What does it mean?

Let’s start off with what it means to be an organic producer. The USDA has strict standards for companies who use the organic label. They make sure that farmers and producers use farming methods and practices that promote biodiversity and the well-being of the ecosystem as well as conserve soil and water. They also forbid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified seeds, irradiation, and sewage sludge.

Benefits

There are long term health benefits to eating organically grown foods. As mentioned above, organic produce is grown and processed without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or chemicals of any kind. It is grown exactly as it was intended to be, naturally. These characteristics alone are beneficial to us. Herbicides and pesticides have been proven to disrupt our body’s ability to secrete hormones to our organs in an effective manner. This could result in developmental or reproductive disorders as well as immunity issues over the long term.

Adding organics to your diet also gives you a sense of relief. You do not have to worry about where your food came from or whether or not it is safe to eat. You know that the farmer who grew your produce took the time to make sure that it was planted, harvested, and processed with great care within an organically certified environment.

In conclusion

Organic foods are beneficial because of their preventative qualities. They prevent us from making the mistake of potentially harming our bodies by ingesting the noxious chemicals used in the production of conventional foods.


Infographic courtesy of The Organic Trade Association