# data[].attributes.body
In terms of eating healthy food, we always consider our food. As we mentioned before as team Ihlara we prefer eating organic products. In this column, you will see a presentation prepared by our team to show harms of pesticides and fertilizers.

# data[].attributes.body
In this column, you can visit this website to understand how more nutritio the organic food than processed food.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Organic, non-organic and processed foods sometimes vary in nutrient content.

Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, antibiotics or growth hormones. They are generally considered as safe to consume as conventionally grown foods, notes Dietitians of Canada, although poultry raised without hormones can have higher levels of the toxin salmonella. While some organic foods are more nutritious than their non-organic equivalents, others are equal. And processed foods -- foods altered during manufacturing -- come in organic and non-organic forms. Learning more about these factors may help you make wiser food-purchasing decisions.

Milk Products

To carry an "organic" label in the United States, milk products must come from cows that have not been treated with bovine growth hormone, which some farmers use to boost milk production. Some people contend that BGH could increase the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate. If BGH enters milk you drink, however, enzymes and acid in your digestive system destroy it, according to Karen Collins, a registered dietitian with MSNBC. Although more research is needed, some experts think that cows fed grass rather than grains -- which is common on organic farms -- produce milk containing more conjugated linoleic acid, which may guard against health problems, including cancer. Cows fed a mix of grains and soybeans, whether organic or not, have higher CLA levels in milk than grass-fed cows. In terms of calcium and vitamin D, organic and non-organic milk products are equal.

Eggs

A study, published in the March 2009 issue of "Food Chemistry," compared the fat content of eggs fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, conventional eggs and organic eggs. Researchers found that organic egg yolks contained slightly more saturated fats -- fats known to increase inflammation -- compared to non-organic eggs. All eggs in the study had the same amount of healthy fats. The fortified eggs contained more omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats associated with a reduced risk for heart disease -- than organic and "cage" eggs. In other words, organic eggs weren't shown to be healthier than non-organic eggs. Another study conducted at Penn State University in 2010 showed that hens raised in pastures produced eggs containing more vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids than caged hens. To reap the potential benefits, purchase eggs from chickens that roam freely. These eggs are often, but not necessarily, organic.

Fruits and Vegetables

According to the Dietitians of Canada, some research has revealed higher levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, in organic produce. Antioxidants help your body fend off and heal from infections, disease and damage caused by toxins called free radicals. Determining the differences is difficult, because nutrient content of produce often depends on the soil in which the plants are grown. Whether you opt for organic or non-organic produce, MayoClinic.com recommends eating a variety of types, purchasing the freshest possible and scrubbing or peeling produce to remove any pesticides. Canned fruits and vegetables, whether organic or not, are considered processed foods. In general, whole fruits -- organic and conventionally produced -- are more nutritious than fruit juices, which tend to be higher in sugar and lower in fiber than fresh fruit.

Grains

Grains, such as wheat, rice, corn and barley, provide carbohydrates, your body's main fuel source. Organic and non-organic grain products vary significantly in nutritional content, and both can be based on whole or refined grains. Unlike enriched flour and instant rice, whole grains are not stripped of vitamins, minerals, protein or fiber during processing. Though research is limited, organic farmers and advocates contend that organic whole grains contain more nutrients than conventionally-grown grains. Many processed grain products, such as breads and cereals, are fortified with nutrients during processing, however, making them equally and potentially more nutritious. Experts have varying views on how beneficial fortified foods are, according to a "Today's Dietitian" article published in October 2010. The best-supported nutrients added to processed foods include fiber, healthy bacteria known as probiotics, healthy fats known as omega-3s and plant sterols, which could improve cholesterol levels. To ensure ample nutritional benefits, whether organic or or not, buy products that list whole grains as main ingredients or display a "100 percent whole grain" label and ones that are low in added sugars.

Meats

Some evidence suggests that grass-fed lamb and beef provide a healthier balance of fatty acids compared to meat from gain-fed animals, according to "Nutrition and Climate Change: Major Issues Confronting the Meat Industry," a book compiled by the Langford Food Industry Conference Proceedings. Overall fat content is a more important nutrition-related factor, however, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Lean beef and skinless poultry, for example, contain less saturated fat than lamb, steak and processed meats, such as bacon and sausage. Organic meats tend to be leaner but twice as expensive as non-organic varieties.

About the Author

August McLaughlin is a health and sexuality writer, podcast host and author of "Girl Boner: The Good Girl's Guide to Sexual Empowerment" (Amberjack Publishing, 2018). Her articles appear in DAME Magazine, Cosmopolitan.com, the Huffington Post and more, and she loves connecting with readers through her blog and social media. augustmclaughlin.com

Photo Credits

abstract,sign.organic fresh beet . food ,vegetable image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health Benefits of Organic Foods Versus Processed Foods

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, antibiotics or growth hormones. They are generally considered as safe to consume as conventionally grown foods, notes Dietitians of Canada, although poultry raised without hormones can have higher levels of the toxin salmonella. While some organic ...

