Foods to Eat Organic

The debate continues with organic vs. conventional foods. What is not under debate are the pesticides used to mass produce conventional produce. In order to feed the ever growing population, crops need to be almost submerged in poisons that kill off all insects and bacteria so the growth rate and crop yield remains high. Some foods do not need as much of these chemicals as they are not targeted by our buggy little neighbors. Others, however, would not be seen on our store shelves in such quantities without the use of these toxic sprays. Here are a few foods that you should look to buy organic to minimize ingesting these dangerous pesticides.

APPLES: On average, more than 40 different pesticides have been found on apples. As a result, the pesticide residue is also found in apple sauce and apple juice. Although peeling the apple may reduce your risk of ingesting the pesticides, many of the best nutrients are in the skin. Your best option, purchase organic whenever possible and wash thoroughly. 

CELERY: Organic celery can be found in your local supermarket, such as Florida chain Publix. USDA testing has resulted in a find of more than 60 different pesticides. You can also diverge into broccoli or kale to reduce your toxic exposure if organic celery can't be on your menu. 

GRAPES: Are you a fan of grapes? We are too! We are NOT a fan of the over 30 pesticides found on most grapes. This delicious fruit can be found organic at a premium, but if you can afford it, it may just save you health concerns down the road. Wine anyone?....

POTATOES: A classic staple food. Inexpensive and a tasty compliment to most meals. Unfortunately it is the home to more than 35 pesticides according to USDA testing. Try your hand with sweet potatoes. This alternative is high in fiber, vitamin A and other micronutrients. You also have a much smaller chance of finding pesticide residue. 

We know that organic foods often times come at a price. As the nation becomes more unhealthy, the organic industry is capitalizing in the market with high prices. It is also because organic foods are more difficult to grow and require more attention because many mainstream pesticides are not used. When possible, look to organics for those foods with the highest presence of pesticides. This way you can minimize your exposure to these substances while keeping the most change in your pocket. 

Eat Your Food - RAW

Raw food is becoming more "popular" with the current health and fitness trends. Everyone is trying to eat healthier, leaning towards organic produce and more fruits and vegetables. Although popularity and "trendiness" aside, raw food is the natural way to eat since the beginning of time. We are made up of what we eat, and avoiding not only processed foods, but overcooked ones as well, will improve our health and quality of life. 

When we cook foods, we are adding a heat source that is increasing molecular activity that changes the composition of the nutrients in the product. Cooking in many ways kills the living properties in the food. These properties are enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are altered in a way that is not natural for them. Many foods lose their nutritional value because of these changes due to the heat that is applied during the cooking process. Processed foods have little to NO nutritional value at all due to the heat, filtering, and added chemicals that are part of the preparation and storage strategy. This is one of the reasons these products can sit on a shelf for months on end and still taste "fresh".

Being exposed to this knowledge is only a fraction of the battle. It is overwhelming and perhaps too much to ask to convert to eating a largely raw diet. A start is a start, and making those first moves to consume more of a raw based food source will benefit your body immediately. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are portable and ready to go. Challenge yourself to a week on an all raw diet and see how your body responds and changes to the new influx of healthy food. Drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep, and take the first step in cleaning out your system from years of poisonous food!

5 Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are both delicious and nutritious. Of all the food you could be eating, bananas are an effective way to help your body get the elements it needs to reach your fitness goals. Some of these benefits you may have heard of, but others might shake up the negative thoughts you may have about this classic yellow peeled fruit.

1) Improving Vision - People that eat 3 servings of fruit per day according to a study in the Archives of Opthamology in 2004, are unlikely to develop macular degeneration. Not your average reason to eat bananas, but eyesight is very important or you may choose the wrong weight for your dumbbells. 

2) Digestion - This fruit protects the digestive tract by suppressing acids. This will improve symptoms from heartburn as well as defend against ulcers. The fiber content of bananas also contributes to regular bowel movements which reduces risk for diseases such as colon cancer. 

3) Energy and Mood - Bananas have high levels of potassium, which as an electrolyte, increases energy naturally in the body. Tryptophan, serotonin and norepinephrine are all found in bananas which naturally prevents depression and increases feelings of well-being. Vitamin B6 is also present which prevents against mood swings and irritability. So if you're feeling cranky, grab a banana!

4) Bone Strength - Fructooligosaccharides, a prebiotic element that promotes good bacteria in the digestive system can help with calcium absorption. As the fructooligosaccharides ferment in the digestive system, they increase calcium absorption which in turn leads to stronger, healthier bones. 

5) No Muss No Fuss - Bananas are amazingly portable, making them the ideal snack between meals. Perfect for a post-workout recovery food as well as a pre-workout boost, bananas are appropriate throughout the day. Especially for those that are on the move with busy schedules, bananas are an ideal choice to throw in a gym bag or the front seat of your car to keep you healthy and satisfied 24-7.

BPA Linked to Child Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity rates in children have gone through the roof in recent years. There are many factors causing this trend, but there is one specifically that is making its way into the spotlight. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made carbon-based synthetic compound used commonly in plastics such as bottles, food and beverage cans, even sports equipment. It is linked to hormone issues as it can mimic estrogen which causes negative health effects in humans. Studies are widespread, some showing greater risk of health concerns, while others show that the levels of BPA in these consumer materials are not substantial enough to pose a risk. New research has emerged that leans towards avoiding such chemicals in your products all together.

Researchers found that byproducts of some of these chemicals are linked to an increased risk of insulin resistance among teens. BPA specificaly was linked to obesity in teenagers and young adults. With one in six children and teenagers obese in the United States, this raises great concern over the safety of these products. 

Certain precautions can be taken, for example, not washing plastic containers in the dishwasher, and throwing away containers that are scratched and/or damaged. These are signs that the material may be leeching into the food when stored inside the container. Studies are not definitive, likely because massive conglomerates that benefit from using such chemicals have such great stake in the market. Research is ongoing, and has led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banning BPA from baby bottles, although there is currently no motion to increase the spread of the ban. There are no other regulations at this time for such chemicals in food products. Are you aware what your children are eating?

GMO Crops Increase Pesticide Usage

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) were introduced in the mid 1990's to the American food supply to combat bacteria and insects damaging crops. The genetic makeup of food was altered to resist fungus and other organisms from destroying the crop, like a self-made pesticide. One of the major issues that goes largely unknown, is the continued prevalence of herbicides and pesticides despite the growing usage of GMO foods.

According to a report from Charles Benbrook at the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources at Washington State University, pesticide use has increased by approximately 40 million pounds since the initial introduction of GMOs. The claim that the need for pesticides would decrease with the integration of GMOs, is unfounded and apparently quite the contrary.

When a GMO crop is introduced to a region, there may be initial declines in damage to the crop. However, over time, insect populations have adapted resiliency to the toxins found in GMO crops. This being the case, a larger quantity of insecticides are required to overcome infestations. These older insecticides are higher risk and in larger quantities are endlessly more harmful than they used to be. This, as a result of a modified plant that was designed to be "an improvement" over the classic crop.

GMO products are supposed to be an assistance in the fight against insects and weeds that can damage crops on a large scale. Pesticides and herbicides have been prevalent in American agriculture for decades, although not at these levels. Health risks posed by GMO crops themselves are under debate currently, but pesticide exposure has been shown to affect the nervous system and even mimic hormones causing reproductive damage and even cancer. The adverse reaction to the increased use of such products in the American food market has yet to be seen, but initial evidence shows that more is not always better.