Why Opt for Organic?

Organic is so “in,” it has become a trend, but is organic really that much better for you? Is it worth paying extra for? Opting for organic is typically the healthier option as organic has more nutritional value and is free of pesticides and fertilizers, which boost vitamins and antioxidants. Going organic is important to your health and may result in avoiding future illnesses that can wreak havoc in your life.

WHAT IS ORGANIC?

It’s what we always hear about these days, but what does organic really mean? Organic is a more natural way to go, as the crops have been grown without the use of bioengineered genes (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge-based fertilizers, and petroleum-based fertilizers – which we could all do without.

WHY GO ORGANIC?

Hands down, it’s the healthier option. Avoid toxic chemicals that can wreak havoc on your health and get more bang for your buck in the nutrition department. You may even taste a difference. Organic foods are often fresher, contain more nutrient-content, and naturally have more flavor. Believe it or not, plants can get stressed, too, and not produce as tasty produce as those that grow under natural conditions.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ORGANIC

Going organic can provide more antioxidants and help avoid toxic heavy metals. Antioxidants help prevent the risk of premature aging, vision problems, cognitive malfunction, cancer, and heart disease. With a higher nutrient-content, additional vitamins and minerals can boost our immune systems to keep us healthy. And, with higher levels of omega-3s, choosing organic is heart-healthy.

CONSIDER THE SOURCE

Natural fertilizers, instead of synthetic fertilizers derived from fossil fuels, are used to grow organic products, and pests are controlled with natural methods. Soil is nurtured to become more nutrient-rich. With organic meat, dairy, and eggs, livestock are fed organic, hormone- and GMO-free feed. What they eat matters. If it’s healthier for them, it’s healthier for you. And, instead of administering antibiotics and medications to treat animals, natural ways of keeping them healthy are implemented instead. Clean housing, rotational grazing, and a healthy diet are important factors in raising organic meat, dairy, and eggs.

WHY AVOID GMOs?

The actual DNA of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods have been altered to become resistant to pesticides or to produce an insecticide. Animal studies with GMOs have concluded that they can cause delayed brain growth, thickening of the digestive tract, and internal organ damage. In humans, GMOs have been connected with gastro-intestinal issues and food allergens. This is good news for those with food allergies who may find their symptoms subside when adopting an organic diet.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES

The toxicity of pesticides is undeniable. Pesticides don’t just target the bad bugs; they can wipe good pollinators out, too, and hamper biodiversity. Pesticides are known to be endocrine disrupters and can disrupt nerve impulses that control the muscles and the lung, and can cause paralysis for bugs, as well as animals and humans. Symptoms of those who are infected with pesticides may be neurological, psychological, gastrointestinal, and/or cardiorespiratory. In studies, excess mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases has been noted, as well as an excess of diabetes.

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH

Organic food can have a positive impact on our mental and emotional health, too. Organic means more nutritional value with more antioxidants to help keep us well and ward off illnesses and diseases. One study found that nutrient content, such as omega-3s in organic meat and milk, was 50% higher than in non-organic meat and milk.

Our bodies don’t function well with added preservatives that can be harmful to our health. Often, organic food is much fresher and is certainly more naturally produced.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Going organic also has a profoundly positive impact on our environment in reducing soil erosion and pollution, increasing soil fertility, conserving water, and conserving energy.

Our health and happiness are worth the investment, so organic is worth paying extra for. When possible, opt for organic and feel good about what you put in your body.

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Susan B. B. Schabacker

Susan B. B. Schabacker is a proud writer, team member, and fan of Forsyth Magazines and writes multiple articles every month for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family. She loves writing and is also pleased and honored to write for National Geographic and National Geographic Kids. Susan is a co-author of a children’s book, Huckleberry Robin, based on a three-generation true family story and hopes to write more children’s books. Susan is also a local singer/songwriter/musician (and aspiring artist) working on recording her third album about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), called Beyond the Virus, that has become both a local and international collaboration. Currently, she lives in the Winston-Salem, Piedmont Triad area of NC, where she has resided for over 20 years. Susan graduated with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and a minor in dance from Elon University. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally to Budapest, Hungary for classical ballet, when she attended UNCSA (University of North Carolina School of the Arts); London, UK; and Beijing, China, where she studied abroad through Elon University. In Stockholm, Sweden, she had a marketing internship at Hachette-Filipacchi, publisher of Elle and other magazines. She also had another marketing internship in London with the Bramah Museum of Tea. Susan is the founder, owner, and master tea blender of a local tea business, Tea-lation! (@Tealation on FB + IN), which she has designed ads for in Forsyth Woman. She hopes to share her love for life + teas and encourages everyone to share, sip, and savor their cuppa happy! Susan looks forward to writing more articles and books and embarking on a long and successful career in music. Susan’s other passions include: photography (@SBBSPhotography on FB + IN), acting, cooking, and arts + crafts.

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