As time goes by, you are undoubtedly noticing more and more organic products and produce in your market. You might ask yourself what the benefits of buying organic groceries would be. What makes it worthwhile to go organic?

1. Why Take Chances With Your Health
As time goes by, you are undoubtedly noticing more and more organic
products and produce in your market. You might ask yourself what the
benefits of buying organic groceries would be. What makes it
worthwhile to go organic?
The Organic Trade Association defines organic production as “based on
a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without
the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organically
produced foods also must be produced without the use of antibiotics,
synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices,
sewage sludge, or irradiation.” So what does eating food grown
organically mean to our bodies, to the planet, and to the future?
1. Better health – Organic food container higher levels of vitamin C,
calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium on average. Organic food also
retains more antioxidants which help rid the body of stressors and help
prevent cancer. Also, it has no pesticides which also may contribute to
cancer.
2. No negative additives – Certain food additives can contribute to
health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis, hyperactivity and
migraines.

2. 3. Avoids pesticides – Many foods still have a pesticide residue, even
after being peeled or washed! These toxic pesticides are not found on
organic produce. As mentioned earlier, pesticides can contribute to
cancer. Also, the use of pesticides is harmful to farmers using it and the
environment.
4. No reliance of drugs in animals – There is growing concern on the
high, routine use of antibiotics on farm animals and its effects on
human health. Organic farms do not use routine antibiotics on their
animals.
5. No genetic modification of plants or animals.
6. Supports small farmers – the majority of organic farms are
independently owned and are less than 100 acres in size. Supporting
organic foods encourages this farm’s business.
7. Cares for animals – organic standards take the treatment of animals
very seriously. Animal welfare groups such as Compassion in World
Farming acknowledge the benefits of organic approach when it comes
to animal welfare.
8. Protects water quality – pesticides contaminate ground water in
many areas of the world. Conventional agriculture is considered the
largest non-point source of water pollution in the United States!
9. Good for the environment – the producing of organic food is better
for wildlife, produces less carbon dioxide and produces less dangerous
wastes.
10. Better Taste! Organic food tastes more like the real deal, is typically
much fresher, and is more local. Also, organic foods are not treated

3. with fungicides, so they are sent to market as close to harvest as
possible. The produce is ripe and lovely. This often means it should be
eaten or cooked quicker to avoid spoilage.
There are a great number of health, environment and economic
reasons to choose organic foods. But in the end its all up to you and
your personal choices. When seeking organic, be sure to check for the
claims “100 percent organic”, “made with organic (ingredients or
food)”, or simply “organic”. All in all, organic food is definitely worth it
to try; for taste, for quality, for health, for supporting small business,
and for the future.
For more information to help you easily transition to organic living,
please visit Vida Humphreys at Eat Simply Organic.