Low Chemical Diets
There are numerous reasons for eating a low-chemical diet. It can be a way to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. Reducing your chemical exposure may also help you prevent certain diseases and chronic illnesses. The preservatives and unnatural ingredients in many foods are difficult for our bodies to digest, so consuming as few as possible lets your body function as it was meant to. Low-chemical diets also taste better because you taste the food without interference from additives, preservatives and other unnatural flavors.
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Organic
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its National Organ Program (NOP) define organic as "...a system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 and regulations in...the Code of Federal Regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity." In simpler terms, organic foods are those made without man-made chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are also banned from organic products and the food cannot be exposed to industrial solvents, chemical food additives or irradiation. The NOP is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of the production, handling and labeling standards of the organic food program. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for creating a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. This list includes synthetic substances that can be used in organic foods, as well as non-synthetic substances that cannot be used.
Fruits and Vegetables
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Eating only fruits and vegetables is a healthy way to reduce the chemicals in your diet, but your choices must be organic. Fruits and vegetables are natural, but if they are exposed to pesticides while growing, it results in high chemical content. There are several benefits to eating fruits and vegetables, including ease of digestion and high nutrient content. Though all fruits and vegetables are healthy, include a variety of different colors in your diet such as leafy greens, tomatoes, avocados, green, red and yellow peppers, yams, bananas and citrus.
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Processed Food
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Over time, the average western diet has become less and less natural. Convenience foods sold in the supermarket and at restaurants contain a lot of preservatives and chemicals. Food manufacturers market to children with bright colors, all of which are added to food with dye. Consumers expect food to stay fresh for a long time to get their money's worth, so manufacturers add preservatives to increase the shelf life. To cut back on foods with a high chemical content, avoid boxed, canned and bottled foods. Shop the perimeter of the market where you find fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry and seafood, and buy items like wheat, flour and beans in bulk.
Know Your Grower
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One of the easiest ways to eat a low-chemical diet is to know how the food is grown. Buying fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products from a farmer you know enables you to have a relationship with the grower and understand the journey of your food from farm to plate. There are no mysteries concerning GMOs, pesticides, soil quality or animal feed because you can ask the farmer responsible for your food. If you want absolute assurance your food is low-chemical, grow or raise it in your own backyard. Test your soil for chemical content and find natural ways to repel pests on plants. Those with enough space and motivation can include chickens for eggs and a goat for milk in their self-sufficient, low-chemical diet plan.
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References
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