Many people are supporters of the idea of eating organic food and there are many reasons for that. In comparison to the conventional processed foods it is a much better idea. In this article you will find the top 10 reasons why you should feed your family organic.
- No antibiotics or hormones
The antibiotics and the hormones which are given to animals that live on conventional farms, eventually get into the foods that these animals provide. The use of antibiotics with livestock leads to resistance of dangerous microbes. Naturally, this antibiotics resistance appears in humans too.
The rBGH and similar hormones are injected into cows on conventional farms in order to improve their milk production. However, fertility issues, hoof disorders and abnormal milk usually appear as side effects. Moreover, the rBGH milk has considerably higher levels of the hormone IGF-1. This hormone increases prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in woman.
- Reduce pollution and save energy
Organic farming is synthetic pesticides- free. This is really important since it reduces the chemical contamination of ground water and the environment. David Pimentel, a Cornell entomologist found that even 75% of the pesticides sprayed from aircrafts never reached the targeted acres. Almost 35% of the ground applied pesticides never reached their target. This is really bad because we are talking about a large amount of chemicals that impact the environment.
In comparison to the conventional farming, the organic farming processes require less energy and water. This information is collected from a study on this subject that lasted for 22 years. David Pimentel states: “Organic farming approaches for these crops not only use an average of 30 percent less fossil energy but also conserve more water in the soil, induce less erosion, maintain soil quality and conserve more biological resources than conventional farming does.”
- No biosolids
The biosolids, also known as sewage sludge are materials which are not permitted in organic foods. They are rich in steroids, toxins, heavy metals and substances that can be really dangerous and can negatively affect your health. Some of the possible health risks from these substances are the hormone disruption, kidney damage, cancer and adverse effects to the immune system.
- USDA certification
Apart from being a label, the USDA Organic seal is backed by criteria and specific rules for the farmers. It also costs a lot. It is really important for a product to have a certificate rather than just have a few organic ingredients. The organic farmers are required to be free of prohibited substances for 3 years in order to be qualified for the USDA organic seal. Moreover, they undergo various inspections and yearly recertification.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Only one artificial flavor contains hundreds of chemicals. By consuming these chemical you became more liable to allergic reactions are hyperactivity. You can be sure that the organic food is free of chemical concoctions and flavors.
Moreover, the organic food doesn’t contain preservatives. So, if you choose to eat organic you choose to avoid preservatives. You may have heard the saying “if your food can go bad, it’s good food.” There’s truth to that. Foods that last a lot are rich in artificial preservatives. This leads to many health issues such as DNA damage, nausea, allergic reactions and diarrhea.
- No GMOs
The genetically modified organisms or GMOs are one of the prohibited substances for organic certification. There are two types of engineered GMO crops. The Bt crops produce an insecticide that dissolves the gut of insects. Then, the same crop that just killed insects that actually ingested it is harvested so that humans can consume it afterwards.
The second type of GMOs are the Roundup Ready crops. They are actually “made” to be resistant to the pesticide Roundup. The crops can resist being sprayed with glyphosate, active component in Roundup. According to a 2009 article published by Toxicology, the herbicides such as glyphosate act as endocrine disruptors in human cells. Many of these disrupters are linked to various types of cancer.
- More nutritious
According to a 2004 article from the LA Times, the organic food is far more nutritious than the conventional one. The findings are based on 343 studies in regard to organic nutrition and the data showed that organic food contains more antioxidants. There is yet another study that showed that organic fruits and vegetables have higher levels of vitamin C. Moreover, they contain even 18% more polyphenols. These substances improve the gut health and boost longevity. Since the organic food is free of persistent pesticides, it actually develops more antioxidants in order to protect itself from insects and pests.
The study made by The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences was focused on livestock. It found that conventional stock had higher fat content than organic animals. Organic cows eat vegetarian and grass fed diet, unlike the conventional ones whose diet may contain animal products. The feed of manure, pork remains and horse tallow leads to mad cow disease.
- Support the farmer and the farm
The animals that live on organic farms have a land to graze on. The farmer himself must adjust to the behavior of the animal. They live in perfect environment with access to the outdoors, sunlight, clean bed and fresh water. Thanks to the organic farming practices the soil remains rich for further agriculture. Importantly, the insects and wildlife still remain an important part of the ecosystem and they are able to play their part without chemical interference.
- Better taste
The soil on which the crops are grown is the key to better tasting of the organic food itself. It is rich in nutrients and it is perfect for the production of a tasty and flavorful crop. The organic farms produce smaller crop yields and thus allow more nutrients available to plant. The smaller yields as well as the higher antioxidants levels are responsible for the added flavor. Rather than being injected with dye for a more desirable color or gassed with ethylene to quickly ripen them as the non-organic do, the organic food is harvested when it is ripe and it is allowed to naturally ripen to perfection. This is evident in the taste of the organic food. When it comes to the organic meat, its better flavor is provided by the lower fat content.
- No persistent pesticides
As mentioned above, the organic farmers don’t use persistent pesticides such as glyphosate and organophosphate pesticides. These pesticides were developed for the purpose of chemical warfare. The organophosphate pesticides, being neurotoxins affect the fertility, brain development, hormone levels and testosterone levels. According to many studies the herbicides are related to obesity. The exposure to obesogens long-term, apart from obesity it also leads to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Unlike the conventional farmers, the organic farmers use natural methods in order to keep the pests away from the crops. Some of those methods are the crop rotation to disrupt the pest`s environment and the introduction of insects and soil organism, traps and barriers.
Conclusion:
It is a fact that we really need to choose a more sustainable and nutritious option when it comes to producing food. With all the reasons and benefits that organic food has, it should be the major way of farming. It is free of chemicals, GMOs, pesticides, flavors and biosolids. Besides, it is far more nutritious and tasty.
