Why Buy Organic

Why should I buy Organic food? Is there really any difference between Organic and conventionally grown foods? Is it really worth paying more money to get Organic? Many people choose conventionally grown foods over Organic without really knowing the full benefits of purchasing organic foods.

Organic Foods:
· Have a higher nutrient content than conventionally grown foods for example, higher vitamin C, iron, calcium, selenium, and magnesium levels. These nutrients are used in our bodies to prevent disease

· Taste better

· Healthier for you: grown without herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides-these chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects, reproductive problems, kidney and liver damage

· Free of antibiotics- antibiotics are found in the meat, milk, and eggs of animals given antibiotics. When we consume these products this can cause antibiotic resistance within our bodies

· Free of hormones- growth hormones are used to increase weight and milk production, in animals. This may be a contributing factor for early puberty in young girls

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You may not always be able to purchase organic foods. According to the Environmental working group you may be able to lower your chemical exposure (pesticide, insecticides) by 80% by avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables which will lower your risk for disease.

 

As a rule when you are shopping remember to purchase the foods in the list below from the Organic section:

Celery-64 pesticides detected
Grapes (imported) 34 pesticides detected
Cantaloupe (from Mexico)
Cherries-42 pesticides detected
Peaches 62 pesticides detected
Strawberries 59 pesticides detected
Apricots
Bell pepper 49 pesticides
Apples 42 pesticides detected
Spinach 48 pesticides detected
Blueberries 52 pesticides detected
Nectarines- 33 pesticides detected
Kale
Potatoes 37 pesticides detected
Leafy greens 51 pesticides detected

 

Now that you have been informed of the benefits of purchasing Organic foods do you think it is worth it?