Do you buy any brand when you're at the supermarket? Do you know if you buy organic or non-organic? Organic food sales have increased significantly over the past two years. Once found only in specialty health food stores and farmers markets, organic foods are now becoming a more regular feature in many, if not most, supermarkets. With the new choice of organic fresh fruit and vegetables, which do you choose? On one shelf there is a conventionally grown apple and on another there is an organic apple. Both firm and bright red in colour. Both can provide you with vitamins and fiber without sodium or fat. Conventionally grown produce generally costs less, but is organic more nutritious? Is it safer than the processed one? So what does processing food mean and what are processed foods? Foods are usually processed to extend shelf life and for safety reasons. There are a number of different methods used to process foods, including; freezing, refrigeration, canning and dehydration. Not all processed foods are harmful. Some examples are pasteurized milk, frozen vegetables and fruit juices. While some foods are harmless, there is a group of processed foods that can be harmful. Foods that contain additives that are very harmful to our health, such as trans fats, saturated monosodium glutamate and massive amounts of sugar, can have serious negative effects on the human body. Processed meats are the worst of all packaged processed foods. Regular consumption of these meats could significantly increase the chances of hypertension and diabetes. So what are organic foods? Foods that are produced or manufactured according to established standards to ensure that the product is more "natural" and free of artificial additives and... paper... chemicals. These animals are allowed to roam free on farmland and eat a completely organic diet. Conventional animal husbandry involves dirty and crowded environments, where animals are fed unclean foods just to fatten them up. By simply purchasing organic items and products you promote agriculture, life and the production of something that is not only beneficial for yourself but can also help the future of our planet. The word organic is no longer a strange word found only in health markets. As stores fill the shelves with organic alternatives in food cosmetics and cleaning products, people are slowly becoming aware of what they are buying. Your health and well-being are entirely in your hands. Sources http://www.mayoorganic-foods-versus-processed-foods.wikispaces.com/clinic.org/ LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose weight and get fit with diet, nutrition and fitness Tools