Choosing Organic and Raw Foods

Everything old is new again. Long ago food did not contain so many preservatives and chemicals and crops were not routinely sprayed with chemicals and fungicides. As the public is becoming aware of the negative effect of chemicals on them and the environment, organic foods are gaining in popularity.

Organic foods are those which are grown minus the chemicals but with the assistance of environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives. Organics are not limited to only fruits and vegetables but also include dairy products, baked and prepared goods as well. Another items that is available in organic forms are fruit juice. This is especially important as fruit juices often contain a higher concentration of chemical due to the number of fruits necessary to produce the juice. Buying organic fruit juice is a healthier alternative.

Many regular grocery stores are devoting shelf space to organic food and specialty chains focusing on only organic, health and environmentally friendly foods are opening as well. The price of these healthy alternatives is often a bit higher than standard food products as it is can be more difficult to produce a large crop of organically grown fruits or vegetables while keeping insects or critters at bay. Therefore, naturally grown produce farms are usually smaller affairs. The increase in price is a small one though when it comes to what you are putting into your body and the environment. Also, as more people decide to purchase organic, it is likely the farms and companies that produce these foods will be able to invest in providing a larger variety of foods.

Raw foodists prefer organic foods over any other. Raw foodists avoid consuming all needless chemicals in all forms. By consuming organic items the raw foodist can be assured it is free of chemicals. Raw food and organic food are not the same thing. Those who chose to eat organic foods, and avoid chemical pesticides, don''t necessarily avoid eating cooked, processed or frozen food, as does a raw foodist. For both the raw foodist and organic consumer, some items, such as grain, are still hard to find in an organic form.

It is always a good practice to wash all produce prior to eating, whether they are organic or not. For today''s consumer choosing healthier eating, or seeking to help the environment, whether it be through organic or going raw lifestyles, there are more alternatives.

Miranda Thompsen is a staff writer at Diet Gazette and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Aging Guide.