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Whole foods are foods that are unprocessed or processed as little as possible. They are foods that are wholly unspoiled. Organic whole foods would indicate that no fertilizers or pesticides were used in the raising or growing of the product. Below are some advantages of whole foods versus the more conventional processed foods.

Once advantage of eating whole foods is that they are higher in fiber. Lack of fiber can lead to colon cancer, digestive problems, and numerous other health complications. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a cleansing effect on the colon. The fiber content helps get rid of waste matter from the colon and prevent toxins from building up. Processed foods may lack that all important fiber. As a result, a diet consisting of processed foods often leads to health conditions such as diverticulitis, constipation and blood toxicity among many others. 

A second advantage of a whole foods diet is a higher mineral and vitamin content. Processing strips foods of their minerals and vitamins. As a result, a person on a processed diet may experience malnutrition in spite of eating regularly. Furthermore, processed foods contain artificial chemicals used as preservatives. The reasoning behind this is that the chemicals used are in such small amounts that they don’t cause any harm. However, if you consume a processed diet all or most of time, these small amounts of chemicals add up in your body. When you add to that the lack of fiber, you have a body full of toxins and a breeding ground for bacteria and disease. A whole foods diet eliminates all these disease-causing factors.

Thirdly, organic whole foods are higher in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are essential for proper cell production and eliminating pathogens (microorganisms that can cause disease).  Examples of high anti-oxidant foods are all kinds of berries, dark green vegetables, apples, and beans. Processed foods loose most if not all their anti-oxidant properties.  It’s important to keep the body free of toxins as much as possible. If you’re fighting an illness, you don’t want to add more toxins to your body. It needs to concentrate on healing instead of protecting itself from added chemicals. Organic whole foods take this added stress away from your body. 

It’s important to understand that whole foods and organic foods are not the same. Whole foods are unprocessed but not necessarily organic. To obtain the maximum benefit, make sure you’re buying organic, whole foods.

In conclusion, if you want to provide your body with the adequate fiber, vitamins and minerals, and the necessary anti-oxidants, organic whole foods is the best option. You will spend more but will save in the end, as you will avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor. Best of all, a whole foods diet will help you feel your best and enjoy life with those you love.

Be sure to check out Nourishing Traditions.

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