10 Reasons Organic Is Better For Your Health

While we all recognize that organic foods come with a heftier price tag, not all of us see the benefits of organic foods in comparison to conventional.

So what are the reasons we should be buying organic? Here are 10, just to name a few:

1. Free of neurotoxins

A commonly-used type of pesticides called organophosphates was originally developed as a toxic nerve agent during World War I. When there was no longer a need for them in warfare, the food industry adapted them to kill pests on foods. Many pesticides are still considered neurotoxins, toxins that are damaging to the brain and nerve cells.

2. Your children’s health

A child’s growing brain and body is far more susceptible to toxins than an adult’s is. Organic foods nourishes their bodies without pesticides and GMOs (genetically-modified organisms).

3. Higher nutrient content

Organic foods are found to be higher in antioxidants, vitamin C, nitrates, polyphenol, and even a bit higher in protein. The reason for this is the lack of use of the toxic pesticides.

4. Help the livelihood of independent family farmers

Organic foods grown on small organic farms help ensure independent family farmers can thrive and make a living. Consider buying local organic food as the domestic version of fair trade. These farms care enough about our health to not take the easy route of growing conventionally, let’s support them!

5. Safer for the environment

Millions that tax payers fork out for removing chemicals from drinking water. This is mainly as a result of the pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional farming.

6. Safer for animals

Research has shown that organic farming is better for wildlife, creates less pollution from sprays and produces less of the global warming gas carbon dioxide. In addition, Animal welfare is a crucial and integral part of organic standards.The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organizations such as Compassion in World Farming.

7. Decreases your exposure to antibiotics, hormones and drugs from animal foods

Organic standards prohibit the routine use of all three of these.

8. Decreases your cancer risk

The United States EPA considers 90% of fungicides, 60% of herbicides, and 30% of insecticides to be potentially cancer-causing. Cancer rates continue to climb every year in the U.S. Shouldn’t we start looking for the sources? What we put into our body surely has to play a part.

9. Organic foods are tested, GMO’s are not. Don’t be the government’s guinea pig

Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year to establish the compliance with the Irish and European regulations.

10. It tastes better!

Researchers at Washington State University just proved this as fact in lab taste trials where the organic berries were consistently judged as sweeter. Plus, new research verifies that some organic produce is often lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventional food.

Like many people, you are probably wondering, “How am I going to afford to buy all organic?” The truth is that you don’t necessarily have to buy all organic.

You can improve your health by purchasing organic when it comes to the foods that get sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides the most.

Here is a list of the foods that you should be buying organic:

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Nectarines – imported
7. Grapes
8. Spinach
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Blueberries – domestic
12. Potatoes

Another great option is to make an all-natural fruit and vegetable wash. Fill your sink up with water, add 1 cup of vinegar. Add your fruits and/or vegetables and stir a bit. Let them soak for 10 minutes and remove. Wipe with a cloth and you’re done!