Want More Antioxidants?

With all the pollutants that we are exposed to as we go on with our daily tasks, we are in danger of accumulating a lot of free radicals that can damage cell walls, cell structures as well as the genetic materials found in our cells. The damage caused by free radicals can be irreversible and may lead to cancer. In order to stop these free radicals from damaging our body, we need the presence of antioxidants like beta-carotene, lycopene, selenium, carotenoids and vitamins C, E and A in our bodies. Because these substances can deactivate free radicals before they cause damages to our bodies, having a diet rich in anti-oxidants can help prevent cancer as well as other diseases.

In order to beef up the amount of antioxidants in your body, you should think about filling up your diet with organic food which contains a higher amount of antioxidants than non-organic food. The reason for this is the way the crops are grown through organic farming techniques. Because organic farming doesn't involve using harsh pesticides to protect the plant from molds and insects, the plant depends on its innate defense mechanisms to survive. This mechanism requires the production of antioxidants which is higher in plants that are grown organically.

Another thing that spells out the difference between organic and non-organic food is the way both are processed. The chemicals used for non-organic food can have a negative impact on the amount of antioxidants found in it. Hexane, for example, is used for the conventional method of extracting oils from crops and can cause the removal of antioxidants.

Aside from the chemicals used for food processing, the temperature and pressure can also have a significant effect on the amount of antioxidants in non-organic foods. As compared to the high pressure and temperature used to process non-organic foods, organic processing involves cold pressing under lower pressures to remove juices and oils from crops. Because of this, organically produced food products have a higher amount of antioxidants than their non-organic counterparts.

So, are you ready to go organic?