Some Stress Makes Us Healthier

By Mark Mulcahy

We’ve all heard that too much stress can adversely affect our health. It can affect our mood, sleep, eating, attitude, and - according to the Mayo Clinic - can even lead to more serious consequences such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.

They suggest trying the following to reduce stress:

1. Get regular physical activity on most days of the week.
2. Practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage.
3. Keep a sense of humor.
4. Spend time with family and friends.
5. Set aside time for hobbies. Read a book, listen to music, or go for a walk. Schedule time for your passions.
6. Write in a journal.
7. Get enough sleep.
8. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
9. Stay away from tobacco and alcohol use and from using illegal substances.
   

Speaking of number 8, Melissa’s can be a great partner in those efforts - especially with all your organic summer produce favorites in full swing, such as corn, green beans, tomatoes, melons, stone fruit, and so many more!

For plants, stress can actually be beneficial. Plants naturally produce antioxidants to defend themselves against pests and disease. When pesticides are applied externally, plants stop producing their own defenses because they no longer need to. This means we lose out on those protective compounds when we eat them.

 According to the Mayo Clinic, “antioxidants contain certain nutrients, such as vitamins C or E, or carotenoids, which may help protect cells against daily damage. As cells do their job, the way they process oxygen results in a molecule called a free radical. These molecules are unstable. As they regain stability, free radicals damage cells and DNA.
Over time, free radical damage can cause problems for tissues and organs in the body, potentially leading to disease. Research suggests that free radical molecules can add to the risk of health issues linked to aging. Some examples are heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. The body's cells can fix or prevent free radical damage, for example, by making antioxidant enzymes.”

And get this - organic produce provides some of the best sources of antioxidants. 
I mention organic produce in particular because a team at Newcastle University has analyzed 343 peer-reviewed studies in the most comprehensive comparison of organic versus conventional food ever conducted.
Here's what stood out:

• Organic crops contain an average of 17% more antioxidants than conventionally grown crops.
• Some organic fruits, vegetables, and grains had up to 60% higher concentrations of certain antioxidant compounds.
• Flavanones — the compounds linked to reduced stroke risk — were up to 69% higher in organic.
• Pesticide residues were four times more likely to be found in conventional crops than in organic ones.
  

WOWZER, right?

So, the next time you are shopping for produce and deciding whether organic is worth the price, consider all the extra benefits that come with every purchase of Melissa’s organic produce. It’s just one great way of getting more bang for your buck!