Why Buy Organic?

Well, to begin with, plants that are not organically grown are sprayed with herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, which are as toxic to you as they are to pests and do not necessarily wash off completely.

Second of all non-organic product can be genetically modified without mentioning the fact on the label. An example of how that might work is that genetically modified fruits and vegetables might be weed killer resistant – so the “farmer” can inundate this fields with weed killer so he doesn’t have to spend the money weeding, and you get the residual that’s left on the fruits and vegetables after harvesting. In addition, your kid’s reproductive capacity is jeopardized, a side benefit of genetic engineering consistently found in test animals.

Villagers in third world countries - where lots of your fruits and vegetables have been grown - are experiencing all kinds of health and reproductive problems as a result of this kind of farming. So in addition to your health concerns, there are all kinds of social and human rights reasons for buying organic that are not directly related to your personal health. China - where the Walmart chain buys its cheap vegetables - is so polluted (particularly with heavy metals) that it cannot actually produce organic vegetables. This is particularly important when it comes to root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and the like. Recent testing has shown that vegetables from China labeled "Organic" were awash in toxic chemicals.... Be careful where you buy. Buy local when possible. Farmer's Markets are wonderful because you know the person who raised your food.

Recently I was given a book called “Country Wisdom and Know-How: Everything You Need To Know To Live Off The Land.” In that book I learned that 95% of healthy soil consists of minerals, which are in a constant state of breaking down. The minerals feed the plants, the plants feed us. If the minerals are not breaking down the soil becomes sterile. The plants do not take up minerals and minerals are absent from your diet. Most agribusiness product (non-organic) contains few if any minerals. Occasional the business feeds a few of the major minerals back to the soil but minerals like zinc and chromium are almost gone from the American soil... Russian and Central European soil is notably lacking these minerals with clear implications for long term health.

Agribusiness uses petrochemicals to force plants to grow. The result is big product with little nutrition. Indeed diseases like Type II Diabetes have been linked to an absence of minerals and healthy oils in diets. Or should I say that Thomas Smith as part of his program for reversing diabetes had great results adding minerals along with omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids to his diet. I highly recommend a daily mineral supplement. Many of my clients have found that their energy increases substantially if they use a good trace mineral supplement. I recommend the company New Spirit Naturals for excellent and safe supplements.

Agribusiness is sneaky and you have to read labels.

• 100 percent organic. Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.

• Organic. Products that are at least 95percent organic.

• Made with organic ingredients. Products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The organic seal can’t be used on these products.

In terms of weight loss, the body stores toxins like pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in your fat. The more toxins you ingest, the more fat you need to store it in.

A word to the wise.

When you go on a diet, be certain to take antioxidants. Antioxidants will bind with the toxins that are released as you lose fat and help your body remove them safely from your system. Antioxidants are very important in our polluted world and will help your overall health. Since vitamin and mineral combinations need to be in balanced amounts, don’t try to construct your own antioxidant combinations, use a trusted source. Trusted sources do not include any vitamin and mineral combinations you find in drug stores and supermarkets.