Organic Food

Organic foods are certified by law to be free from over 3000 toxins including 73 pesticides classified as potential carcinogens. These chemicals including pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are designed to be strong enough to kill insects and plant diseases; there is no wonder that they are very toxic to the human body.

It is not only agrochemicals that are of concern. Many heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead have devastating effects on the immune system and have been linked to cancers, autism, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Heavy metal toxicity is debilitating and these heavy metals can be extremely difficult to remove from the system. Eating organic foods reduces the risk of exposure to these heavy metals.

Extensive commercial processing of our food means that many solvents make their way into what we eat, leading to damage to the white blood cells which are essential for immune system health. Some solvents are also known carcinogens.

Organically grown fruit and vegetables are not only free from this extensive list of chemicals but they are also grown in natural soil that is rich in minerals. Organic agriculture techniques nurture the soil quality, which in turn improves the nutritional content of the food. Organic foods are also reported to taste better and contain less water than their non-organic counterparts.

Organic is a legal term not just a lifestyle choice. Just because it is produced naturally does not mean it is organic. To be legally certified as organic the food must be produced without the use of artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones, food additives or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). Foods are often labeled as ‘natural’; it is important to distinguish the difference. Although natural foods may be produced with little or no processing or chemicals, it is not the same as organic. Some natural foods may also be organic but don’t assume that all foods labeled natural are organic. If in doubt, look for the organic seal on the packaging. This seal is only granted by a certified body and is not easy to obtain. Only foods that are greater than 95% organic may carry this seal.

Choosing organic foods will have a positive impact on your nutritional intake and will reduce the amounts of toxins your body needs to process, but the effects cascade further afield than just your own body. Organic farming is better for the environment, is more sustainable and offers better quality of life for the livestock involved.