We all know that what we eat affects the overall health of our
body. This is the reason many health groups and healthy lifestyle
practitioners clamor for people to choose organic. However, in the
endless sea of labels and ingredients claiming to be organic, it can be
confusing for an average Joe. With that in mind, this article can help
one to make better and smarter choices with regards to the food they
consume and make a better commitment to stay healthier.
Understanding Organics
Do
you know that the way a produce came to be has an overall impact to
your body's health? Not only that, but it also affects the environment.
You may see plenty of produce labelled "organic" while others may have
"100% organic" on it. The term "organic" is simply a way for
manufacturers to tell consumers how produce are grown and processed.
Organic produce are grown from natural surroundings, using natural
fertilizer and water resources to grow it. Some produce that are termed
as "100% organic" means that all materials used came from organic
resources and processing of the food is done naturally. Organic meats,
for example, means that the livestock are given natural food, are free
range and not subjected to any man-made hormone growth products or
vaccines.
Why Go Organic
Many studies show that going
organic has several advantages compared with consuming conventional
products. For one, organic food is healthier because it has no chemicals
or preservatives added to it. Many farmers use pesticides or
insecticides to safeguard their crops from insects. Although this
produces ideal yields, residues from the chemicals used can affect the
health of the consumer especially those with food sensitivities. Studies
show that low exposure to pesticides can increase the person's risk to
cancer and even more so for pregnant women and young kids. Chemicals
from fertilizers are also harmful to the environment causing ecological
imbalances such as increased soil erosion and other environmental
problems.
The need to feed the world's ever increasing population
has also paved the way for Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs. These
plants or livestock have their DNA tweaked to ensure better resistance
to bacterial strains thus increasing the chance of higher yields.
Although this helps in sustaining the world's population, GMOs also open
up the possibility of other health risks that might be less responsive
to existing treatment. Eating organic food that is GMO-free means less
exposure to future health problems.
Food Labels
Food labels
are a great source for those who want to purchase organically made
produce. Industry production standards differ from one country to
another and as such it is important to read and understand the fine
print. 100% organic means that all ingredients used come from 100%
organic materials. Some may also see an approved seal from the country's
food bureau like the USDA seal showing that all standards are met and
the food item has passed inspection.
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