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Is Organic Food Really Healthier? The latest research sheds some light on how to shop                    By Alexandra Sifferlin

Anyone who's been in a supermarket lately knows labels can be tricky. Between 'organic," "local' and other food claaims, what's a savvy shopper to do? A comprehensive new review of research reveals that organic crops have higher levels of antioxidants and less pesticide residue than conventional produce. If eating organic --- and avoicing pestcides matters to you, here's what to know:

 

Organic                                                                                                                                                           Conventional

 

                                                                                             How the crops are grown

 

Organic farms cannot use GMOs, pesticides or chemical                  l               Conventional farms can use genetically modified seeds,

fertilizers. Also, crops can't be exposed to those things                      l               and crops are often grown with pesticides and chemical 

for three years before harvest.                                                                l               fertilizers.

 

                                                                                         Where the crops are grown

 

Organic crops can be grown anywhere, as long as the                       l                The USDA says there's no consensus on local. According

farm adheres to the USDA's strict organic-certification                      l                 to a 2008 act, it means up to 400 miles---equal to the 

standards.                                                                                                 l                 distance from Boston to Washington.

 

                                                                                          The nutritional difference

 

This has been a topic of debate, but a recent study                             l                 It depends on who you ask, but some argue that the high

found that organic food has 17% more antioxidant                              l                 yield and larger size of conventional crops lower their 

activity than conventional crops.                                                             l                 concentration of nutrients.

Stand up for your health                                                                                                                 September 9, 2014

Studies have long connected sedentary behavior to poor health, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension.  24% increased risk of colon cancer in people who are highly sedentary. Even when we're not exercising, we are moving and using energy called nonexercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, and it can keep that activity machinery well oiled, also increase the daily caloric burn. Research show that 500 -- 1000 number of calories office workers don't burn each day because they sit. So try standing up more than you sit at your desk. 

 

Refer           Time Health section    by Alice Park   Sept. 8, 2014

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