An
organic apple a day keeps the doctor and
the pounds away
One of today's great
debates is whether or not organic fruits and
vegetables are better for us than chemically
enhanced crops. Although scientists have confirmed
that organic produce has positive effects on
nutritional quality, some are still unconvinced.
Ask yourself this question: "Does the
term ‘organic' sound healthier than
‘chemical'?
A recipe for maintaining
good health includes eating naturally-grown
foods and whole grains. Adding organic apple
cider vinegar to the mix will not only increase
the nutritional value of your food, but will
also help you shed those extra pounds!
Artificial
vs. natural
 Artificial
fertilization can create extremely large and
shiny fruits that look absolutely scrumptious,
but one bite is all it takes to realize that
they definitely lack flavor. Why? Because the
process of artificial fertilization includes
swelling the fruit with water in order to produce
mass. Naturally grown fruits may be much smaller
in size but they are full of great taste as
well as healthy nutrients. Chemicals are also
added to increase longevity and protect the
plants from insect infestation. These pesticides
usually coat the fruits with a resistant wax-like
substance that is difficult to remove. Moreover,
they destroy many of the nutrients and minerals
that the fruit would have produced naturally.
Vital nutrients
and minerals
In comparison to chemically-enhanced
fruits and veggies, organic produce is higher
in phytonutrients since they rely on their own
natural defense system instead of the protection
provided by pesticides and toxins. Studies conducted
internationally conclude that organic fruits,
such as apples, peaches and kiwis, contain larger
concentrations of polyphenols, vitamin C, betacarotene
and flavonids than conventionally grown ones.
These nutrients help the human body fight off
illnesses and diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's
and diabetes. Eating organic does not only benefit
our overall health but can also be beneficial
in attaining weight loss.
Organic apples and
weight loss
Organic apples, as well as other fruits,
help reduce weight in several ways:
Fiber
- Naturally-grown produce contains higher
levels of soluble and insoluble fiber than
produce treated with pesticides. Since fiber
expands in the stomach, it helps the body
feel full for a longer period of time.
Low in sodium
- Low levels of sodium promote organic weight
loss by preventing excess water retention.
Enzymes
- Apples contain an abundance of enzymes which
help the body digest food more efficiently,
again helping to shed off those extra pounds.
Organic apple cider
vinegar
A well-known natural weight loss option
is a diet that includes organic apple cider
vinegar. People have been using this beneficial
vinegar to reduce weight and improve blood circulation
for hundreds of years as it is extremely rich
in vitamins and minerals. The combination of
vitamins and the pH level of organic apple cider
vinegar help to detoxify the body, speed up
the metabolism and burn calories. Two tablespoons
before a meal will help break down ingested
fat.
Eating naturally-grown produce
increases vitality and can result in organic
weight loss. Undoubtedly, it is a healthier
choice, but what will truly convince you is
taste - one bite and you will make a permanent
switch to organic.
Written
by:
Lukas Van Der Burg is a personal trainer and
nutrition specialist. He provides articles for
a number of places including this site Apple
Cider Vinegar Benefits. |
