Dr. Weil backs USDA Organic Initiative

Suggestion for going organic without breaking the bank

provided by Polaris Health, L.L.C.

r. Andrew Weil, author of the best seller The Healthy Kitchen and leading authority on health and wellness, strongly supports the USDA Organic initiative going into effect on October 21, 2002 that regulates the organic food industry with one set of standards.

    “It is good that the Department of Agriculture is going to regulate the organic foods industry with one set of standards. However, it is also important to realize that organically grown fruits and vegetables may not be readily available everywhere – and even when they are available, they may not be affordable, “ said Dr. Andrew Weil.

    There is compelling evidence that organic is better for our own health as well as that of the environment and wildlife. However, organic produce costs, on average, 57%, more then non-organic food, making affordability and availability a concern for many.

    DrWeil.com offers a set of recommendations for cost effective ways to reap the benefits of “going organic.”

 
Going Organic on a Budget

• Wash and peel all produce. Use a small amount of soap (a drop or two of dish detergent in a small tub of water) and rinse thoroughly. Carefully wash organic produce as well.
• Patronize farmers markets, cooperatives, neighborhood gardens, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. This is also a great way to support your community.
• Avoid or minimize use of NON-ORGANIC crops most likely to carry unhealthy residues of pesticides and fungicides. They include: strawberries, peaches, apricots, cherries, grapes from Chili, cantaloupes from Mexico, green beans, celery, spinach.
• Roll up your sleeves and grow your own garden. This has the added benefits of exercise.

    For more information about organic food, a healthy kitchen and Optimum Health, please go to www.drweil.com.

    Dr. Andrew Weil, director and founder of the Program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, is a Harvard Medical School graduate who also holds an AB degree in biology (botany) from Harvard University. He is an internationally recognized expert on medicinal herbs, mind-body interactions, and the director and founder of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. A frequent guest on Larry King Live and Oprah, he has also hosted his own PBS-television specials. In addition, Dr. Weil is the author of eight books including the national best-sellers Spontaneous Healing, Eight Weeks to Optimum Health, Eating Well for Optimum Health and The Healthy Kitchen.
    DrWeil.com is the leading resource and definitive voice of authority for education, products and services for those wishing to learn more about the advantages of Integrative Medicine and Optimum Health. Dr. Weil founded Polaris Health L.L.C., the company that owns the web site www.DrWeil .com. Dr. Weil donates all of his after-tax profits from Polaris Health L.L.C to the Polaris Foundation (www.polarisfoundation.org), to sustain his dream of creating and supporting various programs focused on Integrative Medicine and Optimum Health for everyone.