Did you know that eating organic foods is a sound choice that is not only good for our health but our planet’s health as well? Opting for organic foods that are free from hazardous chemicals and packed with nutrition and taste is a smart decision to stay healthy and preserve the environment for the future generations to come. Here are 7 reasons why you should choose organic foods today.
6) Avoid chemicals.
If you want to avoid the cocktail of poisonous chemicals that is undeniably present in today’s commercially grown food, then you should definitely start eating organically grown foods. Billions of pounds comprising of more than 600 types of active chemicals are registered in the US annually, which equates to around 16 pounds of pesticides per every person every year. Moreover, according to a report by the National Academy Sciences, 90% of the chemicals deemed “safe” by the government and applied to foods have never undergone testing for long-term health effects.
5) More nutrients.
Foods that have been organically grown have been scientifically proven to have more vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and enzymes compared to commercially grown foods. The reason for this is because organic foods have been grown in soil that is nourished and managed with sustainable practices. A review of 41 published studies done by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine which compared the nutritional value of organically grown and commercially grown vegetables, fruits and grains also concluded that there are significantly more nutrients in organic crops compared to conventionally grown crops. The study also states that 5 servings of organic vegetables like spinach, potatoes, lettuce, carrots and cabbage can provide sufficient allowance of vitamin C while the same number of servings of commercially grown vegetables cannot.
4) Better taste.
As a well-balanced and nourished soil naturally yields healthy and strong plants, foods that have been grown organically generally taste better than their conventional counterparts.
3) Avoid GMO.
Unfortunately, our current food supply are being contaminated by genetically modified organisms (GMO) and genetically engineered (GE) food at an alarming rate. With organically grown food, you can be sure that there are no GMOs and GE foods present as organic food cannot be genetically modified in any way.
2) No drugs, antibiotic and hormones present in animal products.
Dairy and conventional meat in today’s market face the highest risk of being contaminated by harmful substances. According to an EPA report, more than 90% of pesticides can be found in the tissue and fat of dairy and meat products. The report also states that the reason the majority of the pesticide intake comes from poultry, eggs, fish and meat is because these foods are all high on the food chain. For example, chickens, pigs and cows are being fed with animal parts, fish meal, grains and by-products that are heavily laden with chemicals and toxins. Additionally, growth hormones, antibiotics and other drugs are also directly passed into dairy products and meat as tens of thousands of thses chemicals are being mixed with animal feed every year. In fact, concerned scientists estimate that around 70% of US produced antibiotics are being fed to animals for nontherapeutic purposes. It has also been found that US farmers have been giving growth hormones and sex hormones to their cattle to artificially increase meat and milk yield.
1) Help preserve our ecosystem.
The great thing about organic farming is that it supports eco-sustenance, which means farming that is in harmony with nature. Chemical abstinence, preservation of soil and crop rotation keep the farmland healthy and help preserve the ecosystem. With organic farming, wildlife and soil organisms like insects, frogs and birds are able to play their respective roles in the tapestry of ecology and we are able to play ours without compromise and interference.
