Eating is one of the greatest pleasures in life, offering a sense of well-being that we normally associate with good health. Of course, one’s good health is directly associated with a healthy diet. In this article, you will discover tips and tricks to improve your eating habits, lifestyle, and preferences.

Before defining organic food, let’s ask ourselves what constitutes healthy food. The first preliminary requirement to even be considered as a healthy food, is that following consumption, there is no deterioration to your health in any significant way. If the food contributes positively to your health, then that’s even better! If the food contains low calories, low sugar, essential vitamins and minerals, and is not considered processed, we are on the right track. Also pay attention to the sodium count, and ensure that you purchase products that contain very little preservatives or pesticides, or undesirable additives, and avoid consuming products containing large amounts of sugar, whenever possible.

Organic and Pesticides?

Several studies show lower exposure to synthetic pesticides among consumers of organic foods. These individuals are also typically healthier than ordinary food consumers. The real question is: is this premise enough to draw any conclusions? Between organic and conventional foods, recent developments help illustrate the complexity of the matter.

Remember that organic farming is not pesticide-free. The list of authorized substances is limited to what is “natural,” but what is natural is not necessarily better than what is synthetically reproduced by man.

What Are the Health Effects of Eating Organic Food?

Organic foods do not contain pesticides and other chemicals that are harmful to one’s health. If the latter are permitted, but regulated and restricted, they shouldn’t be ignored. Some studies have shown that there is a link between cancer and even Parkinson’s disease, and people who are heavily exposed to pesticides, such as farmers. Thus, choosing organic meat in Montreal means limiting the consumption of pesticides, harmful to the body and health.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Food?

Organic products have the main advantage of being healthier, because they are free of harmful chemicals. They are usually seasonally adjusted and picked at maturity. As a result, they have more flavor and aroma than ripe fruits and vegetables. Organic cereals are rich in minerals and fibers, and are low in fat. More and more organic producers prefer to preserve the nutrients in their production, picked at the last possible moment, to ensure freshness and quality, with limited impact to the environment.

However, the average cost of organic food is higher than that of conventional products, even though supermarkets now offer increasingly competitive prices. Organic products are also more difficult to find, often requiring a trip to a specialized shop, although supermarkets are beginning to increasingly sell organic food.

Eating Organic to Live Healthy?

If you want to stay healthy, you can apply simple rules to your diet. Organic products are available, but are preferably locally-sourced and seasonal, thus richer in vitamins. Avoid processed products as much as possible, such as products that are low in vitamins and nutrients or high in sugar, fat and salt. We love home-made products and ingredients, and therefore offer products by select brands.

We discourage the excessive consumption of meat, fast food, and dairy products, which pose health risks, whether organic or conventional. Instead, we favor fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes. It is important to eat organic food, but in a balanced manner.

Eating organic food is not only good for your health, but also for the local economy, the farmers in your area, and the ecosystem.

Nutrition

If organic foods have a positive impact on your health, are they more nutritious? Again, it is difficult to answer with certainty. Some studies conclude that there is little difference between organic and conventional products, while others have a distinct advantage from organic farming. However, some organic fruits and vegetables appear to be higher in vitamin C than conventional foods.

An important point must be made here. Since pesticides are mainly present on the skin of foods, it is advisable to peel fruits and vegetables. This is where most of the nutrients and vitamins are found. The good news is, for organic products, you can eat the skin and enjoy its benefits!

Organic Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Healthy

Cookies or crackers, even if they are organic, are not healthy if they are full of sugar. Taking care of your health is not just about eating organic products. A balanced diet of good quality products, properly combined with physical activity, is essential.

You have probably experienced this virtuous circle: the more exercise you do, the more tempted you are to eat well; the healthier you eat, the more motivated you are to increase your physical activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a number of studies indicate that organic foods provide health benefits by reducing the risk of several diseases, including cancer and diabetes. The most important point, however, is to maintain a balanced diet that includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also products that provide the fuel your body needs. This is even more important if you exercise regularly.