As we keep trending toward healthy eating, organic fruits and vegetables are becoming increasingly popular. However, while most of us recognize the benefits of superior nutrition, fewer of us actually make the commitment of incorporating organic food into our diets, even though it would make a big difference in our personal health and the health of the planet. Organic food is not only tastier and full of essential nutrients, but it is also more sustainable and free of dangerous pesticides and fertilizers.
Here are the top reasons why there’s no better time than now to go organic:
#1. No Harmful Chemicals
Commercially grown foods are treated with dangerous chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved about 90 percent of them—that’s more than 600 active chemicals amounting to billions of pounds every year. This goes on without any long-term tests on the effect that chemicals have on our diet, despite recent research showing that chemical fertilizers and pesticides do pose serious hazards to human health.
Consuming organic foods is a good way to keep dangerous agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, and preservatives out of your diet. The organic food sector is the most strictly regulated food system in the United States. Producers are subject to rigorous inspections and strict compliance standards, so when you choose organic food delivery you can rest assured that your family is consuming healthy, chemical-free foods.
#2. Essential Nutrients
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown in biologically active, healthy soils. Studies have shown that crops grown in nutrient dense soil are naturally packed with more vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes than their commercial counterparts. On top of that, they contain little to no nitrates, cadmium, and pesticide residues—all more compelling reasons to go for organic grocery delivery.
#3. Good for the Environment
Organic food is also much more environmentally friendly. The absence of chemical fertilizers and pesticides promotes biodiversity which results in healthier, microbial-rich soil. Unlike conventional practices, organic methods also helps prevent soil erosion and the pollution of our rivers and underground waterways.
#4. Superior Taste
Getting organic fruit delivered right to your door means you’re sure to consume tastier foods. When fruits are grown in healthy soil without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, their abundant mineral content results much more flavor. Indeed, a major study on the benefits of organic farming confirms that higher nutrient levels are associated with improved taste and aroma.
#5. Supports Natural, Heirloom Crops
Going organic is not only a wise decision for your health but also the health of those who will inherit the planet. One of the goals of organic farmers is to preserve heirloom vegetable and fruit varieties for future generations, starting with chemical-free soil and organic, non-GMO seeds. (Shockingly, pesticides are planted right inside GMO seeds.)
#6. Fresher Food
Locally grown organic fruits and vegetables are fresher than their industrially grown counterparts. Compliance regulations prohibit the use of preservatives to store organic food. Because organic farmers cannot rely on these chemical methods of preservation, they need to store their produce well and deliver it as locally as possible. The closer it grows to home, the likelier your organic produce will taste as fresh as the day it was picked at the farm.
There are clearly immense benefits to switching to organic foods. However, it’s still important to do your research and make sure to buy vegetables and fruits from a trusted, reputable, and reliable supplier. For the utmost convenience and quality, consider subscribing to an online organic grocery delivery service that can send you fresh produce baskets every week.
Images from iStock/bhofack2 (main), sompong_tom (post).
