Why Is Organic Better?
Some people swear by organic products. Others stay away due to higher prices. This begs the question: Are organics really that much different from conventional foods?
To put it simply, yes. Organic foods are certified by the USDA once they have met strict growing and processing standards. While eating conventional unprocessed foods such as raw fruits and vegetables is better than eating boxed meals and unhealthy snacks, most of these foods are grown in environments that make them toxic to the body and the planet.
In some cases, organic food may cost more than conventional foods. This is due to the fact that non-organics are treated with a battery of chemicals to increase yield. Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides and fertilizers do “protect” the crops from a variety of issues, but all those chemicals end up seeping into the foods. Ultimately, the chemicals end up on our plates and in our bodies.
Certified organic foods are only exposed to natural or biodegradable treatments, and as a result, the yields may be smaller. To produce a large volume of organic foods, farms must plant more, purchase safer, more costly treatments and be certified in organic processing. These additional expenses are present in the end purchase.
However, you should not let this up-front cost discourage you from organic food, as by removing chemicals, GMOs and other undesirable substances, you are actually saving money. Pesticides, herbicides and other such toxins are created to destroy various parts of the natural cycle. When these chemicals are absorbed into your body by the food you eat, it can cause serious damage. By avoiding these substances, you are preventing future health complications.
In addition to being free of toxins, organic foods are more nutritious. In order for organic farmers to successfully grow crops without chemical fertilizers, fields must be planted with different foods each year. Crop rotation ensures soil will not lose nutrients due to continuous planting of one crop year after year. By nature, foods grown in rotating fields in soils free of chemicals will be much healthier.
The wide range of benefits of an organic diet is well-documented. If you are interested in learning more about organic foods, or how we make our products, look for our weekly blog posts. We want our customers to understand not only where our foods come from, but why we commit to baking responsibly using only organic ingredients.
