Tips for staying healthy this Winter

As the pandemic continues, Americans are turning their attention to health more than ever. From our friends at Only Organic, here are some solutions to help you stay healthy throughout the year.

Significant research shows organic foods, body care products, and textiles are healthier than their conventional counterparts. (You can read some of the food studies that highlight that research here.)

Some highlights from those studies are:

• Eating organic fruits and vegetables could increase your antioxidant intake by 20 to 40 percent.
• Organic strawberries have more nutrients and antioxidants than their conventional counterparts do.
• Organic tomatoes are 50 percent higher in vitamin C than conventional tomatoes.

During the winter, choosing organic will ensure that your family has the best chance of enjoying the full spectrum of nutrients found in winter produce – with the fewest pesticides. Cold-weather seasonal produce, like organic citrus, helps farmers through their leanest time of year, and there’s a bonus in it for you: Fresh vegetables and fruits from your own community are tastier and higher in antioxidants. If fresh organic produce is not an option locally, frozen organic produce is a close second.

Dry and cold weather can be challenging on your body, so it’s important to stay warm and hydrated. We recommend swapping sugary meals for warm dishes, like soups made of local root crops. Herbal teas will also help keep you warm and can help keep you healthy.

Along with healthy local produce, consider adding healthy fats to your diet. Fish such as salmon and cod as well as milk, eggs, and cheese are great sources of vitamin B12, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system as well as to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.

For these sources of fat, we recommend using organic dairy products, which, along with organic meat, contains about 50 percent more omega-3 fatty acids, according to research from 2016 based on data pooled from more than 200 studies. The increase is the result of animals foraging on grasses rich in omega-3s, which then end up in dairy and meats. Research in the U.S. has pointed to similar benefits.

In addition to focusing on organic foods and drinks, you can add organic supplements to your daily regimen of staying healthy. Increase your intake of herbs, adaptogens, antioxidants and vitamins D, C and Zinc by trying our Ultimate Immune juice.

There are lots of reasons to choose to eat organic. One of the most compelling is that organic farmers don’t use toxic persistent pesticides, and that’s better for all of us. A pesticide is any kind of substance used to keep pests away, but not all pesticides are created equal. Toxic persistent pesticides aren’t allowed in organic farming, because they can be harmful to our health and the environment and they break down very slowly, remaining in our soil, water, and air. Some can continue to cause damage for decades after they’re first used.

When you skip the chemicals and eat organic seasonal foods, you’re guaranteeing a healthy start to the winter. Learn more about what your vote for organic at the register does to ensure a healthy food future for us all.

Source: Only Organic