These are the benefits of organic food and why you should add more to your diet for health, flavor, and for the environment.
You’ve probably been told that eating organic food is better. But better how? Is it really worth shelling out a few extra dollars for the organic certified stamp of approval? The short answer is yes.
The long answer is that from your personal health to the health of our planet, there are some impressive health, environmental, and flavor benefits to organic foods. Let’s dig into some of the most important reasons to choose organic and the difference this choice can make.
P.S. If you’re wondering what organic even means, start with this post that delves into the meaning of organic and how foods get the coveted title.
Health Benefits of Organic Food
Let’s start with the major health benefits you can enjoy when you choose organic.
First of all, organic food is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. That means that organic food is free of potentially harmful chemicals.
In addition, studies show that foods grown with organic farming practices contain more nutrients than conventionally-grown produce. In particular, a very potent form of antioxidants known as flavonoids, are higher in organic foods than conventional.
Studies also show that organic grains, such as the rolled oats in Mu Mu Muesli, contain significantly lower levels of cadmium. Cadmium is a harmful chemical that plants absorb from the soil they grow in. Because organic farms do not use man-made fertilizers, there is less cadmium in the soil.
Environmental Benefits of Organic
Aside from the numerous health benefits of organic food, choosing organic is great for our planet.
The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can have a long-lasting effect on soil health. As soil degrades, it can be very difficult to return the soil to optimal health, with abundant good bacteria and a balanced pH.
In addition, conventional farming practices are built to grow the most produce possible in the shortest amount of time on the smallest amount of land. Essentially, to maximize profit for the farm. This degrades soil and leads to monoculture, or growing a single crop (such as soybeans, corn, or wheat).
In fact, the best farming strategy for the Earth is one that rotates crops. Crop rotation introduces new nutrients and bacteria with every growing season. This keeps soil healthy so it will support crop grown for centuries. In many ways, organic farming is necessary to the sustainability of our planet.
Impact of Organic on Flavor
Finally, let’s not forget why we love food: it tastes great! and another benefit of organic food is just that: it tastes better. When crops aren’t exposed to pesticides and other chemicals to ward off disease and invaders, they naturally produce more of the compounds that act as a natural defense system. These include antioxidants and even flavor compounds, resulting in produce that is sweeter, bolder, and more delicious.
Not to mention, organic food hasn’t been modified or treated so it has a longer shelf life, as most conventional food has been. The longer a piece of fruit or vegetable is off its vine, the more it loses nutrients and flavor. Because organic food must be sold quickly after harvest, it’s closer to peak freshness and ripeness when you bring it home. That means optimal flavor and nutrition.
A way to learn more about actually converting land from conventional farming to organic and getting farmers to switch over is an organization called Farmer’s Footprint. They have a fantastic website, offering ways to increase awareness, education and financial incentives to make it possible for more food to be grown organically. It’s super cool , check it out to learn more! https://farmersfootprint.us/
Start your day with a generous serving of organic grains from a warm or chilled bowl of MuMu Muesli.
