Why buy organic?
Organic fruits and vegetables are tougher creatures than those labeled "conventional," precisely because they've had to fight off predators themselves. If nobody is spritzing chemicals on the predators, all a plant can do is to toughen up by manufacturing its own disease/pest-fighting compounds. That's why organic produce shows significantly higher levels of antioxidants than conventional - these nutritious compounds evolved in the plant not for our health, but for the plant's. The same antioxidants that fight diseases and pests in the plant leaf work similar magic in the human body, protecting us against various diseases, cell aging, and tumor growth.
Four other reasons to buy organic.
1. It avoids pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. There is research that suggests unnatural pesticides and herbicides have a causative relationship with the development of some cancers, birth defects, and nerve damage. Further, pesticide-related health risks to farm works (and anyone living in the area) are eliminated.
2. No genetic modification. Under organic standards, GM crops and ingredients are not allowed. Genetically modified organisms pose serious unknown and unpredictable health and environmental risks.
3. It's good for wildlife and the environment. Pesticides are responsible for a staggering amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide and less dangerous wastes.
4. Reduced reliance on chemical and agri-engineering corporations is good for farmers. It is estimated over one million people worldwide are poisoned by pesticides annually.
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