What is needed to maintain a well balanced diet? By well balanced it is meant that food is chosen in such a manner that it provides the essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats for efficient bodily functioning. But food comes in many forms and that is where problems can begin to form.

Did you know that if you consumed an average apple you would be eating over 30 pesticides, even after you have washed it? You will have to eat more fruit nowadays to make up the deficiency, but unfortunately that means eating more chemicals, more detrimental affects on your health eating something that should be good for you!

Organic Food is healthy food. Good nutrition still means eating the right foods in the right amount from the food pyramid. But eating Organic Food means you are not adding unwanted chemicals to your body.

It also means you are eating natural foods that are good for you. Eating healthy benefits both the mind and body. A diet that includes organic fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

The best way of reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pesticides is to eat organically grown food, where their use is avoided. Over 311 pesticides can be routinely used in non organic farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. Pesticides in food have been linked to many diseases including:

• Cancer

• Obesity

• Altzheimer's

• Some Birth Defects

Many people buy Organic Food because they believe it tastes better than non-organic. This could be because organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly and have a lower water content, which may contribute to the fuller flavour some people experience.

On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. Organic milk is naturally higher in Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) and certain other antioxidants than non-organic milk.

No system of farming has higher levels of animal welfare standards than organic farms. It is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes.

Organic foods may cost a little more, but you will more than make up for the additional cost by not buying junk food or expensively preserved food. When you go to the supermarket, look for the word organic.

Proper nutrition is critical to your body and mind. Healthy nutrition affects longevity. It has been proven statistically over and over again that people, who eat natural and healthy diets, and also exercise, experience a longer life span. Eat balanced diets, eat healthy and go organic. You will notice significant changes in your whole outlook on life a long life.