
If you've ever shopped at a supermarket or farmers market, you've probably seen the word "organic" on some of your foods. But what does it mean?
Organic foods are produced on farms that use no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. They are also free from genetic engineering and ionizing radiation.
Shop at local farmers markets or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program to get your produce fresh from a farm near you.
Herbal Teas
The human body’s immune system is ultimately what kills viruses, and the strength of your body’s natural defense is what determines whether a virus will make you sick or not. Teas and herbs can give a hand, and help you recover more quickly if you do get sick.
Peppermint leaf extract, for example, has been shown to prevent the growth of viruses in culture and in lab tests. The chemicals in this herb are thought to prevent viruses from interacting with healthy human cells by imitating them.
Similarly, chamomile is another well-known antiviral herbal remedy, known for its relaxing and therapeutic properties. It also has been shown to reduce stress and boost the body’s production of nitric oxide, which is thought to protect against infection.
Several of these herbs are found in the NutraDefence tea blend, which includes elderberry to stimulate the immune system, echinacea to fight bacteria and soothe respiratory discomfort, ginger for its strong antiviral effects, tulsi to relieve cold symptoms, astragalus to promote cellular health and linden to thin mucus. To make herbal teas, add one tablespoon of roots, stems or flowers to a cup of boiling water and steep for 30 minutes.
Herbal Infusions
While the world's laser focus on Covid-19 has been totally justified, there hasn't been much attention to the fact that there are some pretty potent natural antiviral foods out there. While they won't stop a virus from coming and going, they can offer a huge boost to your immune system and help your body fight it off.
Echinacea, for example, has strong antiviral properties and is most effective when used as a tea or tincture at the very first signs of infection. It stimulates the production of white blood cells to help your body fight the virus.
Other herbs that have been shown to support your immune system include garlic, ginger, and licorice root. In addition, one study found that holy basil (tulsi) increases levels of natural killer cells, which are immune system cells that kill viruses.
Herbal infusions are an easy and delicious way to get some of these antiviral plants into your diet. They also offer a great alternative to tea, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing herbal elixir without the extra calories and sugar of a standard cup of coffee or black tea.
Honey
Although honey is prized as a natural sweetener, it has also been used for centuries as an antiseptic and healing agent. Modern research has confirmed that it has antiviral and antibiotic properties. It can enhance the immune system by preventing damage from free radicals, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of infection by killing certain bacteria.
One study demonstrated that Manuka honey inhibited the respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of serious lower respiratory infections in infants and young children and may cause death in immunocompromised adults and older people. The authors suggested that a compound in Manuka honey called methylglyoxal was responsible for the antiviral effect of this honey.
Choose raw unfiltered honey, which hasn't been processed to remove pieces of wax and propolis, for the most nutritional value. This honey tends to crystallize more slowly and may contain pollen, which can help build immunity to seasonal allergies. Raw honey also contains antioxidants and enzymes, which provide additional health benefits.
Vegetables
Vegetables promote well-being by offering a large number of vitamins and minerals that help the body to fight against viral infections. They are also rich in dietary fibre, which is essential for a healthy digestive system, and low in calories.
A good choice of vegetables is essential for a balanced diet, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. They provide a wide range of antiviral compounds, including polyphenols. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant that has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can protect against viral and bacterial infections.
Technically, a vegetable is any part of a plant that can be eaten, including leaves, stems, flowers, roots, tubers and seeds. However, many foods we casually refer to as vegetables, such as tomatoes, are actually considered fruits. This is a distinction that may not matter in practical terms, but it should be kept in mind when shopping for vegetables. All vegetables contain a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to health, including potassium (which helps lower blood pressure), folate, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are organic fruits and vegetables?
Organic foods do not use pesticides, artificial fertilizers, hormones or antibiotics. Organic foods also have more nutrients such as vitamins C, E and K plus omega-3 fatty acid. These nutritious ingredients make organic foods better for our bodies, and for the planet.
