As a health-conscious consumer, you want to do your best to maintain lung health. A diet rich in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and leafy greens can help.
Organic produce is grown without synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides or preservatives and does not contain genetically modified seeds.
Studies indicate that organic foods have higher levels of certain nutrients but the differences are small and unlikely to impact human health in well-nourished populations.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients that can benefit lung and respiratory health. Turmeric, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties, while beets contain nitrate to relax blood vessels and optimize oxygen uptake. Other healthy foods include whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat bread, oats), avocados and coconut oil, which contains medium-chain triglycerides that are quickly metabolized into energy for your body.
Tomatoes are one of the best food sources of lycopene, which has been linked to reduced lung decline and reduced inflammation. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, which increases the expression of genes that protect against lung damage from environmental pollutants.
Walnuts
Researchers have linked good lung function to higher nut and omega-3 consumption. The fleshy fruits of the walnut tree sprout leathery, green, wrinkly husks that contain a hard brown shell, enclosing the kernel (aka seed). Ready-to-eat walnuts are typically shelled and separated from their hulls before eating.
The nutty, oily nuts are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals. One ounce of walnuts provides 18 grams of good fat, 4 grams of protein and nearly 2 grams of fiber. It also contains copper, manganese and B vitamins.
Walnuts are rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce oxidants and reduce inflammation in the brain. They may also help prevent memory decline. The nutrient-rich seeds are a great snack. They can be lightly roasted and added to salads or cereals.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseed is one of the less common foods that benefit lung and respiratory health, but it contains a combination of Omega 3 fatty acids and magnesium that is beneficial for these conditions. It also offers a healthy dose of fiber.
Whole flaxseeds offer a nutty taste and crunchy texture, but they have to be ground before the intestines can absorb their nutrients. Try mixing a tablespoon of finely ground flaxseed into your morning smoothie, or stir it into hot or cold oatmeal or yogurt.
The lignans in flaxseeds have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities, which help regulate hormones and balance the reproductive system for pre-menopausal women and men. Store whole or ground flaxseeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, where they will stay fresh longer.
Legumes
A staple of many diets around the world, legumes (beans, peas, lentils) are low in fat and a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are part of the Fabaceae family, or Leguminosae, and include peanuts, beans, peas and soybeans.
Legumes are high in fiber, which is great for a healthy body, especially when paired with other foods that help to control blood sugar levels and cholesterol. They are also a great source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. You can enjoy legumes in salads, soups, stews and even hummus. However, it is recommended that you soak and cook your legumes as this will help reduce their phytic acid content and improve digestion. Soaking will also reduce gassiness and bloating that can sometimes occur with legumes.
Tomatoes
The tomato, which is actually a fruit but gets classed as a vegetable in most recipes, has been linked to improved lung and respiratory health. It contains a carotenoid called lycopene, which helps to ease inflammation in the airways and may also help prevent COPD.
A study found that people who eat two or more tomatoes a day enjoy better lung and respiratory function. The findings were even stronger for former smokers.
Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C, which is needed to boost the immune system and help fight free radicals. Free radicals can damage the lungs and contribute to aging, heart disease and cancer.
Tomatoes contain folate, which helps to balance homocysteine levels and reduce one of the main risk factors for heart disease. They are also a source of potassium and low in sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine if food has been grown organically?
Fresh ingredients are essential for any chef. This is because eating well makes us feel better.
This holds true for our food. Organics can be traced back to their source and whereabouts. We also know it was not treated using harmful chemicals.
Organic foods are produced without using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMO). These substances are forbidden for organic farmers.
Organic farming doesn't have to be difficult. There are many ways to safely grow organic crops.
Sometimes, organic farming is called sustainable agriculture. This means that while it uses fewer resources than conventional methods, it provides the necessary nutrients to sustain life.
Organic farming practices include crop rotations and cover crops, manure composting, intercropping, and cover cropping. These practices help to prevent soil erosion and improve water purity.
They reduce chemical runoff from waterways. Local farms can be found in cities that raise organic produce.
There are two types certified programs for organic products. One is certified through the USDA National Organic Program and the other by independent certifying agents. Both require strict organic standards to be adhered to.
USDA seals, or O Seals, may be attached to certified organic products. These symbols indicate that the product meets federal requirements.
Which organic products are most in demand?
Today organic food is the fastest-growing sector. But even though we've come a long way from our roots, there is still much room for growth.
Organic products are the future. Organic products are safer and better for the environment. They also make it more affordable for consumers.
But they tend to be more expensive. We created the Organic Food Index. We wanted to determine which foods are the most popular among shoppers today and whether these trends are changing.
The results showed that organic food is increasing in popularity. Between 2011-2012, nearly half of Americans shopped for organic foods.
The USDA reports that organic production increased 10% last year. Currently, organic food accounts for 9% in the U.S. agricultural production.
Organic food is certainly on the rise but consumers are still not able to afford it. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) reports that organic food retail prices average almost double the price of conventional foods.
The organic food sector is growing faster than other segments of the food supply. If you examine the data closely, you will see that organic foods have grown steadily in consumption since 2009.
According to OTA however, the volume in supermarkets of organic products grew by 14% from 2010 to 2011.
This is because of consumer demand for healthier products, which explains the rise in organic food sales across all age categories.
However, younger generations are leading the charge when choosing organic food. Millennials have twice the likelihood of buying organic food as baby boomers. Young adults below 35 years of age account for 25%.
What should I look out for when buying organic products?
USDA-certified organic labels are desirable. This seal signifies that the product meets specific USDA standards. Look for the "USDA Organic" seal on packages, boxes, cartons, cans, and jars.
