What Are the Benefits of Eating Organic?
The topic of organic foods has taken most American households by storm. Since the year 2010 the organic food industry has seen a significant and consistent increase in sales of about $26.7 billion. In fact, the Organic Trade Association states that approximately 78% of all American consumers are purchasing organic foods as opposed to non organic. As more families become aware of their health, the number continues to rise. While organic foods might be more expensive than the latter, there are significant health benefits that you may or may not be aware of.
High in Antioxidants
Greatly found in both fruits and vegetables, antioxidants are a very essential nutrient to the human body. They have significant health benefits including the ability to prevent certain cancers. There are medical studies that have shown that organic foods are more likely to have more antioxidants than traditional products found in the grocery store. In fact a study conducted by the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture showed that vitamin C was found to be higher in organic broccoli compared to conventionally grown products.
Decreased Exposure to Pesticides
Most consumers opt for organic products because they want to decrease their chances of being exposed to pesticides that are often heavily found on commercial produce. Studies conducted by the Environmental Health Perspectives showed that most of the pesticide exposure that has been found in humans was a direct result of their choices in food they consume. Pesticide exposure is especially dangerous for children. It has been known to contribute to deficiencies in children that can include ADHD, autism, and neurodevelopment complications. By replacing the commercial products with organic produce the exposure to pesticides was significantly reduced.
Decreased Exposure to Antibiotics
An increased concern for antibiotic resistance in humans has been connected in some ways to the significant increase in farmers utilizing antibiotics in the dairy farms and feed lots. When constantly exposed to low doses of antibiotic residue it can disturb the natural flow of the human immune system. The residue over time can reduce the amount of healthy bacteria and thus make humans more susceptible to harmful bacteria and illnesses. The good news is that animals that are raised organically are provided with the same antibiotic additives and thus the organic meats and dairy products do not contain the residue in any way.
Another major problem with non organic foods is that more foods are being genetically modified and not properly labeled. While there are still no real studies about the health implications involved with genetically modified foods, some preliminary research has shown that it may not be a good thing; which is why it is best to steer clear of those food types.
Choosing between organic and non organic foods means deciding what you want to go into the bodies of yourself and your loved ones. There are significant health benefits that prove that organic food choices are better not only for adults but especially for children. Take the time to do your own research and make decisions that best suit your household.