' says local grower Christy Shelper.

The Big Swing Organics Farm co owner was forced to shut her road-side avocado stall at Goonengerry after her and husband DJ discovered the level of immense dishonesty at the honesty box.

"The honesty on our farmgate stall leaves a lot to be desired, about 50 per cent in fact, she said.

"The dishonesty always exists, but we've always has about an 85 percent rate of honesty which was good and manageable for us, but over the last three weeks it was consistently low we had to shut it.

While Christy said she understood the high cost of living in the area, the couple had their own bills to pay and a family to feed as well.

"It would be a different amount loss every day, she said.

"It was unpredictable, some days we'd lose $60 a day, sometimes more sometimes less, but it all adds up.

"We really want to have that stall down there - we want to make organic food available and affordable to the community, but we we can't afford to be giving away food, not at that consistency.

Left feeling "helpless in the situation, Christy said they felt conflicted because they loved providing the community with affordable organics but they were also letting so many customers down shutting the stall but

"But at the same time you cant be feeding the people who are just taking advantage, so we feel really conflicted about it, she said.

"I'm surprised we didn't received more IOU notes in our box, but I've spoken with other stall holders in this area and they point out how you know if it's tourists or locals.

"You don't know.

The couple once had a camera on the stall, but it proved to be pointless when trying to monitor avo sales.

"But we caught a little old lady taking a $9 pumpkin without paying - so it's people from all walks of life doing it, there's no way to tell unless we are doing to sit there and spy all day long - obviously no one has the time to do that.

"Three weeks ago you could buy a really small overripe organic avo for $4 at Woolies and we were selling similar sized ones between 50c and $1 - and customers were getting awesome prices and quality straight from the farmer to you.

"We'll think about starting it up again next season.

"If anyone wants to keep eating our delicious avos, send us a message we'd be happy to sell you some of these certified organic beauties that have just been picked and polished for $9kg.

"Also, keep watching our Facebook page to see when and where we might do our next cheeky pop up stall.

Read more from the original source:

Avocado growers ripped off by dishonesty at roadside stall - Northern Star

The government hopes to get Parliament nod on two long-pending Bills on pesticide management and seeds in the next session, Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala said on Thursday.

The Pesticide Management Bill that will replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 seeks to regulate the pesticide sector by fixing prices and setting up of a regulatory authority.

Whereas the Seeds Bill, which will replace the Seeds Act 1966, seeks to regulate the production, distribution and sale of seeds. The Bill was put on hold in 2015 after it drew flak on enabling provision for genetically modified crops.

"We are working on two important Bills -- the Pesticide Management Bill and the Seeds Bill. They are pending for long. We are pursuing them very seriously. I hope they will be passed in the next session of Parliament," Rupala said at an event organised by industry body Assocham.

The government is concerned about sale of spurious seeds and pesticides. These Bills aim to address this issue as well, he added. Rupala said the domestic seeds industry has a huge export potential. On organic produce, the minister said the demand for organic food is rising fast in the world and India is the only country that has the potential to meet that demand.

"I am sure India is the only country which has the ability to meet the growing world demand for organic produce. Other countries cannot because they do not have suitable agro-climatic conditions," he added.

He said there is a need to create awareness among farmers about the rising demand of organic produce so that they produce accordingly. Normally, winter session of Parliament is held during November-December.

See the original post here:

Parliament nod on pesticide and seed bills likely next session: MoS Agriculture - Economic Times

Is organic food really healthier? Is it worth the expense? Find out what the labels mean and which foods give you the most bang for your buck.What does organic mean?

The term organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. While the regulations vary from country to country, in the U.S., organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products.

How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives often find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods.

Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat.

Organic food is often fresher because it doesnt contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is often (but not always, so watch where it is from) produced on smaller farms near where it is sold.

Organic farming is better for the environment. Organic farming practices reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. Farming without pesticides is also better for nearby birds and animals as well as people who live close to farms.

Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts. Feeding livestock animal byproducts increases the risk of mad cow disease (BSE) and the use of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Organically-raised animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, which help to keep them healthy.

Organic meat and milk are richer in certain nutrients. Results of a 2016 European study show that levels of certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in conventionally raised versions.

Organic food is GMO-free. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, most commonly in order to be resistant to pesticides or produce an insecticide.

Unlike organic standards, there is no specific definition for local food. It could be grown in your local community, your state, your region, or your country. During large portions of the year it is usually possible to find food grown close to home at places such as a farmers market.

Financial: Money stays within the local economy. More money goes directly to the farmer, instead of to things like marketing and distribution.

Transportation: In the U.S., for example, the average distance a meal travels from the farm to the dinner plate is over 1,500 miles. Produce must be picked while still unripe and then gassed to ripen it after transport. Or the food is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation, and other means to keep it stable for transport.

Freshness: Local food is harvested when ripe and thus fresher and full of flavor.

Small local farmers often use organic methods but sometimes cannot afford to become certified organic. Visit a farmers market and talk with the farmers to find out what methods they use.

The ongoing debate about the effects of GMOs on health and the environment is a controversial one. In most cases, GMOs are engineered to make food crops resistant to herbicides and/or to produce an insecticide. For example, much of the sweet corn consumed in the U.S. is genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup and to produce its own insecticide, Bt Toxin.

GMOs are also commonly found in U.S. crops such as soybeans, alfalfa, squash, zucchini, papaya, and canola, and are present in many breakfast cereals and much of the processed food that we eat. If the ingredients on a package include corn syrup or soy lecithin, chances are it contains GMOs.

