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Showing posts from March, 2021

Foods to eat and avoid.

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Foods to eat Most Victoria’s Secret models follow a diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats. Here are some foods that are encouraged on the diet: Vegetables:  broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, asparagus , squash, carrots Fruit:  berries, apples, oranges, peaches, pears, plums Proteins:  poultry, seafood, lean cuts of meat, eggs Whole grains:  quinoa, brown rice, oats, couscous Nuts:  walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, macadamia nuts Seeds:  chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds Legumes: chickpeas  , beans, lentils Healthy fats:  coconut oil, olive oil, avocados Foods to avoid Although many Victoria’s Secret models note that they don’t eliminate any foods from their diet entirely, many do limit certain types of food. Typically, the Victoria’s Secret Model Diet involves limiting processed foods, refined grains, sugar, and alcohol. More restrictive versi...

Organic Junk Food is Still Junk Food.

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  Just because a product is labeled “organic,” it doesn’t mean that it is healthy. Some of these products are still processed foods high in calories, sugar, salt and added fats. For example, organic cookies, chips, sodas and ice cream can all be purchased in supermarkets. Despite being organic, these products are still unhealthy. So if you are trying to lose weight  or eat healthy, you may be harming yourself by eating these foods. Organic product labels will often state that the ingredients are “natural” — for example, using raw cane sugar instead of plain sugar. However, sugar is still sugar. The majority of the population consumes too much sugar already. To think it’s healthy to consume lots of organic sugar is simply wrong. In simple terms, when you choose organic junk food, you may just be choosing a slightly higher-quality version of regular junk food. However, since regulations generally ban the use of artificial food additives in these foods, b...

Do Organic Foods Have Health Benefits?

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  There is some evidence suggesting that organic foods have health benefits. For example, several lab studies found that their higher antioxidant content helped protect cells from damage. And animal studies show that organic diets may benefit growth, reproduction and the immune system. One study also reported that chickens fed an organic diet showed reduced weight gain, and had stronger immune systems. Trusted Source Observational studies in humans have linked organic foods to a lower risk of allergies and eczema in children and infants . Trusted Source Trusted Source A large observational study of 623,080 women found no difference in cancer risk between those who never ate organic food and those who ate it regularly. Trusted Source Another study found that antioxidant levels were higher in men following an organic diet. However, this study was small and not randomized. Trusted Source When 16 people followed an organic or conventional diet over two 3-week periods, those on the orga...

Less Chemicals and Resistant Bacteria.

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Many people choose to buy organic food in order to avoid artificial chemicals. Evidence suggests that consuming these foods may reduce your exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Trusted Source One study found that levels of cadmium, an extremely toxic metal, were 48% lower in organic produce. In addition, pesticide residues were four times more likely to be found in non-organic crops . Trusted Source It is important to note that the higher levels of cadmium and pesticide residue in conventionally grown produce were still well below safety limits . Trusted Source However, some experts worry that cadmium can accumulate over time in the body, potentially causing harm. Washing, scrubbing, peeling and cooking food can reduce these chemicals, although it doesn’t always remove them completely. Trusted Source Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the risk of exposure to pesticide residue in foods is small and unlikely to cause harm. Since organic farming does not...

Organic Foods May Contain More Nutrients

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  Studies comparing the nutrient content of organic and non-organic foods have provided mixed results. This is most likely due to natural variation in food handling and production. However, evidence does suggest that foods grown organically may be more nutritious. Organically Grown Crops Have More Antioxidants and Vitamins. Several studies have found that organic foods generally contain higher levels of antioxidants and certain micronutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc and iron. Trusted So Trusted Sourc 6 Trusted Source In fact, antioxidant levels can be up to 69% higher in these foods. Trusted Source One study also found that organically grown berries and corn contained 58% more antioxidants and up to 52% higher amounts of vitamin C . Trusted Source What’s more, one study reported that replacing regular fruit, vegetables and cereals with organic versions could provide extra antioxidants in the diet. This was comparable to eating 1-2 extra portions of fruit a...

What is Organic Food ?

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The term “organic” refers to the process of how certain foods are produced. Organic foods have been grown or farmed without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified organisms. In order to be labelled organic, a food product must be free of artificial food additives. This includes artificial sweeteners, preservatives, coloring, flavoring and genet monosodium glutamate(MSG). Organically grown crops tend to use natural fertilizers like manure to improve plant growth. Animals raised organically are also not given antibiotics or hormones. Organic farming tends to improve soil quality and the conservation of groundwater. It also reduces pollution and may be better for the environment. The most commonly purchased organic foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy   products and meat. Nowadays there are also many processed organic products available, such as sodas, cookies and breakfast cereals.

