Organic foods are supposed to be good for you. But is eating organically grown produce really beneficial for people or is it harmful?
Organics have owned a very small piece of the grocers’ market over the years, and dated stereotypes implied that the only people that once ate organics were the “nature” children of the seventies and the eco-system warriors of the eighties. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only one percent of markets in the U.S. sold organics in the 1980’s.
Now they are being sold everywhere.
Organics is not merely a subculture anymore. Customers are looking for alternatives to their regular groceries. Some of their regular groceries may be high in salt, contain growth hormones, and may be destroying their health in various ways.
Organic foods have no exposure to harmful herbicides and pesticides. The organic label implies that it is safe, high quality food that is grown and harvested in a manner that does not harm the environment and improves soil fertility and structure. Organic products include produce, milk, canned and frozen foods, baby food, and even clothing. They also include personal care items like toothpaste.
Natural meats are considered organic because they have not been tampered with. There are no hormones and antibiotics added to them, which is why top chefs prefer to cook natural meats. Organic foods contain many nutrients that are beneficial to those who eat them including chromium, selenium, calcium, boron, lithium, and magnesium. Each of the nutrients has higher levels in organic foods, and its benefits include diabetes prevention, bone health, cancer prevention, a healthier heart, mind, and immune system.
Organic foods also tend to have more flavors in them because they are grown in healthy, living soil. This is another reason why some chefs and customers alike love organic foods. However most people are afraid to eat organically; they may hold back because of the cost.
Yes, organic foods are costly. But let’s face it, it costs to eat right! With the benefits of going organic, it may be well worth it to purchase organic products and foods.
Whole Foods Market has the largest selection of organic foods in North America. Even though their parking lots tend to be filled with Hummers and Mercedes, no one should feel that the store is not for them. The organic pastries alone make the trip worthwhile!
Other grocery stores that sell organic foods are Jewel’s, Dominick’s, Wal-Mart, and various large food chains.
One potential problem with organic foods and produce is that the expiration dates may fall shorter than other regular foods and products. Organic foods are sometimes shipped from other countries and do not make it to America until days or weeks later. A person may have to take frequent trips to the grocery store. Once again, it’s worth it!
Keep it mind when shopping that if a label says “natural or all-natural”, it means nothing. These are vague marketing terms.
If a label says 100 percent organic, by law there are no synthetic ingredients. This type of food has to be independently verified by accredited inspectors. If a label says “made with organic ingredients”, 70 percent of the ingredients must be organic. “Locally grown” means that it was grown within a consumers’ region. It is not necessarily organic. “Natural meats” contain no artificial flavoring, colors, and synthetic ingredients according to the USDA.
Organic foods can be good for you. They protect from diseases, cardiovascular health problems, joint problems, and much more. Eating organic foods, drinking pure water, and watching our chemical exposure can help our health.