Why Go Organic? Part 1 - Protect Your Health

Organic foods have become more popular and easier to locate than ever in the last couple of years. Home gardeners have always known the joy of fresh, pesticide free fruits and vegetables, but now even those without the time or inclination to maintain a garden can find organic produce, beef, and poultry in their local grocery stores and through other outlets. Not so long ago, you would probably have grown very frustrated if you went in search for organic apples or carrots, but as more people have become increasingly concerned with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the demand for organic foods has risen considerably. Organic produce delivery has become quite popular for busy households.

People who are interested in being as healthy as they can possibly be want to eat foods that are not contaminated with toxic metals, pesticides and the residue from antibiotic drugs that are fed to meat animals. They have learned that there are more than 3,000 potentially dangerous toxins in the United States food supply, and that there are laws in place that prevent foods labeled organic from containing these toxins. With this knowledge, it isn't surprising that organic food has become the fastest growing sector of America's farming and agriculture economy.

There are seven chemicals in particular that are used on our crops that are known to be difficult or impossible for the body to expel. Not only are we eating these pesticide laden foods, but they are fed to the meat animals that we also use for food. When we eat these animals, we get another dose of these chemicals.

Organic food must meet certain standards in order to be certified as organic:

• No growth hormones may be used.

• No chemical pesticides are to be used for three years prior to the present year's growing season.

• No human waste or sewage sludge can be used as fertilizer.

• No genetic modification of any description will be tolerated.

In simpler terms, organic food must be produced as it was back on your grandfather's farm. Grandpa knew many ways to manage to grow a bumper crop of vegetables and fruit without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides! His cattle, pigs, and chickens ate good, clean grain that wasn't laced with hormones to make them grow faster and fatter and produce more meat, milk, and eggs. They weren't confined in tiny cages and stalls for their entire short lifespan.

It takes an awful lot of time and work to produce organic foods. This is one reason why their cost is higher than the mass produced produce and meat. Generally, organic farms are less than 100 acres and are operated by a family instead of a giant corporation.

It is vital for your present and future health to consume only organically grown produce and meat products that have been raised without the addition of hormones and antibiotics. The taste and quality of these foods is so much better than that of their counterparts that you will not sacrifice anything but the risk of health problems when you make the switch to organic! If all consumers would demand organic foods and refuse to consume unhealthful alternatives, not only would prices of organics be forced to drop, but the people of the world would be much healthier!