Organic Vs Vegetarian II

 Now let discuss organic foods. You can find organic fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry milk, etc at various stores.  Many concerned about health and generally animall welfare choose to eat organic foods. Organic is not the same as vegetarism, but it is considered a healthy choice! Organic foods generally have 50% more vitamins and minerals than their conventional counterparts. Many organic farms have free range birds and produce grass fed beef. The definition of grass-fed that we follow is defined by the American Grassfed Association (AGA):"The AGA defines grass-fed products from ruminants, including cattle, bison, goats and sheep, as those food products from animals that have eaten nothing but their mother’s milk and fresh grass or grass-type hay from their birth till harvest."Also, grown organically means less pesticides. Farmers use pesticides and other chemicals to mass-produce their fruits; in fact, the average conventional fruit is exposed to at least 20 pesticides. Sometimes, getting out and buying organic for the first time can be confusing. Some products will claim to be organic, when really they are just looking for the sale. When looking for and buying organic food, the USDA classifies organics into four buying categories.

• 100% organic: Must contain 100% organically produced ingredients.
• Organic: Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
• Made of organic ingredients: Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
• Have some organic ingredients: May contain less than 70% organic ingredients.

     It’s all about knowing where your food comes from. That’s where buying locally becomes important! Getting to know the farmers in your area and knowing the way they grow their food is great! Buying locally also stimulates your area’s economy AND lowers environmental impact. Nothing needs to be shipped or flown in; it’s all grown right in your hometown. If you need any help locating a farmer’s market in your area, http://www.localharvest.org/has got you covered. Type in your city and it gives you organic restaurants, farms, farmer’s markets and grocery stores in the area! And, to see what fruits and veggies are in season when, head here: http://www.wisebread.com/fresh-fruits-and-vegetables-by-the-month

Credits
http://www.incrediblygreen.org/index.php/2010/12/veggie-vs-organic/

     While currently, I choose to eat Pesco-Vegetarian diet. I shop at large grocery store chains, organic markets etc. However, I wanted to present all options available. Many large grocery stores do have a organic section located in their stores, as well. 

Vegetarian vs Organic

     Many people debate organic or local vs. being a vegetarian. If either decision is made the are due to ethical reasons and health or both. People who choose not to eat organic foods or vegetarian say they don't have enough will power and money to switch gears. No matter what you decide, take the facts into consideration. There are benefits and downfalls environmentally, economically, and health-wise when choosing one or both.


First lets explore vegetarianism.

• True Vegan: Eats nothing from an animal, fresh or processed.
• Lacto-Vegetarian: Includes dairy products in their diet.
• Ovo-Vegetarian: The only animal product in this diet is eggs.
• Pesco-Vegetarian: Includes fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products, no red meat.

     Usually, a vegetarian’s reason for being a vegetarian is due to health, or cruelty to animals.  Many vegetarians that choose this path due to cruelty to animals support animal rights and sometimes animal welfare.  About 12 million people worldwide are vegetarian;al 6-7% of people in the United States don’t eat meat, There are many who believe that vegetarians are prone to more illnesses and become sick more often. However, recent studies have shown that vegetarian diets will lower your chances of having a stroke. Coronary artery disease occurs less amongst vegetarians as well. Vegetarians only have about two-thirds (65%) the risk of dying of heart disease compared to non-vegetarians. A balanced diet, whether vegetarian or otherwise, will provide a body with all the nutrients it needs. A well managed vegetarian diet will provide a body with pretty much the same vitamins and minerals in some cases  more as a diet that includes meat.

     However, there are a few mineral deficiencies you might come across, such as iron, zinc, and B12, but those can be supplied through supplements or enriched foods. When dealing with veganism, Nuts and legumes are rich in protein. This includes peanuts, walnuts, peas, etc. Indulge in those for protein, The problems arise only when one is not well versed in nutrition, and does not know which foods will replace certain vitamins, minerals and other nutritional needs. In order to be a healthy vegetarian, one must learn how to create a balanced meal without meat products. The reason why some people think vegetarians are less healthy is because, frankly, some are less healthy. This is simply because they eat things like pasta every day, instead of incorporating nuts, vegetables, soy and other foods with great nutritional value into their diet.  If you know how to create a balanced meal, you will be a successful vegetarian.

     Environmentally, meat production is a huge waste of water. To produce one pound of meat, about 2,500 gallons of water is used. It is not uncommon for a large-scale chicken farm to go through about 3,809 gallons of water per ton of chicken! Compare that to only 1,020 gallons for corn, 738 gallons for milk, and 133 gallons for potatoes! In addition, the meat and livestock industry to contribute to about 9% of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, including 37% of methane and 65% of nitrous oxide emissions. So, by not eating meat, some of the demand is diminished, therefore lowering these numbers!  

Credits
http://www.incrediblygreen.org/index.php/2010/12/veggie-vs-organic/

     While currently, I choose to eat Pesco-Vegetarian diet. I shop at large grocery store chains, organic markets etc. However, I wanted to present all options available. Many large grocery stores do have a organic section located in their stores, as well.