I was browsing old magazines, and I found this article from the Health Care Magazine issue dated January to February 2009. Yes, I know the article is more than 10 years old, but I think the listed reasons are still applicable even up to the present time.
It’s all about reasons to go organic and the benefits of eating organically grown foods. My family had a chance to eat organically grown foods when we went to Bohol Bee Farm in Dauis Bohol in the Philippines. I can say that it is true that organically grown foods taste better.
I think this is worth sharing, according to Health Care magazine there are 8 reasons to go organic and these are the following:
1. Organic products are not covered with poisonous chemicals and carcinogenic pesticides. Pesticides in food have been linked to many diseases including cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s and some birth defects.
2. Organic products contain as much as 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other micronutrients than conventionally grown foods. According to a 4-year study by the European Union, organic fruits and vegetables contain up to 40% more antioxidants than their regular grocery counterparts. Organic milk has 60% more antioxidants.
3. Meat that comes from organically raised farm animals are free from antibiotics, growth hormones, anti-parasite drugs, and many other medicines. If these chemicals are passed on to people it can contribute cause coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
4. Truly organic cosmetics rarely cause allergic reactions or skin infections. The human skin is extremely permeable, and anything you apply is readily absorbed. Have you ever wondered how birth control patches or anti-smoke patches work? That’s how fast chemicals can get into our bodies.
Beware of using leave-on cosmetics products like hair dyes, facial creams and make-up that contain toxic and carcinogen chemicals like cocamide-DEA, PEG or the preservative called “parabens”. Chemicals like these are absorbed by the body in small amounts everyday. Long term exposure may cause infertility and cancer.
5. Organic products are safe for pregnant and lactating women. Whatever the mother eats or applies on her body reaches the baby as well. Developing fetuses can get the worst side effects of toxic chemical exposure. Deformities, highly sensitive skin, or allergies can occur in babies exposed to pesticides residues in the womb.
6. Since organic fruits and vegetables are full of juice and flavour, they taste better! In 2001, a study done by a team of researchers from the Washington State Universities concluded that, under judgement by a panel of tasters, organic apples were sweeter. Aside from taste, it has been affirmed that the texture and firmness of the apples were also rated higher than those grown conventionally. These differences have been said to be brought by better soil quality resulting from organic farming techniques.
7. Organic farms support and nurture the balance of the ecosystem. Intensive farming can degrade soil, destroy ecosystems and pollute the air and water. This leads to displacement of birds, insects and wild animals. Conventional agriculture can also seriously damage farm worker’s health because of first-hand exposure to harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
These non-organic farmers, mostly in developing countries, have higher risks of cancer, respiratory problems and other major diseases. Unlike their counterparts in developing countries, farmers in developing countries apply toxic agricultural chemicals with minimal or no protection.
8. Organic farms promote soil fertility and protect water resources. Since natural and biodegradable fertilizers are used, no harmful residues are left over. In contrast, excess nitrogen, pesticide residues, and other pollutants often end up in streams, lakes, rivers and groundwater.
I hope these reasons have strengthened your willpower to choose organically grown foods over conventionally grown.
