February's N.Y.R. - U R What U Eat!

Unfortunate fact: Most Americans place a higher priority on driving a nice car than eating high quality food

Remember this before you grab a quick snack from a gas station that within hours after consumption you are replacing cells somewhere in your body with this 'non-food'.



Why You Need To Choose Organic
Before a farm can achieve organic certification, fields must be farmed under organic committee guidelines to ensure that chemical residues are digested by microorganisms. Over spray from nearby commercial farms is an issue therefore even organic produce should be washed thoroughly with vegetable wash before consumption. Organic fruits and vegetables are a far better choice because of much higher nutrient levels. You will hear about studies that claim there is no difference but it is because these studies were not valid comparisons. Many of these studies purposely fly in organic produce and let it sit before the testing is done between it and locally grown commercially produce. Eating organic gives your body between 5000 and 10,000 secondary nutrients that are either missing or in lesser quantities compared to commercially grown food. There is a wealth of information suggesting numerous health benefits from increased levels of secondary nutrients. Healing effects include cancer prevention and an increased level of potent antioxidants.

Choose High-Quality Sources of Animal Products
Here's the bottom line. Cows, sheep, buffalo were designed to eat grass. Most commercially raised cows are fed grain that quickly makes them fat. Cows often become sick from eating grain. It gets worse. Some commercial meat producers add cardboard, sawdust and newspaper to cattle feeding programs to reduce costs. Factory farm chickens are raised in tight cages, never see the light of day, and fed a constant supply of antibiotics. The USDA inspections allow chickens that have sores, cancer tumors, lymphomas and intestinal worm diseases for human consumption as long as the above lesions are cut out first. Isn't that nice to know. Organic is a good choice but the animal may just be getting organic grains instead of a diet ideal for it's makeup. Your best option is locally grown organic/grass fed and second best is grass fed.

An Egg Is Only As Good As The Bird
Mother nature produces eggs that have a ratio between 1:1 and 1:4 of omega-3 to omega-6. A typical commercially raised chicken egg will be as high as 1:16-30. Too much omega-6 fatty acid facilitates the process of inflammation in our bodies. Look for locally grown free range chicken eggs at your local farmers market for an excellent source of protein and fat.

Eat Fish Safely
Only 100 years ago our oceans produced an excellent source of organic plant and sea life. Today most of our oceans are toxic. Be aware that swordfish, shark, tuna and other deep water fish accumulate more mercury than smaller fish with shorter life spans. Avoid fresh water fish unless it comes from high mountain lakes and streams far from commercial enterprises. Avoid farm-raised fish. The omega 3:6 ratios for farm-raised fish are about the same as a cage-raised chicken eggs.

Here's What You Need To Do
This month make an effort to seek out local ranchers/farmers that sell grass fed and/or free range beef, chickens, eggs, and organic vegetables/fruit. Buying direct from a local farm and stocking up you freezer saves time and money. Check out any local Farmer's Co Op markets as well. Unfortunately this time of year most Northern States locations only offer out of state produce but in warm months buy local. Keep in mind that the extra cash for these high quality foods are going to save you in the long run. You'll be healthier and have decreased doctor visits (prescription medications) and require less vitamin supplements to maintain health.