There are many reasons for us to choose organic foods over non-organic, but I am going to list only a few. Again, since the information that I would like to share is abundant on the web, I will add my reasons mixed in with other opinions that I agree with. Full credit is given to the authors.
Before I start, however, I would like to define what ORGANIC means.
What does "Organic" Mean?
Organic agriculture is a production method that emphasizes the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality. Organic food products are produced using:
- Agricultural management practices that promote healthy eco-systems and prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or crops, sewage sludge, long-lasting pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.
- Livestock management practices that promote healthy, humanely treated animals by providing organically-grown feed, fresh air and outdoor access while using no antibiotics or added growth hormones.
- Food processing practices that protect the integrity of the organic product and disallow irradiation, genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) or synthetic preservatives. (2)
One thing that you must keep in mind, however, that not everything that has an organic label on it is truly 100% organic. I cannot stress the importance of reading and understanding labels enough. There are several labeling options you might see on store shelves:
● 100% Organic
● Organic
● Made with Organic Ingredients
For complete definition, please click on this link!
Things You Should Know:
● Natural is not the same as organic.
● Free range does not mean organic.
● Cage free also does not mean organic.
● Kosher does not mean organic.
Now, let's get to Why we should buy Organic.
1. The body has to process everything you put into it and eliminate what it cannot digest. If your food contains toxins in the form of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, your body has to figure out a way to get rid of the toxins. When the body cannot get rid of toxins fast enough, it stores them until it has time to eliminate them. This can lead to many health problems. Many of the pesticides used in farming have been found to be carcinogenic. Reducing your exposure to these toxins can improve your health. True, some people eliminate toxins well. Still, the body needs to expend energy to eliminate toxins when it could be doing other things such as healing damaged cells, fighting off viruses and bacteria, or patrolling the body for cancer cells. (1)
2. Organic produce has more vitamins than its conventionally grown cousins. Look at this comparison chart.
3. Organic food does taste better!!!
4. Not everyone has the determination to become Vegan. If you choose to continue consuming animal products, you must make sure to consume ONLY organic animal products (organic eggs, meat, chicken, etc). YOU CANNOT AFFORD NOT TO!!!
Farm animals in the U.S. are injected with hormones, steroids and antibiotics to prevent disease and promote rapid growth. In fact, most of the antibiotics manufactured worldwide are injected into farm animals. The residue of all of these chemicals remains in the food, which is one of the reasons why there has been an increase in antibiotic resistant bacterial infections, particularly in the U.S.
Another byproduct of consuming these growth promoters is early sexual maturation in children. This is a problem for many reasons. First, the longer an individual's exposure to sex hormones (estrogen for women and testosterone for men), the higher the rate of certain forms of cancer. Girls in the U.S. begin their menstrual periods at an average of age of 11, while in rural China, the average age is 17, resulting in a much longer exposure time to estrogen for American women as opposed to Chinese women. There is a corresponding higher rate of breast cancer in American women as compared to Chinese women. Another problem associated with early sexual maturation is increased opportunity for pregnancy in children. I see many instances of 12-year old children living in 17-year old bodies, a recipe for disaster due to lack of maturity. (3)
Other Reasons to Consume Organic Foods:
● Organic farming meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
● Growing organically supports a biologically diverse, healthy environment.
● Organic farming practices help protect our water resources.
● Organic agriculture increases the land's productivity.
● Organic production limits toxic and long-lasting chemicals in our environment.
● Buying organic supports small, independent family farms.
● Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels.
● Organic products meet stringent USDA standards.
● Buying organic is a direct investment in the long-term future of our planet.
● Organic farmers preserve diversity of plant species.
● Growing organically supports a biologically diverse, healthy environment.
● Organic farming practices help protect our water resources.
● Organic agriculture increases the land's productivity.
● Organic production limits toxic and long-lasting chemicals in our environment.
● Buying organic supports small, independent family farms.
● Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels.
● Organic products meet stringent USDA standards.
● Buying organic is a direct investment in the long-term future of our planet.
● Organic farmers preserve diversity of plant species.
One more thing I would like to say in conclusion: No matter what you do in your life, always do it with tomorrow in your mind, and by that I mean that we need to think about future generations and their well-being and not only ourselves.
For additional information about the Organic Rule, contact the USDA's National Organic Program at 202-720-3252 or visit www.ams.usda.gov/nop
EAT HEALTHY!!!
