organiclivinglifestyle.com

Cut the risk of cancer and heart diseases by drinking organic milk

A study undertaken by Newcastle University showed that there were higher levels of vitamins, healthy fatty acids and antioxidants in organic milk than regular milk. The level of a particular fatty acid known for reducing the risk of heart diseases was up to 60% higher.

The result of such dramatic differences are down to the cow’s intake of food; the higher the grass content in its diet, the better quality milk it produces. However, at 10p more per pint of milk, consumers are not rushing to reap the organic milk’s benefits. Pricing aside, if we were all to switch over to organic milk, there just wouldn’t be enough to go around.

Different ways to lead an organic life

There is an ever increasing number of organic products available for consumers from food, perfume to clothing. To be sure you are buying a certified organic product, look out for the visible logo or visit organic websites and see if the product you wish to purchase is listed on there at all.

With conventional cotton farming being one of the worst crops in terms of the environment, buying a couple of replacement garments in organic cotton would really help to make a difference.

Millions of cups of teas are drunk everyday throughout the world which amounts to a lot of tea leaves – buying organic teas of various flavours and varieties will definitely help to contribute towards a future of organic living.

The Challenges of Organic living

As many of us a choosing the organic way of living, there are several setbacks, some of which include the limited choice and of course, the cost. In order for farmers to be certified organic, they need to go through a lengthy and expensive certification process. Growing organic produce requires more labour and more time if we are to care for the environment during the process of production.

It’s true that every little done to help will go a long way as the demand for organic produce increases, by just buying one product each, will help to lower the cost of the product; increase in demand will slowly but surely in turn mean a larger selection of organic produce available to us.

Outings at farms provide organic fun for the family

Days out at farms have seen an increase in popularity, with families pulling on their wellies to go feed farm yard animals, buy freshly laid eggs and get a bit muddy, all in the name of fun. With the added bonus of being green and organic, with its fresh produce for sale and classic rural charms, farm yards and farm shops are overtaking garden centres as the preferred choice for a day out throughout the country.

While some have stuck to its traditional humble styles, offering visitors a chance to experience a real countryside feel, others have modernised and provide children’s play areas, guided walk round the farm lands and mini farm zoos. This day out is a must for a great family fun day out.

Pricey organic food drives consumers to cheaper alternatives

There has been an increase of cheaper fruit and veg sales as people are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch, while there is a significant drop in sales of organic produce.

Organic food is well known to be much dearer than its counterparts. For example last month, there was a 20% decline in the sale of organic eggs, while the general sales of fresh produce had increased by more than 10%.

As the current food market is at its highest ever, with a 9.5% increase on price than the previous year, consumers are more careful as every little counts.

Is Organic food really better for you?

According to a multi-million pound project, the biggest study of its kind, claims have been made that organic food really is healthier than standard non-organic food and is more effective at preventing heart diseases and cancers. They claim that organic fruit and veg contain higher levels of zinc and iron, which are commonly lacking in many people’s diets.

The research has also shown that there is up to 40% more nutrients if produce is grown organically as opposed to conventional methods. However, if all the difference between organic and non organic produce is the percentage of nutrients and vitamins, then surely eating slightly more of non organic produce will bring up the levels of nutrients for possibly cheaper?

Principles of Labelling Organic Produce

Some of the principles that this represents are:

• 95% or more organic ingredients are used then the product can be called organic in the title.

• If this contents fall between 70-95% then the work organic can only be used in the ingredients listing.

• If any less than 70% of the ingredients in a product are organic then manufactures are unable to use the word organic anywhere in the title or ingredients.

Organic foods must meet EU standards with regard to the materials used in packaging and labelling. Materials must be recyclable, where possible, and carry the appropriate organic accreditation symbol. In addition, although it is not a legal requirement, organic products should strive to avoid all unnecessary packaging.

Organic Produce and the EU Standards

For organic produce to meet the EU standards there are strict standards that must be adhered to right down to the labelling and packaging.  The materials which are used must be made from recycled materials and a logo reinforcing this should be visible.  The accreditation would be given by one of 3 bodies.  As a principle thou organic products should try and avoid using unnecessary packaging.  The standards thou are enforced by organic certification authorities and must be licensed to use the word organic in the product title and is governed by trading standards legislation.  The standards are very detailed and each product vary greatly.

Organic General Practices

The production of organic products vary vastly from product to product and are very detailed.  Below are some of the general practices which can be classed and termed as organic.

Animal Welfare – this ensures that animals can freely conduct there natural behaviours such as movement, freedom of space, freedom to eat and drink as they require.

Health – this encompasses the well known phase of we are what we eat and the high standards which have been set at every stage of production.

Environment – organic farmers encourage and look after the surrounding environment and natural habitat. This encourages local wildlife and insects to thrive.