Other ways to keep the cost of organic food within your budget.

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Shop at farmers’ markets.  Many cities, as well as small towns, host a weekly farmers’ market, where local farmers sell their produce at an open-air street market, often at a discount to grocery stores. Join a food co-op.  A natural foods co-op, or cooperative grocery store typically offers lower prices to members, who pay an annual fee to belong Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm,  in which individuals and families join up to purchase “shares” of produce in bulk, directly from a local farm. Local  and  organic! Organic food buying tips Buy in season.  Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and freshest when they are in season. Find out when produce is delivered to your market so you’re buying the freshest food possible. Shop around.  Compare the price of organic items at the grocery store, the farmers’ market, online, and in other venues (even the freezer aisle). Remember that organic doesn’t always equal healthy.  Making junk food sou...

The best bang for your buck when shopping organic

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  Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally-grown food. But if you set some priorities, it may be possible to purchase organic food and  stay within your food budget . Know your produce pesticide levels Some types of conventionally-grown produce are much higher in pesticides than others, and should be avoided when possible. Others are low enough that buying non-organic is relatively safe. Fruits and vegetables where the organic label matters most According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the results of government pesticide testing in the U.S., the following fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels, so are best to buy organic. Buy organic meat, eggs, and dairy if you can afford to In the U.S., industrially-raised animals may be fed corn, grains, antibiotics, animal byproducts, growth hormones, pesticides, and sewage sludge. These practices can have health consequences for both the animals themselves and pe...

Does organic mean pesticide-free?

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  As mentioned above, one of the primary benefits of eating organic is lower levels of pesticides. However, despite popular belief, organic farms do use pesticides. The difference is that they only use naturally-derived pesticides, rather than the synthetic pesticides used on conventional commercial farms. Natural pesticides are believed to be less toxic, however, some have been found to have health risks. That said, your exposure to harmful pesticides will likely be lower when eating organic. What are the possible risks of pesticides? Most of us have an accumulated build-up of pesticide exposure in our bodies due to numerous years of exposure. This chemical “body burden” as it is medically known could lead to health issues such as headaches, birth defects, and added strain on weakened immune systems. Some studies have indicated that the use of pesticides even at low doses can  increase the risk of certain cancers , such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, breast cancer and p...

Understanding GMOs

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The ongoing debate about the effects of GMOs on health and the environment is a controversial one. In most cases, GMOs are engineered to make food crops resistant to herbicides and/or to produce an insecticide. For example, much of the sweet corn consumed in the U.S. is genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup and to produce its own insecticide, Bt Toxin. GMOs are also commonly found in U.S. crops such as soybeans, alfalfa, squash, zucchini, papaya, and canola, and are present in many breakfast cereals and much of the processed food that we eat. If the ingredients on a package include corn syrup or soy lecithin, chances are it contains GMOs. GMOs and pesticides The use of toxic herbicides like Roundup (glyphosate) has increased 15 times since GMOs were introduced. While the World Health Organization announced that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans,” there is still some controversy over the level of health risks posed by the use of pesticides.

Organic food vs. locally-grown food.

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  Unlike organic standards, there is no specific definition for “local food”. It could be grown in your local community, your state, your region, or your country. During large portions of the year it is usually possible to find food grown close to home at places such as a farmer’s market. The benefits of locally grown food Financial:  Money stays within the local economy. More money goes directly to the farmer, instead of to things like marketing and distribution. Transportation:  In the U.S., for example, the average distance a meal travels from the farm to the dinner plate is over 1,500 miles. Produce must be picked while still unripe and then gassed to “ripen” it after transport. Or the food is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation, and other means to keep it stable for transport. Freshness:  Local food is harvested when ripe and thus fresher and full of flavor. Some small local farmers use organic methods but may not be able to afford to ...

The benefits of organic food.

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How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods. Organic produce contains fewer pesticides.  Chemicals such as  synthetic  fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat. Organic food is often fresher  because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is sometimes (but not always, so watch where it is from) produced on smaller farms nearer to where it is sold. Organic farming tends to be better for the environment.  Organic farming practices may reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertili...

What does “organic” mean?

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  The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. While the regulations vary from country to country, in the U.S., organic crops must be grown must be grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, or bioengineered genes (GMOs). Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must be raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (such as the ability to graze on pasture) and fed organic feed and forage. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products.