# data[].attributes.body
Using unnatural chemicals affects not only human directly, but it also affects water sources, quality of soil. As a result, this applications stands for a big responsible matter for global warming faced by almost all around the world. On this web site you can see a very updated informative texts about the effects of chemicals on environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How Do Fertilizers Affect the Environment

We all know that fertilizers are used for proper and healthy growth of plants... but are they really healthy? What exactly are fertilizers and how do fertilizers affect the environment? Well, a fertilizer is a substance, be it synthetic or organic, which is added to the soil in order to increase the supply of essential nutrients that boost the growth of plants and vegetation in that soil. With the rapid increase in population globally, the demand of food and agricultural yield has been rising tremendously. This is the reason why statistics show that almost 40-60% of agricultural crops are grown with the use of different types of fertilizers. Not only this, more than 50% people feed on crops that are grown as a result of using synthetic fertilizers. On the other hand, there are organic fertilizers that consist of manures and animal wastes. The following section discusses how fertilizers are affecting the nature and environment around us.

Harmful Effects of Fertilizers on the Nature and Environment

Mother nature has always taught us to balance out everything, and still continues to do so! If you eat a lot, your body naturally bloats up and tells you to exercise and come back to shape. When you exercise too much, your body tells you to slow down and relax. If there is rain, you also get the Sun, each and everything works fine till a balance is maintained. And we all know the consequences of imbalance. A classic example for the same would be the rise in global warming due to various reasons, including deforestation! Same is the case with fertilizers. The problem is that humans tend to use too much of fertilizers in the soil because they have to cater to the global demand of food. As mentioned already, more than half of the total yield production is out of synthetic or inorganic fertilizers which contains components like nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and so on. These chemicals and minerals, although help in boosting the growth of plants, they also have their drastic side effects in the long run. Mentioned below are some key points defining the effects of using fertilizers on the environment. Have a look...

Depletes the Quality of the Soil

Though this may sound ironic to you, the fact is that using too much of fertilizers in the soil can alter the fertility of the soil by increasing the acid levels in the soil. Which is why it is recommended to get a soil test done at least once in every 3 years so that you can keep a track whether or not you are using the right amount of fertilizers. The levels of soil pH varies from 0-14, wherein 0 is considered to be the most acidic and 14 being the most basic. 7 is considered to be neutral. The ideal soil pH varies from plant to plant and can be altered by bringing in some changes. Bottom line for using too much of fertilizers in the soil is that, though it may seem to work currently, there are high chances that you may not use it for plant yielding in the long run.Alters the

Biology of Water Bodies

When you use too much of fertilizers in the soil, it leads to eutrophication. Fertilizers contain substances like nitrates and phosphates that are flooded into lakes and oceans through rains and sewage. These substances prove to become toxic for the aquatic life, thereby, increasing the excessive growth of algae in the water bodies and decreasing the levels of oxygen. This leads to a toxic environment and leads to death of fish and other aquatic fauna and flora. Indirectly, it contributes to an imbalance in the food chain as the different kinds of fishes in the water bodies tend to be the main food source of various birds and animals in the environment. You would be surprised to know that more than 50% of the lakes in the United States are eutrophic!Affects on

Human Health

The nitrogen and other chemicals present in the fertilizers can also affect the ground waters and waters that are used for the purpose of drinking! One of the most common result for this can be the development of blue baby syndrome which occurs in infants whose skin tissues are low in oxygen, which is why their skin appears to be blue or purplish in color. You would also be interested to know that studies reveal that the use of lawn fertilizers and pesticides can cause health risks like cancer and chronic diseases in humans, especially in children.

Climate Changes Across the Globe

Fertilizers consists of substances and chemicals like methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and nitrogen, the emission of which has contributed to a great extent in the quantity of greenhouse gases present in the environment. This in turn is leading to global warming and weather changes. In fact, nitrous oxide, which is a byproduct of nitrogen, is the third most significant greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide and methane. Therefore, you can well imagine as to how harmful is the use of fertilizers for our environment... and the ongoing use of fertilizers across the world will only make matters worse!These facts are alarming and a serious step needs to be taken as soon as possible to avoid more severe consequences. The use of fertilizers for growth and cultivation is keeping our stomach filled for now, but then if things keep on progressing the way they are, it won't take long to see the times where there is lack of food, water, and health. So make sure that you use fertilizers in moderation, allow your soil to replenish its nutrients naturally by giving it a break from crop production and avoid using fertilizers during the rains. A small step can also make a big difference. Lets hope for a healthy and safe tomorrow

The following two tabs change content below.

Enviro Editor

So who is Enviro Editor? Well I am a simple person who got involved in fighting environmental issues some 16 years ago. I started this site as a forum which became very popular very fast. Moving with the times it evolved into a blog and still one of the most highly regarded and influential sources of environmental news serving both South Africa, Africa and the World. We also have a growing list of guest writers who contribute high quality articles to this site.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Do Fertilizers Affect the Environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We all know that fertilizers are used for proper and healthy growth of plants... but are they really healthy? What exactly are fertilizers and how do fertilizers affect the environment? Well, a fertilizer is a substance, be it synthetic or organic, which is added to the soil in order to increase the supply of essential nutrients that boost the growth of plants and vegetation in that soil.