Organic foods are produced with sustainable farming practices that promote soil quality and biological diversity. They are produced without harmful chemicals, irradiation, or sewage sludge.
While most consumers associate organics with produce, many organic products include dairy, meat, poultry, eggs, baked goods, personal care items, pet food, and household cleaning supplies.
"Organic" is defined by the USDA as crops that have been grown following strict guidelines set forth in federal government standards. Farmers cannot use conventional (non-organic) methods to grow these foods. However, they can use approved natural methods to control pests, like crop rotation and cover crops, or animal feed made of organic materials.
In addition, the farmer must follow guidelines regarding how much fertilizer and pesticide he uses during the growing season and rotate his fields between various crops. GMOs, artificial growthhormones, synthetic insecticides, and synthetic fertilizers cannot be used by farmers.
Fruits and vegetables labelled "100% organic" meet all the requirements above. Some farms don't label their products 100% organic, as it could confuse consumers. They will instead label their product "made with organic ingredients." "
What is organic food?
Organic produce can be grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. No growth hormones are used, and there is no animal testing. These crops are allowed to grow naturally, so farmers do not use chemicals to prevent weeds or pests.
Organic farming practices also maintain soil quality by reducing erosion and conserving water resources. Organics have more nutrients than traditional food, which makes them better for our health. Organic products tend to be higher in fiber and lower fat than conventionally produced foods.
How do I know if my produce is organic?
These are the labels you should look for to ensure you are purchasing organic produce
USDA Organic Certified – This certification is issued by USDA to ensure that the product is 100% organic.
Certified Naturally Grown: Produce that has been grown in accordance with organic practices, but has yet to receive certification from USDA.
Pastured/Free Range - Produce from animals who live outdoors and graze freely on grass and herbs.
These labels indicate that the product meets certain criteria.
- No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
- No genetically modified organisms
- The animal is never given antibiotics
- No hormones are ever given to the animal
- No growth-promoting drugs
- No feed additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No irradiation
- No sewage sludge
- GMOs are not allowed
- No antibiotics ever given
- No hormones ever given
- No growth-promoting drugs
- No feed-additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No sewage sludge, if it's not a GMO
- No irradiation
I hope that this article was useful!
Statistics
- According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)
- To provide the highest quality products and services to every customer, with a dedicated workforce that puts the customer first and takes the extra step to achieve 100% customer satisfaction and loyalty. (hollinsorganic.com)
- Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
[TAG42]
- A Review of Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health: Cancer Risk and Occupational Pesticide Expositions: Part B: Vol 15, Number 4
- Genetically modified foods: Safety, Risks and Public Concerns - A Review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
[TAG45]
- PubMed Assessment of the micronutrient compositions of plant foods from conventional and organic agriculture methods.
- PubMed: Comparison of the total phenolic, ascorbic acid and freeze-dried strawberry, marionberry, and corn grown with conventional, organic, sustainable agricultural practices.
[TAG48]
- EWG's 2022 Shopping Guide to Pesticides in Produce
- Clean Fifteen(tm) Conventional Produce with the Least Pesticides
[TAG51]
How To
What happens when you switch from conventional products to organic?
Organic products are free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, and genetic manipulation. They come from clean water sources, and are raised on free-range animals. Organic products are those that do not contain chemicals or other additives. This product was made from natural materials and is free of harmful substances.
The term "natural" refers to how food is grown. It is used to describe food that has not been processed into its final form, such as fruits. Natural foods are often fresher because they're not subject to heat radiation, chemical preservatives or any other treatment. Natural doesn't necessarily have to be healthy, however. Many experts say there isn't much difference between conventional and organic foods. Both types can be tested for safety and quality. But organic produce has fewer pollutants and pesticide residues than conventionally grown produce.
Most grocery stores offer organic options. You can find organic meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood at your local market. Some companies sell only organic products. Other companies have separate sections. USDA Certified Organic is a non-GMO Project Verified company.
You should avoid eating these items if you are pregnant or nursing. Pesticides can harm unborn infants and babies.
Resources:
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