An article from the Guardian states that: “organic food has more of the antioxidant compounds linked to better health than regular food and lower levels of toxic metals and pesticides.” The same article suggests that switching to organic products such as organic fruit and veggies could have the same benefits as adding one or two portions of the recommended “five a day.”
In an earlier blog post, we defined organic as a substance of animal or vegetable origin and related to or derived from living matter. When we identify something as ‘organic,’ we mean there are no artificial chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides. Now, let’s talk about the benefits and impact of organic produce on our health, economy and environment.
Health Benefits
Okay, we all know (or should know) that when something is sprayed with chemicals, it often isn’t all that good for our health. One of the significant advantages of consuming organic produce is that the ingredients used do not disrupt the body’s natural state. Many studies show that organic food has more nutritional value than non-organic food. No pesticides, additives and chemicals mean a lower chance of disease and illness. Don’t forget about taste – organic fruits and veggies are much tastier.
Support Your Local Economy
One of the problems people have with buying organic is the cost. It’s expensive and costly for some families. But there are many ways around it. First, plan your weekly shopping so you don’t go overboard. Get in the habit of growing some of your own fruits and veggies. Make sure you know the whereabouts of those farmer’s markets. But also think about the bigger picture. We often buy non-organic produce from huge companies rather than supporting our local businesses. By purchasing organic from the farmer’s market, you can keep your local community and help it grow.
Protect the Environment
There’s more to buying organic than just taking care of our own health. We also care for the environment and other living creatures by shopping responsibly. We keep plants and animals safe and healthy by not exposing them to harmful chemicals. The pesticides and chemicals we use negatively influence our environment because they contaminate the soil, water and air. And these pesticides often stick around, floating in nature for decades.
Buying organic produce is a great healthy choice for you and your family. The one downfall of it being a bit too costly can easily be pushed aside if you plan, cut down on other unnecessary expenses and start supporting those local businesses. It’s a choice that can benefit your health, those around you and most importantly, the environment.
