Why Go Organic? 7 Important Things You Need to Know
Eating organic foods can be a bit more expensive, but the health benefits well outweigh the costs. If you’re still wondering “Why go organic?” then this post is for you. Here are 7 of the most important reasons to make the change today.
Have you noticed the increase in organic produce at the grocery store? Fruits and vegetables have organic options that cost more than the non-organic.
If you’re put off by the price, you’re not alone. Why go organic? If you learn why they cost more, you’ll see that the price of organic food is very worth it.
You can remove toxins from your body, increase nutrient intake, and help the environment. All you have to do is switch to organic items at the grocery store. Read on to learn more.
1. Less Pollution to the Environment
Regular farms use pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals in their crops. These pollutants soak into the soil and spread across the area through rainwater. Farming with these chemicals is very dangerous to the environment.
From the soil, the chemicals enter bodies of water and the ocean. They kill plants and organisms that are necessary for preserving the environment.
But, organic farming uses zero pesticides or chemicals. They preserve the soil through crop rotation. Any rainwater run-off from their farms is harmless to the environment.
You don’t have to drive far to find organic food choices. There are stores all over America that make it convenient. You can learn more about how shopping organic is better for the environment.
2. Promotes Biodiversity
There’s lots of concern over the loss of biodiversity because of corporate farming. The chemicals used not only hurt the environment but kill off integral species.
Pesticides kill pests that may eat the crop. But, they also kill helpful bugs, insects, and plants.
By not killing off bacteria and fungi with pesticides, you get the benefits they bring. Bacteria in the soil is great for breaking down plant matter and animal waste. It recycles it back into the soil making it richer and healthier.
Organic farming aims to work alongside nature, so there’s less threat of extinction. These farms allow the co-living of wildlife and organisms with their crops.
Organic farms embrace the natural role of many insects and animals. Wildlife can live alongside organic farming without destroying each other.
3. No Hormones or Antibiotics
Conventional farms use antibiotics to keep the livestock healthy and avoid sickness. While this sounds good in theory, it’s not.
These farms can raise the animals in unsanitary conditions because they know they’re unlikely to get sick.
It’s also normal for conventional farms to inject the livestock with growth hormones. In the poultry industry, the chickens grow so big their legs can’t hold them up to stand. It’s cruel to the animals and bad for us.
Antibiotics and hormones stay in the meat long after the animal dies. Then, we buy it at the store and ingest those antibiotics and hormones.
Buying organic means your meat is free of antibiotics and hormones.
4. No GMOs
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are scientifically created living organisms. They can be bacteria, vegetables, insects, etc.
Conventional farms use GMOs to prevent pests from eating their crop. They can also extend the shelf life of certain foods and make them resistant to disease.
Unfortunately, GMOs are dangerous for humans to ingest. One specific GMO, Bt-toxin, kills pests by destroying their stomachs. This GMO causes leaky gut in humans.
We are what we eat. And, we don’t know enough about GMOs to make them safe for human consumption. It’s safer to choose organic produce.
5. More Nutritious
Many different nutrients in our food depend on good soil. Studies show that produce grown in chemical ridden soil has substantially fewer nutrients.
Organic vegetables have lower levels of heavy metals. Some common heavy metals found in our food are arsenic, mercury, and lead.
These metals are carcinogenic and can also cause sickness. Choosing organic produce removes the risk of consuming heavy metals like these.
Since organic farmers take better care of their soil, the crop has better access to nutrients. Plants grown in organic crops have more flavonoids than conventionally grown plants. This means they have more cancer-fighting properties.
Some nutrients that we need are drastically lower in conventionally farmed foods. For example, iron, vitamin C, and magnesium are all higher in organic foods.
6. More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3s are crucial to our bodies’ functioning. These healthy fats are necessary for heart health, strong vision, and fighting inflammation.
People who have a deficiency in omega can experience blood clots and mood disorders. Plus, many other health concerns.
Milk and dairy from a conventional farm have 50 percent less omega-3s than organic dairy. That means you might be drinking milk every day but risking an omega 3 deficiency.
You can switch to organic dairy products without noticing a difference in flavor. It doesn’t increase the calorie count to go organic, but it does ensure you get the nutrients you need.
7. More Antioxidants
Non-organic diets are a big concern for antioxidant intake. We need antioxidants to remove free radicals from the bloodstream. And, to keep our immune systems strong and healthy.
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants in our diet. Berries and dark leafy greens have extra high concentrations of them.
Studies show that non-organic produce have 20 percent fewer antioxidants than organic counterparts. This is unsettling because you may believe you’re getting enough antioxidants, but you aren’t. The best way to get all the nutrients you need is by choosing organic.
Still Wondering, “Why Go Organic?”
It’s your responsibility to take care of your health. The more you learn, the more you can do that. Now that you know how important it is to eat organically, what are you going to do?
You may still be asking, “why go organic?” It’s not the popular choice although more and more people are realizing how important it is.
For the sake of your physical health, mental health, and the environment, choose organic foods. If you’d like more information on diet and living a healthy life, check out the blog.
