This WSU study, is one of the largest of its kind. Researchers analyzed 343 peer-reviewed publications comparing the nutritional quality and safety of both organic and conventional plant-based foods.

They discovered that organic crops contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants (such as phenols and polyphenols), which are known to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers¹. Actually, organic plants produce these antioxidants in greater quantities as their own natural defense mechanism against pests… because they don’t have those synthetic pesticides¹.

And…, as you probably suspected, the study found that organic produce has fewer pesticide residues compared to conventional produce¹. This is important to you because pesticide exposure has been linked to various health issues, including neuro-developmental disorders in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers². So, by choosing organic produce, you reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals. You also potentially improve your overall health and well-being.

But let’s look for a moment beyond the excellent personal health benefits ~ When you purchase organic produce, you are supporting sustainable farming practices that are better for our environment. How? Because, organic farming methods prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecological
balance. They avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife3. Now, by maintaining healthier soils ~ organic farms can sequester more carbon, helping to mitigate climate change3. Plus, local farms contribute to your local
economy by creating jobs and keeping money within your community.

SO… how can you be sure that the foods labeled organic ~ were actually farmed using organic methods? Well, Organic farming practices are verified through several rigorous measures beyond the USDA certification.

  Along with the requirement to maintain detailed records ~ organic farms have annual inspections by USDA-accredited certifiers, which include reviewing farm records, inspecting fields, and verifying compliance with organic standards. They also get unannounced inspections, and have periodic testing of soil, water, and produce for prohibited substances further verifies the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Now, while organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, it is still necessary for you to wash it thoroughly before eating. Think about it ~ Organic farms may use natural fertilizers, such as compost or manure, which can introduce harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella to the produce³. Also, organic produce can be exposed to contaminants during handling, transportation, or storage.

Washing your organic produce under running water helps remove dirt, bacteria, and any residual pesticides that may be present. For your leafy greens, it is advisable for you to separate the leaves and rinse them individually. For your fruits and vegetables with thicker skins, using a brush can help remove contaminants more effectively3. Yes, even produce you buy that’s labeled as “pre-washed” or “ready-to-eat” should be rinsed again at home to ensure your safety.

By making informed choices about the food you consume, you can promote better health for yourself, your family and our planet.

        Make Your Own Natural Produce Wash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 10-15 drops grapefruit seed extract
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl or container, combine the white distilled vinegar and distilled water.
2. Add Salt: Stir in the tablespoon of salt until it is fully dissolved.
3. Add Grapefruit Seed Extract: Add 10-15 drops of grapefruit seed extract to the mixture and stir well.
4. Soak Produce: Place your fruits and vegetables in the solution and let them soak for about 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the produce thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining solution and contaminants.
6. Dry: Pat the produce dry with a clean towel or let it air dry before storing or consuming.

This natural produce wash helps you remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues, ensuring your fruits and vegetables are clean and safe to eat. The vinegar and salt work together to disinfect, while the grapefruit seed extract adds an extra layer of antibacterial protection.

 Live Your Best Life!

 ~Jeanne Ricks, CHC

²: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health ³: Mayo Clinic ¹: Washington State University

Alpha-lipoic Acid is naturally found in literally every cell of your body where it helps turn glucose into energy. As with so many things that affect your health ~ your body’s ability to manufacture its own ALA, declines with age. That’s right ~ with each passing year your body is just a little less efficient in it’s ability to regulate sugar.

ALA is a vitamin-like antioxidant. Antioxidants protect against damage to your body’s cells. As a free radical scavenger, it’s really quite unique because it’s both fat and water soluble. What’s that mean?….simply that it’s easily absorbed and transported across cell membranes offering protection (against free radicals) in every part of your cells and even the space in between your cells. Other antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) only provide outside cellular protection.

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a real determining factor in the aging process of your heart and other tissues. Studies have been in search of means to reduce or eliminate this constant health concern.

In one such study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University; supplementation significantly lowered rate of oxidant production in older hearts to a rate that was no longer significantly different from that in cells from un-supplemented, young hearts. Alpha-lipoic Acid supplementation also restored myocardial ascorbic acid levels and reduced oxidative DNA damage. That’s good news!

        “The evidence suggests that Alpha-lipoic Acid is actually a low-level stressor that turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including some of those that naturally decline with age,” said Tory Hagen, an LPI researcher and associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics at OSU. “In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound, to those of a young animal. It also acts as a strong anti-inflammatory agent, which is relevant to many degenerative diseases.”

        “Our studies have shown that mice supplemented with Alpha-lipoic Acid have a cognitive ability, behavior, and genetic expression of almost 100 detoxification and antioxidant genes that are comparable to that of young animals,” Hagen said. “They aren’t just living longer; they are living better ~ and that’s the goal we’re after.” That’s very good news!

What the OSU researchers now believe is that the role of Alpha-lipoic Acid is not so much a direct one to benefit your cells, but rather an indirect aid that “kick starts” declining function in cells and helps them recover the functions that came more easily and naturally when they were young.

In various effects, Alpha-lipoic Acid appears to help restore a cellular “signaling” process that tends to break down in older blood vessels. It reduces what’s called ‘mitochondrial decay’ in your cells, which is closely linked to the symptoms of aging. With age, Glutathione levels naturally decline, making older animals more susceptible to both free radicals and other environmental toxins but, Alpha-lipoic Acid can restore Glutathione function to near normal. And the expression and function of other genes seems to come back to life.

        “We never really expected such a surprising range of benefits from one compound,” Hagen said. “This is really unprecedented, and we’re pretty excited about it.”

There’s also evidence that ALA may have at least 2 positive benefits for people with type-2 Diabetes. A few studies have suggested that Alpha-lipoic Acid supplements enhance the body’s ability to use its own insulin to lower blood sugar in people with type-2 Diabetes. ALA may help reduce the symptoms of the nerve damage that can be caused by diabetes (named peripheral neuropathy) and potentially aid in diabetes prevention.

BUT WAIT!  There’s More!! ALA potentially protects your brain tissues and functioning as well ~ Because Alpha-lipoic Acid passes easily into your brain, there’s speculation that it’s antioxidant properties may directly help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Researchers are currently investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia.

In case you were wondering; yes, there are food sources of ALA such as yeast, organ meats like liver and heart, spinach, broccoli, beets, potatoes, yams and kohlrabi and is also abundant in red meat. BUT…. ALA from food does not appear to produce a noticeable increase in the level of free ALA in your body.

Should you consider Alpha-lipoic Acid supplementation; you’ll find that there are two types on the market: Synthetic (S) and Natural (R). The synthetic form of Alpha-lipoic Acid is useless to your body, while the natural (R) form is double the potency and easily assimilated.

Because of the potential for side effects (Alpha-lipoic Acid can lower blood sugar levels) and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a health care provider.

 Live Your Best Life!

 ~Jeanne Ricks, CHC