Organic Foods and Shortbread Cookies

The Benefits of Organic Eating

I was pretty darn excited when I heard my teacher announce the topic we were to write about in our blogs  this week.  The benefits of organic eating is definitely something I'm fairly well-informed about!

My mom has  been into organic food the past several years and has tried dietsthat are completely organic, so I'm familiar with organic and health food stores.  I actually prefer a lot of the foods found there, because they're fresher and they just taste better all-around. 
Organic eating has definitely increased tremendously in popularity over the past few years.  Almost every isle of your local grocery store probably offers a vast quantity of pricey, organic options as opposed to your standard household pantry staples.  Well if you've ever thought to yourself, "is it REALLY worth it?" Now is a great time for you to decide for yourself!

The USDA and the FDA have done numerous studies on the beneficial aspects of eating an all organic diet, and have come up with some fairly suprising results.  After years of testing, these studies have not been able to confirm there are any major benefits to eating organically.  Now, many have argued with the fact that the effects of the pesticides may be simply long-term, so we won't know for years if there truly is a difference.  For now, tomatoes and milk are considered the best organic products out there, as far as taste and quality, and health benefits are concerned.   

Here is a great link to a webpage with a list of foods that are usually the most highly contaminated with pesticides vs. the least likely to be harmful:
http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/green_sustainable/organic_or_not_is_organic_produce_healthier_than_conventional

Pros to going Organic

*Pesticide free- Most of the time, you will find the organic foods in the produce section to be a little lacking as far as looks are concerned.  The carrots aren't as bright, the apples aren't shiny, and most of the time, you will spot plenty of dirt! Well that dirt may not be such a bad thing after all.  There are absolutely no "supposedly" harmful chemicals on all organic produce.  Many would save them self the possibility of increasing their chance of cancer, and several other severe health problems thought to be linked to pesticides. 

*Tastier- I think when it comes down to it, taste is the most important factor in the groceries we pick out! Organic foods are almost always better tasting due to the lack of preservatives and chemicals.  You get the full flavor- effect instead of the toned down, preserved and processed version were all accustomed to. 

*Hormone-free- Most of the Cows in our country are injected regularly with hormones to supply them with more milk, so as to make a greater profit.  The eggs, and  also the meat supplying animals we consume are generally injected with these hormones as well.  Organic, grass fed cows provide better-tasting, better for you meats.  The cage-free hens produce eggs far richer in omega 3 fatty acids, and of course taste much better. 

Higher nutrient levels-  These nutrients have been found in larger amounts in all organic produce:

Chromium is a micronutrient found to be drastically lower in Western diets. Its deficiency has been found to be connected with the onset of adult diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Chromium levels were found to be higher in organic foods by an average of 78%.

* Selenium is an antioxidant nutrient that protects against the damage by environmental chemicals. It is found to help fight cancers and heart disease. It was an average of 390% higher in organic foods.

* Calcium,necessary for strong bones and teeth, averaged 63% higher in organics.
* Boron, which has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis (along with calcium), averaged 70% more.

* Lithium, which is used to treat certain types of depression, was 188% higher.

* Magnesium, which reduces mortality from heart attacks, and keeps muscles from spasming, averaged 138% more.


Feel better foods- The real proof of the organic food benefits is is in experimenting for yourself! Many studies have proven organic foods to boost energy, make you feel happier, and help maintain focus throughout the day. 

Downfalls of going organic

*Money, money,money- Organic foods are significantly more expensive than the regular foods found at the grocery store.  If you're on a tight budget, (which sums up a good percentage of the country) organic eating can take a big chunk out of your wallet. 

*Time!- The organic industry, growing as it may be, might limit your options as far as frozen or ready to eat foods are concerned. 

* Is it really worth it?- You may be thinking to yourself, "isn't that what vitamins are made for, to supplement for the nutrients that your food doesn't cover?"

The truth is, there is still a lot we DON'T know about the benefits to organic eating.  You will find many different opinions across the web and all over the media today.  In my opinion, I do think it is better to buy certain products organic if your family can afford it.  I think they taste better, and is there really any question as to whether or not foreign chemicals are good for your body? I think thats clearly a no. So if youre feeling up to it, try replacing a few items at a time with the organic substitute each time you go shopping.  Work your way up and see how it goes!

And now for a tasty, sweet valentines day treat my family loved! Heart shaped shortbread cookies with buttercream frosting   :o YUM.

Frosted Shortbread Heart Cookies

2 C. all-purpose flour
2 Sticks butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 C. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting: 2 C. powdered sugar
                1 tsp. vanilla
                 5-8 Tbs. milk
                non-perils, or any sprinkles you prefer

Smash butter, vanilla, and sugar together in medium bowl until well-blended. slowly add in dry ingredients, using a fork or your hands until a soft, crumbly dough forms.  Roll to 1/4 in. thickness and cut into hearts with cookie cutter.  Bake at 350 F. for 9-12 minutes or until edges are slightly browned and dough doesn't appear glossy. Cool completely.

For frosting: Mix all ingredients, adding milk until a smooth frosting forms, the consistency of a soft peanutbutter.  icy should not be too thick, or you won't get that glossy sheen on your cookies.  frost and immediately sprinkle. 

Makes around 15 Cookies