Some reasons to buy organic food...

There are a lot of wonderful reasons to either buy or grow your own organic foods.  I thought I would discuss a few today, as organic food and gardening is a growing trend.

*Organic foods typically contain more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals than conventionally grown foods.  This can also be true of heirloom varieties.  Sadly many conventionally grown items are bred to carry a long shelf life (which often means breeding out important enzymes).  The best way to ensure the highest level of nutrients is to grow it organically yourself or buy fresh and local organic produce.

*Organic produce is pesticide and chemical free.  This can be especially important for children, who are more susceptible to pesticides and chemicals, which can have significant health consequences.

*When it comes to meats, organic is so important.  You will be getting meat that is free from chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics.  The use of antibiotics in meat is especially disturbing and is helping to create antibiotic resistant bacteria.  This resistance is passed from the meat to the consumer and is only becoming an increased concern across the world as more and more antibiotic resistant bacteria is cropping up and antibiotics are becoming less effective.  Consumers must demand antibiotic free meat if they wish to help save the use of antibiotics for future generations (that and decrease their own dependence on antibiotics in lieu of more natural treatments like echinacea, oregon grape root, and goldenseal).

*Purchasing organic foods from your local farmer encourages the growth of local farms which will provide healthier food options and take better care of the land.  Organic farming practices are earth friendly and actually help to regenerate the earth.

*Buying organic produce will help to have less contaminants enter our water systems.  Our waterways are overflowing with chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides from commercial farming.  As the demand for organic grows, this will decrease the demand for commercial and help to create cleaner, purer water.

These are just a few reasons to buy organic produce (local if possible!).  Take some time to visit your local farmer's markets!