I frequently tell my patients to purchase organic foods, whenever possible. There are many reasons for this, most importantly your health. Organic is more nutrient dense than non organic and better for the environment. Support your health by eating organic whenever you can. However, if you cannot afford organic, it’s okay. Eat lots of local, fresh vegetables. Bless our food. Appreciate your food. Appreciate your health. It makes a difference in your mind and body. Just do what you can.
No Harmful Chemicals
Commercially grown foods are treated with dangerous chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved about 90 percent of them—that’s more than 600 active chemicals amounting to billions of pounds every year. The effect these chemicals have on our diet are myriad and vast. Read more here for how chemical fertilizers and pesticides do pose serious hazards to human health.
Consuming organic foods is a good way to keep dangerous agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, and preservatives out of your diet. When you choose organic food you can feel secure your family is consuming healthy, chemical-free foods because the organic food sector is the most strictly regulated food system in the United States. Producers are subject to rigorous inspections and strict compliance standards.
Essential Nutrients
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown in biologically active, healthy soils. Studies have shown that crops grown in nutrient dense soil are naturally packed with more vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes than their commercial counterparts. On top of that, they contain little to no nitrates, cadmium, and pesticide residues—all more compelling reasons to go for organic grocery delivery.
Good for the Environment
With the absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organic food is also much more environmentally friendly. The absence of chemical fertilizers/pesticides promotes biodiversity which results in healthier, microbial-rich soil. Unlike conventional practices, organic methods also helps prevent soil erosion and the pollution of our rivers and underground waterways. Crop rotation and other organic practices used support environmental health for soil, farm animals, and humans.
Superior Taste
Organic fruit and vegetables are tastier foods. When fruits are grown in healthy soil without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, their abundant mineral content results much more flavor. Indeed, a major study on the benefits of organic farming confirms that higher nutrient levels are associated with improved taste and aroma.
Supports Natural, Heirloom Crops
Going organic supports your health and those who will inherit the planet. One of the goals of organic farmers is to preserve heirloom vegetable and fruit varieties for future generations, starting with chemical-free soil and organic, non-GMO seeds. (Shockingly, pesticides are planted right inside GMO seeds.)
Fresher Food
Locally grown organic fruits and vegetables are fresher than their industrially grown counterparts. Compliance regulations prohibit the use of preservatives to store organic food. Because organic farmers cannot rely on these chemical methods of preservation, they need to store their produce well and deliver it as locally as possible. Plants produce chemicals to help them survive in their environment. When you eat local produce you gain this benefit. Picked close to maturity, eaten at maturity, you get the best benefits of the your food.
There are clearly immense benefits to switching to organic foods. However, it’s still important to do your research and make sure to buy vegetables and fruits from a trusted, reputable, and reliable supplier. Find a local grocer and establish a relationship. Shop local whenever possible. In the summer, enjoy your local farmers market. Your community needs you!
Organic is more nutrient dense than non organic and better for the environment. Support your health by eating organic whenever you can. However, if you cannot afford organic, it’s okay. Eat lots of local, fresh vegetables. Bless our food. Appreciate your food. Appreciate your health. It makes a difference in your mind and body. Just do what you can.
Check out the Environmental Working Group, http://www.EWG.org to learn the absolute organic purchases and the those you can skip when not available or not in your budget.