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Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams With HealthSaver: Go Organic for Quality, Natural Food

NORWALK, Conn., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The organic food that reaches your grocery's shelves retains the genuine flavor nature intended and often contains more nutrients than its counterpart.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080415/NYTUFNS1 )

With the popularity of organic food on the rise, consumers now find organic produce, meat and dairy products more accessible than ever.

"The difference between conventional food and organic food can be traced back to the farm," said Peggy Fleming, Olympic figure skating champion and HealthSaver spokesperson.

Organic farmers ensure natural, quality food by growing produce without pesticides and chemicals, and raising livestock without unnecessary genetic or hormonal practices.

"Certified organic farms are also earth-friendly," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of HealthSaver.

Whether buying organic food for its nutritional value, flavor, healthy growing methods or earth-conscious origins, you will notice a difference with a healthier, safer diet.



    More Nutrients

-- Organic fruits, vegetables and grains are more nutritious than conventional plant-based foods. They are up to 25 percent more nutrient-dense, according to a review of nearly 100 nutrition studies.

-- When you eat organic food rather than its conventional counterpart, your body may receive more of the essential nutrients it requires, including antioxidants, iron and vitamin C.

More Americans Now Eating Organic

-- According to the Organic Trade Association, 27 percent of Americans eat more organic foods than they did one year ago. Organic food sales have nearly tripled in recent years, with organic products as the fastest-growing sector of American agriculture.

-- Consumers who buy organic are also more likely than conventional shoppers to engage in healthy and environmentally friendly behaviors, according to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

From Farm to Grocery

-- Organic foods' growing popularity also means consumers can now find such products at major supermarkets and their neighborhood grocery, not just natural food stores. In fact, two-thirds of organic milk is sold at conventional supermarkets.

-- Produce travels approximately 1,600 miles before it reaches the consumer, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Look for products grown by local organic farmers, who can instead provide you with fruits and vegetables at their peak freshness, which often means they still contain essential nutrients.

-- Eighty percent of energy used in the U.S. food system is attributed to transportation, storing and other preparatory methods not as necessary for local farmers. Small, non-polluting farms are also less reliant on oil because the farms use fewer machines and less pesticides and fertilizer.

-- When you buy organic you can be confident that more care has been given to the product, because organic farming processes tend to be more labor- intensive in order to ensure quality food.

Organic Foods May Be Safer

-- In recent years, there has been in an increase in consumers' concern about the safety and quality of the foods they consume. The popularity of organic produce, which has significantly lower levels of pesticide residue, has also increased.

-- A study supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, concluded that an organic diet provides significant effects in the protection against pesticide exposure.



    Organic Certification

-- Organic foods come from farms that minimize exposure to toxic chemicals. The integrity of the food is therefore preserved, so that the strawberry or tomato you eat is just that - no additives or artificial ingredients included.

-- Certified organic meat, eggs and dairy products are produced without the use of genetic engineering, growth hormones or antibiotics. The livestock must also be allowed outdoors and be fed organic food.

-- Organic agriculture methods also minimize pollution, and conserve soil and water.

When you buy groceries with the U.S.D.A. organic seal, you buy food that has been grown, produced and processed with natural methods. And good farming means good nutrition.

You may even try growing your own organic garden. Do you find mid-recipe that you forgot to buy tomatoes? Just step outside and grab one from the vine. Food you grow yourself can also taste the better for your efforts!

HealthSaver, an emerging health care discount program, offers savings on prescriptions, vision care, complementary and alternative health care treatments, vitamins and supplements by mail and more than 1,500 fitness clubs nationwide, including select Bally Total Fitness, World Gym and Ladies Workout Express locations.

About HealthSaver

HealthSaver offers discounts of 20 percent on vision care, as well as discounts of 10 to 50 percent on prescriptions at participating pharmacies, 20 percent off complementary and alternative health care treatments and fitness club benefits. HealthSaver also offers discounts of 10 to 35 percent on dental care services at some 42,000 participating provider locations nationwide, including routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, orthodontics, and even popular cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening. Members can also save from 5 to 50 percent off vitamins and supplements by mail. Discounts are based upon reasonable and customary costs or manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) and are only available from participating providers. HealthSaver is not an insurance product or service. More information about HealthSaver is available online at www.healthsaver.com or toll free by calling 1-800-7HEALTH (1-800-743-2584). A one month trial membership in HealthSaver (www.healthsaver.com or 1-800-743-2584) costs $1 and can be canceled anytime during the trial period. Unless the member calls to cancel during the trial, membership will be extended automatically and billed to a credit card number at the $149.99 annual fee. Members may call toll free to cancel at any time and receive a refund of the unused portion of their current year's fee. HealthSaver is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group, Inc.

As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,300 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based inNorwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,300 employees throughoutthe United States and in 10 countries acrossEurope. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified.


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Peggy Fleming
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SOURCE HealthSaver

Tags: Healthcare, Food and Beverages, Banking and Finance, Health, connecticut

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Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams With HealthSaver: Go Organic for Quality, Natural Food