A friend of mine recently returned from a detox and a spiritual retreat. You know, one of those wellness centres, where your days are filled with endless yoga sessions, creative dance, Qui Gong and meditation. But the highlight of the stay was the food, prepared using fresh, locally grown and only organic produce. He has become an organic diet convert.
So what’s the big deal? Why is organic eating so popular these days?
What is organic food?
Organic food is any food that is grown and processed without any chemicals, antibiotics or genetic modification. This can apply to not only fruit and vegetables, but also meat and dairy products.
What are the benefits of eating organic produce?
- Better for your health – organic food is free of any nasty chemicals. Toxins and chemicals such as pesticides cannot be simply washed off the food. It’s taken up by the roots, it becomes part of the DNA of the fruit or vegetable. There is no way for you to avoid consuming the chemical residue.
- More nutrients – the data from multiple studies from around the world concluded that organic food is up to 80% higher on nutrients. They contain higher quantities of antioxidants, which help prevent cancer, heart disease and boost immunity.
- Better taste – more natural growing environment delivers better tasting produce
- Better for the environment – conventional farming methods use more water, erode soil and dangerous chemicals can take years before they’re gone.
Those are just some of the strong arguments for switching to organic food. There is also the cost to consider. Organic food tends to be much more expensive.
If you, like me, would like to incorporate organic food into your diet, there is the split option to consider. My main concern with conventional fruit and vegetables are the chemicals and pesticides. Some fruit and vegetables are more susceptible to them, such as apple, cherries, strawberry, grapes, spinach, bell pepper…. I will buy organics only. However, those with a thick skin, such as avocado, banana, pineapple, mango don’t absorb much at all, so no need to buy organic.
Do you eat organic or considering switching to organic food?