An article just published by researchers at Stanford University looked at the benefits of eating organic foods. Their results concluded there really is no benefit. This came as a bit of a surprise to the researchers. Others too! Commentators on NPR this morning had an interesting take on this. The meta-analysis looked at studies two years in length. Most chronic diseases (including cancer) caused by the bio-accumulation of toxic petrochemicals (used in fertilizers and pesticides) take years if not decades to manifest. I am reminded of the sage wisdom that states, “Just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean your healthy.” For foods to be labeled organic, a few things need to be followed through: first, the soil has to be clean of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for a three-year period. Secondly, foods cannot be grown with these chemicals. Thirdly foods cannot contain genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). Commentators on NPR stated that one benefit the study failed to look at was that farmers who don’t use these chemicals also don’t have this toxic runoff into streams and lakes, where we tend to get our water supply.
Stress Tip for the Day:
The benefit of eating organic is not a daily exercise so much as it is a choice in the quality of your life; choosing to make healthy choices. The quality of food you eat is an investment in your health. Indeed, organic foods ARE more expensive, mostly because the farmers who grow organic foods are not subsidized by governmental loans. What they didn’t say in this study was that the increased bio-accumulation of chemical toxins will compromise your immune system. So if nothing more, eating organic helps to promote a healthy immune system. Remember this advice too: error on the side of caution.
Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:
Here a link which looks at the Stanford Study:
Quote for the Day:
“Organic foods are richer in nutrients. This means they improve satiety and naturally help to regulate body weight. Plants produce antioxidants to protect themselves from pest, like insects, and to withstand harsh winters. When they are treated with chemicals such as pesticides, they don’t need to produce as much of their own natural defenses so the levels are lower.” — Cynthia Sass
Photo for the Day:
Today’s photo was taken at my local Farmer’s Market where these farmers grow their crops organically, mostly because the people where I live demand better quality food. Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 12 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net
