| The society of today is one that struggles to | | | | not much thought is given to additives when |
| find its balance when it comes to living a | | | | we encounter fruits and vegetables in the |
| healthy lifestyle. We are bombarded on a | | | | grocery store, the truth is that insufficient |
| daily basis with the newest and best products | | | | research has been done regarding the long |
| on the market all designed to help us achieve | | | | term effects of these chemicals on the human |
| maximum health. But for many who have | | | | body. |
| traveled this road many a time, the answer is | | | | |
| simple; a healthy lifestyle begins and ends | | | | The same holds true for agricultural and |
| with a nutritious diet rich in whole foods. | | | | dairy farming practices. While agricultural |
| But while we may know the types of food we | | | | and dairy farmers traditionally feed their |
| should be eating - fruits, vegetables, lean | | | | livestock supplements and hormones to speed |
| meats, and whole grains - we are now faced | | | | their growth and milk production, organic |
| with another choice - that of organic food. | | | | farmers do just the opposite. Animals are |
| | | | given only organic feed and are not subjected |
| Ask any organic food enthusiast and they will | | | | to chemicals or hormones of any kind. |
| happily tell you the health benefits of | | | | |
| organic food. And when faced with the | | | | Organic food has benefits that extend to the |
| information it's difficult to ignore the | | | | environment as well. Organic farming means |
| substantial differences between organic food | | | | that the ground is not subjected to chemical |
| and that food that is grown or produced in a | | | | or pesticide run-off. Organic farmers are |
| traditional environment. | | | | strongly committed to the environment and |
| | | | their product is only considered certified |
| Organic food is grown and raised by a group | | | | organic food if they adhere to strict |
| of committed organic farmers working within | | | | government regulations. |
| strictly enforced government guidelines. | | | | |
| Produce that is grown organically is done so | | | | Organic food can mean significant benefits |
| without the use of pesticides or chemical | | | | for your health and that of those you love. |
| additives. Chemicals and pesticides are, | | | | Additionally, it shows a dedication to the |
| however, used on traditional farms. And while | | | | environment and the future of the planet. |