As of 2016, American consumers alone spent 43 billion dollars on organic products. This may seem like a lot, but we definitely understand why so many people, like us, are making the decision to go organic. We’ve found eating organic helps fulfill our mission to “Eat well. Feel well. Live well,” and there’s plenty of more scientific reasons why eating organic is a really good thing.
So, what does organic actually mean? For food to be considered organic, it must be grown or raised under specific conditions which vary from country to country, but food will usually be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, irradiation, biotechnology, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Organic livestock, similarly, will usually be raised on organic feed without antibiotics and hormones, and will be given some access to the outdoors. Even just with the definition of organic food some of the benefits seem fairly clear, but let’s discuss four of the reasons why we think organic is the way to go.
Organic Products Give You More of What You Need
We’ve all heard of antioxidants, right? According to Eatright Ontario, they can lower your risk of cancer and protect cells from damage. Many fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods, have antioxidants, but did you know organic foods have significantly more antioxidants than non-organic foods? In fact, according to a study by the European Union organic fruits and vegetables can have up to 50% more antioxidants than non-organic products. Why not get more of the good stuff in your diet?
And Less of What You Don’t
It seems fairly obvious that our bodies just aren’t built to deal with the many chemicals we often put in them. The consumption of chemicals in pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers has been linked to many diseases, including certain types of cancers, infertility, cardiac disease and immune and endocrine disorders. Genetically modified foods have also been linked to a decrease in immune system function as well as other damaging effects. Pesticides have been shown to be particularly dangerous for fetuses, children, and pregnant women. So, even if you can’t eat strictly organic, if you can make the decision to eat organic while you’re pregnant or while your kids are young, this can be well worth it.
If you can’t afford to buy only organic food, this website gives a list of some foods which often contain higher and lower amounts of pesticides: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14763/a-doctors-top-4-reasons-to-eat-organic.html
Buying Organic Helps You Care for the Earth and its Animals
Supporting organic farmers is an important way to help the earth. Modern methods of farming erode the soil and use chemicals that persist in the environment for years and often end up in drinking water, harming animals and humans. Organic methods of farming are also more humane towards animals, so, if earth and animals are a cause you care about, buying organic can be a great way to make a difference.
Oh yeah, and Organic Food Tastes Great
Once you try organic fruits and veggies, you’ll find the non-chemical ridden, fresh taste unbeatable. Plus, knowing the food you’re eating is so much healthier and full of the awesome vitamins and anti-oxidants you need may make you enjoy it even more. Give some organic juice or plant-based food a try at Vibe Eatery & Juice Co. and notice the difference!
Sources:
http://www.redbookmag.com/body/healthy-eating/a2016/truth-about-organic-foods/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14763/a-doctors-top-4-reasons-to-eat-organic.html
https://www.ota.com/resources/market-analysis
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/health-benefits-of-organic-food.html
http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/advantages-of-organic-food.html
http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/advantages-of-organic-foods.html