At every meal or snack, I aim to pack the most benefits into every bite. This means choosing lean, organic sources of protein… fiber-rich legumes and whole grains… and a base of phytonutrient-rich fruits and veggies that are full of age-defying and disease-fighting antioxidants. You probably know them best as "superfoods."
In our household, we have made the decision to exclusively enjoy S.O.L.E. foods (Sustainable, Organic, Local, and Eco-conscious). And I encourage you to do the same. Here’s a good reason why.
A recent comprehensive review of more than 97 studies evaluated the benefits of organics. In the report, "New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods," researchers found that organic, plant-based foods contain higher levels of eight out of 11 nutrients studied. That includes significantly greater concentrations of health-promoting antioxidants and polyphenols. But what’s more, researchers concluded that organically grown plant foods are 25 percent more nutrient-dense. That means they deliver more nutrition – calorie for calorie – than their conventional counterparts.
Fill your plate with an organic superfood smorgasbord to maximize the health benefits of every bite. You can go green – without spending too much green – by choosing organic foods that are grown locally. Find a farmers’ market near you by visiting localharvest.com and savor the best nutrition nature has to offer.
[Ed. Note: Kelley Herring is the founder and CEO of Healing Gourmet (www.healinggourmet.com), and is editor-in-chief of the Healing Gourmet book series. Learn more about how simple lifestyle choices can improve your health by reading ETR's free natural health e-letter.]
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