To help our bodies function properly, it is vital that we supply them with healthy nutrients. How we fuel our bodies can affect our mood, health and ability to perform daily activities. The average consumer will select food products based on price and availability rather than quality. Most people are not educated about how the foods they consume are being produced, including the use of dangerous substances that can harm their health. Food products certified as organic by the USDA use techniques that focus on natural farming, which prohibits the use of these harmful chemicals. Eating organic foods is a safer and healthier option. Here are the health benefits of eating organic foods and the dangers that come from conventionally farmed produce.
Conventional farming utilizes dangerous chemicals such as synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that can leave residue on our food. By choosing organic produce, your risk of pesticide exposure is significantly reduced as natural farming methods are used to produce healthy crops. Organic farming works to protect the environment as it sustains and strengthens soil health while restoring natural ecosystems. Studies indicate that pesticides can be carcinogens, which can increase the risk of developing many cancers. Being exposed to pesticides before conceiving children will increase the child’s risk of developing cancer. Pesticides can also affect the nervous system, endocrine system, and hormones.
Farmers will genetically modify the DNA of organisms into a new unnatural variety that will be more attractive to consumers. Organic food is GMO-free, meaning there have been no genetic modifications, as there are many health concerns regarding the practice of modifying the DNA of our food. As the genes being altered in the organism can be transferred after consumption, some health concerns include allergies, cancer, loss of nutrition, and becoming resistant to antibiotics. You may not even be aware that you are consuming genetically modified food, as popular foods such as corn, potatoes, and apples can all be modified. Consuming foods with tampered genetics is dangerous as they are more likely to be soaked in dangerous pesticides.
While administering antibiotics and hormones to animals to artificially enhance growth is allowed in conventional farming, organic farming strictly prohibits this practice. The hormones used in animals can leave residue in the meat or dairy products and, when consumed, can disrupt the balance of human hormones, cause developmental problems, affect the reproductive system, and cause certain cancers. There are dangerous long-term effects to consuming foods with hormones and antibiotics that are not meant for our bodies.
The methods used to grow organic crops can extract healthy minerals and nutrients from the ground, causing organic produce to be enriched with more vitamins and nutrients. They contain up to 69% more antioxidants, supporting the protection of our cells from free radicals. Organic foods also have higher levels of zinc and iron. Zinc aids in building proteins and supports our immune system. Iron supports the cells in supplying oxygen to the body, which helps the body maintain energy. Studies indicate that there is also a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease. The nutritional quality of conventional farming has significantly declined as crops have fewer nutrients now than they did 50 years ago.
Organic food prohibits using artificial preservatives, coloring, and flavors to enhance the taste and presentation of food. While these artificial additives may create a more appealing product, they are linked as the cause of many health problems. For research, the most commonly used flavor enhancer, Monosodium glutamate, induces obesity and diabetes in test animals. In addition, these artificial additives can cause hypersensitivity, allergies, asthma, neurological damage, cancer, and tumors. Foods that restrain from using artificial preservatives are less processed, meaning that there is less added sugar, salt, trans fat, and saturated fat. Eliminating processed foods from your diet will result in better heart and overall health.
You may have noticed a pattern where the methods used by conventional farming are doing more harm than good. Our food is naturally filled with healthy ingredients that are better for our bodies. Food doesn’t need harmful sprays, genetic modification, hormones, or artificial ingredients. Organic farming protects the environment and our health by prohibiting these dangerous methods and supporting produce growth through natural practices.
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