The use of toxic herbicides like Roundup (glyphosate) has increased 15 times since GMOs were introduced. While the World Health Organization announced that glyphosate is probably carcinogenic to humans, there is still some controversy over the level of health risks posed by the use of pesticides.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the biotech companies that engineer GMOs insist they are safe, many food safety advocates point out that no long term studies have ever been conducted to confirm the safety of GMO use, while some animal studies have indicated that consuming GMOs may cause internal organ damage, slowed brain growth, and thickening of the digestive tract.

GMOs have been linked to increased food allergens and gastro-intestinal problems in humans. While many people think that altering the DNA of a plant or animal can increase the risk of cancer, the research has so far proven inconclusive.

As mentioned above, one of the primary benefits of eating organic is lower levels of pesticides. However, despite popular belief, organic farms do use pesticides. The difference is that they only use naturally-derived pesticides, rather than the synthetic pesticides used on conventional commercial farms. Natural pesticides are believed to be less toxic, however, some have been found to have health risks. That said, your exposure to harmful pesticides will be lower when eating organic.

Most of us have an accumulated build-up of pesticide exposure in our bodies due to numerous years of exposure. This chemical body burden as it is medically known could lead to health issues such as headaches, birth defects, and added strain on weakened immune systems.

Some studies have indicated that the use of pesticides even at low doses can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Children and fetuses are most vulnerable to pesticide exposure because their immune systems, bodies, and brains are still developing. Exposure at an early age may cause developmental delays, behavioral disorders, autism, immune system harm, and motor dysfunction.

Pregnant women are more vulnerable due to the added stress pesticides put on their already taxed organs. Plus, pesticides can be passed from mother to child in the womb, as well as through breast milk.

The widespread use of pesticides has also led to the emergence of super weeds and super bugs, which can only be killed with extremely toxic poisons like 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (a major ingredient in Agent Orange).

Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling sometimes helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, wash and scrub all produce thoroughly, and buy organic when possible.

Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally-grown food. But if you set some priorities, it may be possible to purchase organic food and stay within your food budget.

Some types of conventionally-grown produce are much higher in pesticides than others, and should be avoided. Others are low enough that buying non-organic is relatively safe. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the results of government pesticide testing in the U.S., offers an annually-updated list that can help guide your choices.

According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the results of government pesticide testing in the U.S., the following fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels so are best to buy organic:

Known as the Clean 15, these conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are generally low in pesticides.

While prominent organizations such as the American Heart Association maintain that eating saturated fat from any source increases the risk of heart disease, other nutrition experts maintain that eating organic grass-fed meat and organic dairy products doesnt carry the same risks. Its not the saturated fat thats the problem, they say, but the unnatural diet of an industrially-raised animal that includes corn, hormones, and medication.

According to Animal Feed, conventionally raised animals in U.S. can be given:

Shop at farmers markets. Many cities, as well as small towns, host a weekly farmers market, where local farmers sell their produce at an open-air street market, often at a discount to grocery stores.

Join a food co-op. A natural foods co-op, or cooperative grocery store typically offers lower prices to members, who pay an annual fee to belong

Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, in which individuals and families join up to purchase shares of produce in bulk, directly from a local farm. Local and organic!

Buy in season Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and freshest when they are in season. Find out when produce is delivered to your market so youre buying the freshest food possible.

Shop around Compare the price of organic items at the grocery store, the farmers market and other venues (even the freezer aisle).

Remember that organic doesnt always equal healthy Making junk food sound healthy is a common marketing ploy in the food industry but organic baked goods, desserts, and snacks are usually still very high in sugar, salt, fat, or calories. It pays to read food labels carefully.

Organic food is more labor intensive since the farmers do not use pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or drugs. Organic certification is expensive and organic feed for animals can cost twice as much. Organic farms tend to be smaller than conventional farms, which means fixed costs and overhead must be distributed across smaller produce volumes without government subsidies.

To find farmers markets, organic farms, and grocery co-ops in your area, visit:

Authors: Lawrence Robinson, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Robert Segal, M.A. Last updated: June 2019.

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Organic Foods: What You Need to Know - HelpGuide.org

At Organic Roots, we believe in promoting and participating in a healthy lifestyle through organic food & family. We offer our customers the finest selection of local, organic produce as well as all natural food products, healthy & body care, and supplements.Organic Roots also has a wide selection of all natural food products for specialized diets: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, low carbohydrate and more. We serve the needs of each unique customer by carrying a variety of products not available at your local grocery store. Our friendly staff is available to help you find exactly what you need and if we dont have it, well do our best to get it for you!In addition, Organic Roots offers our customers an all-natural deli, serving sandwiches, salads, soup & chili, cold case salads, sliced meats & cheeses, hot meals, burritos, and more! We have a fresh, all natural juice bar, an organic fair trade coffee bar & an all gluten free bakery! We also have a full service meat & seafood department, offering free range poultry, grass fed & finished beef, and much more!At Organic Roots we believe in being socially responsible and actively involved in our community, through such means as supporting our schools, promoting environmental groups and practices, contributing to charities, and educating our customers on organic and natural foods.

Learn more about our organic and natural food store in Temecula, California

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Organic Roots Natural Food Store in Temecula with organic ...

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Our mission is to educate the consumer on matters of nutrition and health, empowering you and your families with the knowledge to make the right decisions about the foods you eat and the consequences they have.

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