Choosing organic

HEALTHY Options partner farms adhere to safe practices to protect the animals’ well-being. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Organic fruits and vegetables have consistently been shown to have lower presence of pesticide residue.

“Breastfeeding mothers can influence the supply and quality of fatty acids for their infants by eating a diet with organic dairy,” said Dr. Lukas Rist, lead author of a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, in an article published in 2007 at the Organic Consumers Association website.

The same article said a diet in which 90 percent or more are organic dairy and meat products is “correlated with measurably higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA),” a type of fat that is “believed to have anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-diabetoc and immune-enhancing effects, as well as a favorable influence on body fat composition.”

CLA is also good for immune system development among newborns, it added.

Given such findings on the benefits of a “clean” diet, Filipinos would likely make the healthy choice.

Choosing organic used to be difficult because of lack of availability, but this is slowly changing.

Recently, Healthy Options, the leading all-natural products retailer in the Philippines, sparked greater conversation for sustainable farming and clean eating, reminding consumers that “our choices define our future.”

Healthy Options has long partnered with sustainable companies that consumers can trust, those committed to providing sustainably, fairly produced products that benefit the environment, farmers and consumers. It has also shown big support for small farmers. The company has long enjoined people to take a closer look at the real impact food production has on the planet.

The organic food industry has been growing steadily for several years, but reports in recent years of food risks have pushed organic farming into the spotlight. Organic fruits and vegetables have consistently been shown to have lower presence of pesticide residue.

At Healthy Options, there are natural product finds and organic produce sourced from local farmers who grow fruits and vegetables healthful for consumers and are mindful of workers and surrounding communities.

LOCALLY grown or sustainably produced farm goods are fresher and contain less pesticides. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Locally grown

Those local farms that Healthy Options has partnered with treat animals with respect — all animals have access to the outdoors and free-range forage, along with plenty of space to move around freely.

When consumers support companies offering locally or regionally grown foodstuff, they help ensure that small farms stay in business for the long haul and bring to market fresh foods.

Locally grown or sustainably farmed produce has retained nutrients, emerging fresher and containing less pesticides that non-local produce needs in order to make it through long transport and delivery time. Buying locally grown produce supports the farms that grew them and the communities that surround them. In so doing, the consumer also makes the greener choice.

Healthy Options’ all-natural chicken, eggs and pork come from livestock raised in an all-natural environment. Partner-farms adhere to practices that safeguard animals’ health and well-being. The animals are fed with organic vegetables, wholesome grains, wild insects and bugs.

Healthy Options has renewed its commitment to giving customers better choices for a better life. Its show of support to small organic farmers, and to healthy, humane sustainable farming started years back.

Its stores bear ‘Food With Conscience’ and ‘Sustainably Sourced’ signages, along with an immense variety of organic and natural foods and products in various categories. Indeed, it has maintained a consistently high level of quality and excitement that has elevated grocery shopping from a chore into an adventure.

Many of Healthy Options’ suppliers generate less waste and protect the land, as well as consumers’ health. Sustainable farms produce crops and raise animals without relying on toxic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified seeds. It veers away from practices that degrade soil, water, or other natural resources.

Making sustainable food choices has significant implications for the health of the planet – upon which human health is largely reliant. Buy sustainable food items and spread the word about its benefits – improved health, protection of the environment, practices carried out are humane to farm animals, and fair treatment to workers provided.

Sustainability can occur on different fronts, including aiming for minimal to zero waste. Through the years, Healthy Options helmed by Romy Sia has highlighted its `Love Food, Hate Waste’ initiative, well aware that food is a valuable resource that must be consumed responsibly.

For news updates and current thrusts, visit https://www.healthyoptions.com.ph/.