Eating Organic is Healthy for You
Learn Why Foods are Best When Grown Organically
Any produce grown organically is grown without using any pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or sewage sludge, which not only pollutes our food but also the air and water. Organic farmers use crop rotation and composting to maintain a healthy soil. Instead of insecticides, they use non-toxic materials like vegetable oil.
Raising Organic Livestock
With livestock, organic farmers are not allowed to use any antibiotics or growth hormones. Plus organic farming is all legally regulated. Organic farmers are also committed to the welfare of animals; not just the animals they raise - like milk cows, beef cows and chicken - but to nature in general. Since they don’t use any chemicals, the air and water are clean. There is no run-off of chemicals into lakes and streams.
Organic milk is produced by cows not treated with any antibiotics or growth hormones. Their feed is grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They also must have pasture access.
Eggs come from chickens that are cage-free, are given organic feed, and have outdoor access, unlike non-organic eggs that come from chickens that are constantly in cages indoors and are many times forced to molt.
It Does a Body Good
So, what does all this mean for you? First of all, a 10-year study was done on organic tomatoes vs. non-organic tomatoes. With the organic tomatoes they found double the levels of flavonoid, which is a type of antioxidant. It reduces high blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Organic milk was found to have higher levels of Vitamin E, omega-3, and antioxidants. Organic milk was also found to be sweeter and have a creamier taste than non-organic milk.
Organic fruits and vegetables, such as apples, grapes, and potatoes have higher levels of minerals, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Studies have also shown that these higher levels of antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of some cancers. They also slow the deterioration of muscles during the process of aging. Organic fruits and vegetables also have a decrease in toxins from all the chemicals found on non-organic produce.
Traditional farming uses a lot of pesticides and fertilizers. Over time these chemicals build up in a person's body. Especially in children, this can be a serious health risk.
Aren’t Organic Foods More Expensive?
Unfortunately, organic farmers don’t enjoy the benefit of government subsidies and their farms are more labor intensive than normal farms. There are ways you can save some money.
- Comparison shop at local grocery stores
- Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season
- Check out your local farmer's market
- Order foods by mail or online
Sure, organic foods cost a little more than non-organic, but what is a few extra dollars compared to your family’s health? It's your choice. Continue buying beef, milk, eggs, grapes, apples, and other produce tainted with chemicals or get healthy and go organic. Your family will thank you.
Organic Foods are Healthy
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