Renew You Challenge

Let’s start this week off right!

Here is your newest weekly challenge (I mean opportunity!) to help set you off on the right foot and in the right direction for bringing health to your week. You could even add it to your calendar. Join us! 

I’m big on recommending that we reduce our toxin exposure. There are simply far too many toxins used these days, far too many toxins found in everyone—even babies in the womb—and far too many negative health effects of these toxins. We are swimming in a toxic soup, folks.

One great way to minimize your exposure to toxins is to choose organic foods whenever possible. Yes, it will cost more. But when you think about the unknown health costs (not to mention environmental costs) of conventionally grown foods with their pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, the cost, I think, is worth it.

Though there is some debate about the improved nutrition of organic versus conventionally grown foods, studies are slowly uncovering a benefit of certain organic foods over conventional in terms of nutrient content. A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that organic tomatoes contain higher amounts of polyphenol antioxidants than conventional tomatoes.

This is not the first study to find higher amounts of antioxidants in organic produce, and the reason is obvious. Plants naturally produce antioxidant compounds as a defense against pests and stress. Organically grown produce has to fend for itself as it would naturally in nature. The result—higher amounts of antioxidant compounds that are beneficial for humans.

Tomatoes are not found on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, but they aren’t on the Clean Fifteen list, either. Because they may contain higher amounts of antioxidants, like lycopene, carotenoids, and vitamin C, choose organic tomatoes when you can. They are usually widely available where organic produce is sold. Organic heirloom tomatoes are particularly delicious and beautiful if you can find them. Or, grow your own!