We’re often told that organic produce is better for you and the environment. But, how true is this really? Well, it’s actually very true and there are a number of reasons why.
Here are five reasons why going organic is the best option for you, your family and future generations.
1. Organic produce has greater nutritional value
It’s often bandied around that organic food is better for you than food that’s cultivated with the aid of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. You might be thinking to yourself, “that’s easy to say. But, is there any evidence to back that up?” Well, actually there is. This claim is not simply an unproven fantasy. Multiple studies have attested to the fact that organic produce is significantly higher in a number of nutrients including vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus plus improved reproductive performance and immune response. If you’re interested, you can read more about these findings here.
2. Organic means less exposure to pesticides
We’ve long been told that the use of pesticides in farming is an unfortunate but necessary evil. Whether we like it or not, insect pests still take it upon themselves to ruin crops with impunity. The only way to deal with this issue, we’re told, is through chemical warfare in the form of various toxic insecticides. But these chemicals don’t discriminate; and if they find their way to consumers, which evidence clearly shows they do, they can cause serious harm over time.
The first line of defence should be to focus on growing healthy plants which lessen the need for topical sprays. Fortunately, also, the rising popularity of organic products shows that there are viable alternatives. Consuming certified organic food ensures that you can protect yourself and your family from the adverse effects of pesticides which have been linked to a variety of conditions including certain types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and a multitude of other conditions. All without sacrificing the quality of your produce.
3. Eating organic is better for the environment
One major concern about the future of farming is the impact conventional farming practices have on the environment. Synthetic fertilisers and pesticides used over a prolonged period of time don’t just magically disappear after they’ve served their purpose. They build up in the ground leading to serious consequences down the line.
Nitrogen fertilisers contain ammonia which microorganisms in the soil convert to nitrate. Nitrate is easily absorbed by plants so they can get their nitrogen fix, but it is also highly susceptible to getting leached into groundwater, and high levels of nitrate water contamination can lead to all sorts of health ramifications for humans. Additionally, bacteria can further break down nitrates in the soil into nitrous oxide which, when released into the air, is one of the primary causes of global warming.
Excessive use of pesticides can also lead to runoff that poses a threat to waterways. It may also create problems for the local ecology by destroying beneficial organisms such as earthworms and insects that prey on pests and keep soil healthy.
4. Get better value for money by choosing organic
Organic produce is often associated with higher costs. But, is that really the case? When you consider what you are paying for, organic food is actually much better value for money. As we have already discussed, organic food is demonstrated to have higher nutritional value than that produced by conventional farming methods. This contributes to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life. Is that not worth paying for?
Organics also form a core part of a more sustainable farming industry that puts less pressure on the environment. Anything that protects our soils and future food supply is worth supporting. With this in mind, the continued rise of organic produce is really inevitable; and that’s a good thing.
5. You can buy local and support farmers
Being a farmer is a difficult and often thankless job, but we all depend upon them greatly. It’s imperative, then, that we take steps to support a future of sustainable agriculture to ensure their ongoing livelihoods. Moving away from the use of synthetic fertilisers and potent pesticides will also help to protect their health as they are on the front lines being exposed to greater levels of toxicity than anyone else. Organic food production provides the brightest future for everyone.
So, not only are there many reasons why you should eat organic where possible, there are many ways you can achieve this. If you don’t have the time or space to create your own organic garden, you can shop locally and support local farmers through markets or co-ops. Then there is always the option of growing your own. Roots, Shoots & Fruits products are certified organic and are made to help your garden thrive!
Shop our organic Home Garden product range HERE.
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