Is what you’re eating ‘Boosting your Immunity’?
With everything that’s going on in the world today the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ has never been more relevant. With all the nasties flying around we have been preoccupied with hand hygiene, cough etiquette, social distancing, restricted access, border closures, resort shutdowns. With all this, no wonder we are feeling a little on the messy side.
While keeping the nasties at bay externally it is just as important to build up immunity on the inside. As COVID-19 hit vitamin sales went through the roof. Somehow, we felt comfortable knowing that we were at least doing something that would help boost our immunity. As we all know vitamin supplements are just that: ‘supplements’. It’s the diet that we combine with them that makes the difference, which may explain why organic produce has become so popular.
Why Organic Produce Are Better Consumption...
In Australia, organic production bans the use of synthetic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, insecticides & fertilisers, sewage sludge, ionising radiation, and biological engineering e.g Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The absence of these results in nutrient-rich crops, lower environmental impact, and a more sustainable future for our local farmers.
In addition to lessening your exposure to these potentially harmful substances, organically grown foods may contain higher levels of many nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Organic farming methods result in:
- less exposure to potentially harmful substances and synthetic chemicals,
- delivering better soil quality and reduced soil erosion,
- greater populations and diversity of both flora and fauna, that is, a wider diversity of insects, microbes, and the important pollinators, birds & bees.
Organic plant products usually contain higher levels of vitamin C and phenolic compounds. Organic meat and dairy products typically contain a higher level of conjugated linoleic acid, Omega-3 fatty acids, and fewer Omega-6 fatty acids, which are linked to high cholesterol and cardiovascular conditions. Thanks to organic farming guidelines, it is also cruelty-free, meaning livestock raised on organic farms may be grass-fed and enjoy free-range living.
Though the comparative nutritional value of organic food versus conventional food is still up for debate, the common thought is the absence of the aforementioned potentially harmful substances in organic food may allow your body to absorb vitamins and nutrients more effectively. With less exposure to harmful substances, the immune system is less likely to be stimulated and cause inflammation, which is the root cause of most diseases. Studies comparing organic with conventional foods showed that organically produced food resulted in higher antioxidative and antimutagenic activity as well as better inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Animal studies carried out so far have demonstrated positive effects of an organic diet on weight, growth, fertility indices, and immune system. Recent human epidemiological studies associated the consumption of organic foods with lower risks of allergies.
When making decisions for the health of you, your family, pets, and the environment opt for organic produce where you can. When you choose to buy organic you are choosing foods that may contain higher levels of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and therefore have a greater health benefit. You are also supporting farmers that are local and smaller, meaning that they profit and grow.
Locally sourced Organic Hemp is the newest superfood on the block. Hemp is a natural immune booster packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that can optimise our immune system. This all-natural superfood can be found online or at select supermarkets across the country.
Traditional Hemp products have been limited to seeds, oil, and protein powder. We are slowly seeing other products enter the market. Hemp Oz is an innovator in the functional food and Beverage space and last year we were recognised for innovation by Australian Food Innovation Limited. Hemp Oz source the finest and freshest organic products to be used in our products.
Check out the full range of Hemp Oz products here.