Why Eat Organic

Why You Should Choose Organic Foods Over Regular Foods: A Comprehensive Guide

These days, people are starting to pay closer attention to the food they eat and where it comes from. With rising awareness about the importance of nutrition and the impact food has on our health and well-being, the choice between organic and regular foods has become a hot topic. But what exactly makes organic foods better, and why should you try and buy organic as much as possible? Is it really that important?

In this detailed guide, I’ll be exploring the key reasons why choosing organic foods over regular foods is a very smart decision for not just your health, but also the environment, and our future.

What Does Organic Really Mean?

Organic foods are really just natural foods grown in their purest form, in soil untouched by pesticides, herbicides and other such chemicals. They're certified through very strict standards to receive the "organic" label. That's the short version.

Organic foods are produced using farming practices that focus on sustainability, ecological balance, and the complete avoidance of synthetic chemicals. This means that organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial fertilizers.

Instead, they're using natural / proper farming methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to grow their crops.

Organic doesn't just cover fruits, vegetables and grains, it also includes livestock. Organic animals are raised without the use of antibiotics or synthetic hormones, and they are fed organic, non-GMO feed or left to graze in pastures that aren't sprayed with herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers.

But buying anything organic is expensive and it can be a drain on an already stretched budget - Is it really worth paying the extra cost? This is where becoming educated is really important, the more you know exactly what you're spending your money on and consuming, the more you can make decisions that best serve yourself, your loved ones and your budget.

No Harmful Pesticides: Protecting Your Health

One of the biggest reasons to buy organic, is the absence of harmful pesticides. Regular (non-organic) foods are often grown with synthetic pesticides like atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and glyphosate. These chemicals are designed to kill pests and they're lethal, but they've also been linked to serious health conditions for humans.

• Atrazine is a herbicide that has been linked to hormone disruption - especially altering and increasing estrogen levels, reproductive issues and disruption in menstrual cycles, and an increased risk of cancer.

• Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide known to affect the nervous system, it works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It can be particularly dangerous to children's nervous systems, leading to developmental delays and behavioral issues.

• Glyphosate, widely used in weed killers like Roundup and has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "probably carcinogenic to humans". It's also linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver and kidney damage, and endocrine disruption.

These chemicals stay on and are even in the food you eat. When you ingest them, they're not all or always excreted, so they accumulate and build up in your body over time. This is generally how most of the health issues related to these chemicals are caused.

Organic foods, on the other hand, are grown without the use of these synthetic pesticides, so you’re not exposing yourself to these harmful substances.

Organic food has no GMO's

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants and animals whose DNA, has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to produce certain desired traits, such as resistance to pests or tolerance to herbicides. GMOs are promoted as improving crop yields, but they also pose significant environmental and health concerns associated with their use.

• Environmental Impact: The use of GMO crops, particularly those that produce their own pesticides, can affect soil health by altering the composition of soil microbes. This can reduce soil fertility and disrupt the natural processes that support plant growth. GMO crops involve pesticide and herbicide use, which degrades soil quality and contaminates water supply. The development of "superweeds" resistant to herbicides like glyphosate is another serious issue linked to GMO crops.

• Impact on Non-Target Species: GMO crops, particularly those engineered to produce their own pesticides like Bt crops that produce a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which is toxic to specific insect pests that eat and destroy certain crops - these GMO crops reduce the need for certain pesticides which is great, however they still need pesticides and herbicides to get rid of the other insects such as: bees, butterflies, and soil organisms that don't feed off the crops and weeds which disrupts ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.

• Resistance Evolution: Over time, the insect pests that are killed from the Bt toxin in the GMO crops can develop resistance to the Bt toxin, particularly if Bt crops are planted constantly without crop rotation or other pest management strategies. This resistance can reduce the effectiveness of Bt crops which can then lead to increased use of chemical pesticides to control resistant pest populations.

• Monoculture Practices: GMO crops often lead to monoculture farming, where a single crop variety such as corn or potatoes for example, is grown over large areas. This reduces genetic diversity in crops, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions.

• Health Risks: Although research is ongoing, some studies suggest that consuming GMO foods could potentially lead to allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, and other health problems. Furthermore, the long-term effects of consuming GMOs are still not fully understood.

Choosing organic foods means you don't support any of these practices and ensures that you’re eating foods in their natural, unaltered state, free from genetic modification and its associated risks.

Higher Nutrient Content: More Bang for Your Buck

Another big advantage of organic foods is their higher nutrient content. Research indicates that organic fruits, vegetables, and grains often contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their non-organic counterparts.

• Antioxidants: Organic produce has been shown to have up to 69% higher levels of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Organic foods are often richer in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining good health, supporting your immune system, and preventing deficiencies.

By choosing organic, you’re not only avoiding harmful chemicals but also getting more of the good stuff that your body needs.

No Synthetic Additives: Keeping It Clean

Non-organic / processed foods often contain a variety of synthetic additives, preservatives, and artificial colors that are used to enhance flavor, appearance, and shelf life. While these additives make food more convenient and appealing, they can have adverse health effects, especially when you're consistently eating them over long periods of time.

• Artificial Sweeteners: Additives like aspartame and sucralose, commonly found in diet sodas and sugar-free products, have been linked to metabolic disorders, obesity, and potential neurotoxic effects.

• Preservatives: Chemicals such as sodium benzoate and nitrates, used to extend the shelf life of processed foods, have been associated with an increased risk of cancer and other health issues.

• Artificial Colors: Synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are often used in non-organic foods. These chemicals have been linked to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even cancer.

Organic foods are free from these synthetic additives, ensuring that what you eat is as natural and clean as possible.

Environmental Benefits: Protecting the Planet

Choosing organic foods isn’t just better for your health—it’s also better for the environment. Organic farming practices are designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, helping to preserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

• Soil Health: Organic farming methods, such as crop rotation and the use of organic fertilizers, improve soil fertility and structure. This leads to healthier crops and reduces the need for chemical inputs.

• Water Conservation: Organic farming reduces water contamination by avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It also promotes water conservation through techniques like mulching and cover cropping.

• Biodiversity: Organic farms often support a greater diversity of plants, animals, and insects, which contributes to a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

By choosing organic, you’re supporting practices that protect the environment and ensure that future generations will have access to clean, healthy food.

Better Animal Welfare: Ethical Eating

If you’re concerned about animal welfare, organic food is the way to go. Organic livestock is raised according to strict standards that prioritize the animals’ well-being.

• No Antibiotics or Hormones: Organic animals aren't given antibiotics or synthetic hormones, which are used in conventional farming to make livestock grow faster and bigger and prevent disease. This reduces the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals and ensures that the meat and dairy products you consume are free from these substances.

• Better Living Conditions: Organic animals are raised outdoors or have access to it, meaning they get fresh air and pasture and can express their natural behaviors.

Choosing organic meat, dairy, and eggs means you’re supporting more humane and ethical farming practices and you're completely eliminating any trace amounts of hormones and antibiotics in your food.

Conclusion: Why Organic Is Worth the Investment

While organic foods are often more expensive, it is worth the extra cost - if you can afford it. By choosing organic, you’re not only avoiding harmful chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, and synthetic additives, but you’re also consuming more nutrient-dense foods that support your health and well-being.

Plus, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment and supporting ethical farming practices.

Buying organic is an investment in your health, the health of the planet, and the future of sustainable agriculture.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, consider reaching for the organic options, even if you can just afford one or two, it all counts towards your health in the long run and organic choices are better for our planet.