“Our findings have global implications and advance what we know about the sustainability benefits of organic farming systems,” John Reganold, Washington State University Regents professor of soil science and lead author of the study, which was just published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE, said in a media statement. “We also show you can have high quality, healthy produce without resorting to an arsenal of pesticides.”

The comprehensive study involved the analysis of 31 chemical and biological soil properties and soil DNA, as well as the taste, nutrition and quality of three strawberry varieties on 13 conventional fields and 13 organic ones.

The scientists discovered that organic strawberries had significantly higher antioxidant activity including much higher concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds (phytonutrients known to help protect and fight a host of disease). The organic strawberries also had a longer shelf life. What’s more, anonymous testers found organic strawberries looked and tasted better. The researchers also documented that organic soils excelled in important chemical and biological properties – including nitrogen, microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and micronutrients.

The lead found in Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor Maximum Red was 34 times higher than the lead found in the lowest scoring lipstick, Avon’s Ultra Color Rich Cherry Jubilee.

The FDA does not regulate lead in finished cosmetics, only in colors added to the products.

Studies suggest the average woman inadvertently consumes about 4 pounds of lipstick over the course of her life, licking her lips, eating fruit, sipping tea.

Glosses generally tested lower for lead than highly pigmented, opaque lipsticks.

But the best are organic lipsticks.

Common growing practices make the crops shown on the left above and listed below the most likely to contain pesticide residues:

Try to buy these organic as much as you can!

1.Celery
2.Peaches
3.Strawberries
4.Apples
5.Blueberries (Domestic)
6.Nectarines
7.Sweet Bell Peppers
8.Spinach
9.Collard Greens/Kale
10.Cherries
11.Potatoes
12.Grapes (Imported)

These are the produce that, when grown conventionally, poses the least risk of exposure to pesticides:

1.Onions
2.Avocados
3.Sweet Corn
4.Pineapples
5.Mangos
6.Sweet Peas
7.Asparagus
8.Kiwi
9.Cabbage
10.Eggplant
11.Cantaloupe (Domestic)
12.Watermelon
13.Grapefruit
14.Sweet Potatoes
15.Honeydew Melon

Danish researchers compared the sperm density of members of an organic farming association (OFA) with that of three different occupational groups and found that that the organic farmers had significantly higher sperm counts (1).

This research was reinforced in 1996 when members of another Danish OFA were compared with a control group of 797 healthy men.
It was found that “sperm concentration was higher among men eating organically produced food” (2).

The researchers suggested that man-made chemicals act as endocrine disrupters (EDC) resulting in altered development of the reproductive tract causing decreased sperm count and therefore less fertility.
Many pesticides regularly used in conventional agriculture are known to be EDCs.
Therefore, if the diet does not contain pesticide residues, sperm would be more healthy, sperm count would be normal.

Once again it was proven – organic food is indeed healthier.

References:
1. Abel A et al., (1994) High sperm density amongst members of organic farmers’ association, The Lancet, 343, p. 1498.
2. Jensen TK et al., (1996) Semen quality among members of organic food associations in Zealand, Denmark, The Lancet, 347, p. 1844.

Organic Grapes and Wine

By Gabor Timis

Grapes are topping the list of the most chemically sprayed (with insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) categories of produce on the market, so it is important to look for organic grapes when grocery shopping.

Grapes are healthy. Recent research shows that resveratrol is the chemical that is beneficial to our health. Resveratrol is mainly found in the skin of red grapes. It is believed to have the following benefits:
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-viral
- Anti-aging
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuro-protective
- Life prolonging.

Red wine has a good amount of resveratrol. For best health effects, buy organic wine.
Organic wine is wine which is cultivated and processed with only organic natural ingredients.

Strict rules govern the winemaking process such as hand-harvesting, the types of yeasts that can be used during fermentation and storage conditions in the vineyards of all imported and domestic wines that acquire certification.

Chemical-free grape cultivation and wine production also promotes a healthier environment by minimizing energy and water consumption and eliminating chemical run-off in our water supplies.

Many winemakers favor the use of sulfites, in extremely small quantities, to help stabilize wines, while others frown on them completely.
Wines labeled “organic” cannot contain added sulfites. Wines that have added sulfites, but are otherwise organic, are labeled “wine made from organic grapes.”

Red wine is not only a good source of resveratrol, but also of procyanidins.
Procyanidins are basically condensed tannins (the compound in wine that gives it a bitter flavor). Research has found that procyanidins:
- Boost good cholesterol (HDL)
- Help prevent blood clots
- Promote healthy endothelium (the tissues that lines blood vessels and your heart)

Studies have also found that procyanidins limit production of a compound which is responsible for hardening your arteries.

Enjoy organic wine in moderation, as part of a healthy lifestyle.