When buying meat, make sure it is from organically fed cows. Cattle are ruminants, which means they chew the cud. Ruminant cattle have four stomach compartments: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. If the cow is to be labeled "100% organic", all of its parts must have been organically fed.
Buy chicken from only organic chickens that have been fed 100% organic food and are not given antibiotics. Omnivore chickens can eat both plants as well as animals. Omnivorous chickens have a digestive system that includes a crop (proventriculus), gizzard and small intestine.
It is important to ensure that dairy products are from cows that were fed 100% organic feed. Like ruminants, dairy cattle have four stomachs. The fourth stomach compartment is the udder.
Check the label when purchasing livestock of any other type to find out what percentage was used in the animal's diet. A label for pork might say "95% organic", which means that 95% of the feed used by the pork came from organic sources.
What is an organic food manufacturer?
Organic food producers grow organic products without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. These foods include fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
Organic food production takes place on farms where crops are nurtured naturally. This includes soil preparation, pest control, and crop rotation.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), must set strict criteria for organic agricultural products.
These guidelines ensure that consumers can access safe, wholesome, nutritious food.
Organic foods have higher nutritional content and better flavor, as well as lower pesticide residues.
Products certified organic by the USDA must bear the label "USDA Certified Organic" seal.
This certification means that the product meets the standards laid down by the National Organic Program.
Organic food is not only healthier for us, but also protects our environment.
Organic farming methods help conserve natural resources like water and land. Organic farming techniques also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contributes to climate change.
Organic agriculture is more sustainable and uses less chemicals.
It also improves air quality because harmful gases like ammonia and nitrates are less likely to build up in the atmosphere.
There are many types and varieties of organic farming.
Conventional farming uses synthetic inputs such pesticides and fertilizers.
Regenerative agriculture uses cover crops and green manures to improve soil quality. It encourages biodiversity.
Agroecology promotes healthy relationships between humans and plants.
Permaculture is a system that mimics nature and promotes self-sufficiency.
Why should I choose organic?
Conventional agriculture has been linked with many health problems including asthma, allergies. Healthy choices must be made when purchasing food.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), offers these tips to help you choose "cleaner" foods:
When possible, buy organic fruits and veggies
USDA organic labels should be used on meat, poultry and eggs as well as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, honey, and other dairy products.
Avoid processed foods marked "natural" or with "no additives."
Always read the ingredient lists. If an ingredient doesn't appear on the list, it could be added to the product during processing.
Fresh meats are better than canned or frozen. Cans and frozen foods are often less nutritious than fresh meats, such as high fructose corn syrup.
Statistics
- As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (usda.gov)
- 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)
- Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 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)
External Links
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- EWG's 2022 Guide for Shoppers to Pesticides on Produce
- Clean Fifteen (tm) Conventional Produce Using the Least Pesticides
[TAG45]
- Organic food and impact on human health: Assessing the status quo and prospects of research - ScienceDirect
- Technical Note: Simultaneous vitamin and carotenoid analysis of milk from total mixed-ration-fed cows is optimized for xanthophyll detection. ScienceDirect
[TAG48]
- PubMed: Assessment of the micronutrients found in plant foods that are produced using organic and conventional agricultural techniques - PubMed
- PubMed: Comparison of the total phenolic, ascorbic acid and freeze-dried strawberry, marionberry, and corn grown with conventional, organic, sustainable agricultural practices.
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How To
Organic foods: Are organic foods healthier?
Organic foods can be grown without the use synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. They are grown under natural conditions without artificial inputs such as fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetic engineering. Organic farming practices include crop rotation, cover crops, composting animal manure, recycling wastewater, and integrated pest management (IPM).
In 2002, USDA National Organic Programs (NOP) were established to regulate the production and handling of organic products that are sold in the United States. NOP regulations ensure organic agricultural products conform to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. In addition, the NOP rules mandate that organic products must be free from prohibited substances, including pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, sewage sludge, industrial waste, and heavy metals.
For producers in the USA who want their products "organic", there are two kinds of certification programs: one for farmers or ranchers and one for manufacturers. Both programs require an annual audit of the operations in order to confirm compliance with stringent standards. Several certifying agents offer these services, including CCOF Certified Organic Farmers & Ranchers, Quality Assurance International, and the American Grassfed Association. These three organizations provide third party verification of farms following strict guidelines on environmental stewardship. labour practices, and animal care.
According to the USDA's Economic Research Service, organic agriculture accounted for $4.7 billion in sales in 2013. The retail spending on organic products accounted for nearly $1.5 billion in 2013, a 23 percent increase over 2009. During this time, grocery store sales increased by 12 percent. Spending directly on organic produce grew by 29 percent while that on meat, poultry, eggs and seafood only grew by 1 percent.
Organic food is more expensive, but consumers believe its quality is worth the extra cost. Consumer Reports found that 88 per cent of respondents would be willing to pay more for organic food if the nutritional value was higher. Health Affairs published another study that found organic food eaters are less likely than those who consume conventional foods to have health problems such diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Even though there is no evidence organic foods cause or treat diseases, some studies show that they can improve overall health by reducing pesticide and other contaminants exposure. In 2010, a review that included 31 studies concluded that organically-raised beef had lower levels of parasites and toxic chemicals than conventionally reared beef. Similar results were also reached by a separate analysis of 11 2012 studies.
A 2014 report from the Environmental Working Group looked at data from the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Resource Center and found that the incidence of foodborne illness caused by E. coli, salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, campylobacter, and verotoxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 decreased when comparing organic to non-organic chicken, pork, beef, lamb, milk, and cheese. The Environmental Working Group also found that E.coli O157 has been associated with fewer human illnesses in children and adults since 2006, when USDA began requiring stricter organic standards for animal production.
Resources:
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