The Benefits of
Certified Organic Foods

What are the benefits of certified organic foods?

Over the past two decades, the organic foods market has been increasing each year. People are demanding better quality foods and products to avoid the chemicals that are used in today's food industry.

I personally want to avoid all those chemicals...I am convinced that these chemicals contribute to some of the diseases prevalent in our society today.  However, it is a challenge to try to avoid these many toxins that we come into contact with on a daily basis. There are more people today who are concerned about their water and food supplies and the prevalent environmental allergies are a growing concern.

People are choosing certified organic foods because they can give us some control over what we are putting into our bodies. Those who choose organic foods feel that they are doing the best they can to living closer to the way nature intended

U.S. regulations on certified organic food require that organic food and beverage products, including fruits and vegetables, be grown according to strict standards that prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds and growth hormones, sewage sludge, and irradiation.*

Have you heard people say that organic foods are more expensive? Paying a little more for your food these days is a choice each of us must make for better quality. As the demand for natural and organic foods increases the cost difference from mainstream to organic is not as big of a gap these days. There are many times I find organic foods the same price or a few cents higher than the non-organic. Ask your grocer for more organics...the stores are finding there is a market and are now stocking the aisles with these products! YOUR voice counts!

Here is a mega-great idea to make a healthier choice...buy from local organic growers. I enjoy going to the seasonal local farmer's markets and health food stores and grocery stores so that I can personally meet the growers and grocers in my area. When you can talk to the people that grow your food and or handle it, you can ask questions about their products and get to know about their organic practices. And heck-you are meeting super interesting people, developing a network, and making friends too!

Educate yourself about what you are eating on a daily basis. Learn about how much protein you are eating each day since it is in most foods. Become more aware of the types of carbohydrates that you choose to eat, complex are key. And keep an eye on the amount of fat in the diet, good fats are important, excess is hard on the system.

Another way to have some control in the food that you eat is to plant a garden each year so you will have your own fresh produce for a few months especially if you put some away for winter. It is gaining popularity these days, even in the White House where they also keep honey bees for their own organic honey.

Natural gardening is always a great way to share healthy food with your friends, family and neighbors. What a wonderful thing to give a gift of produce to a friend, to take to work and set on the table for anyone to take, to place on the step of an elderly neighbor. The ideas are endless...trade produce with another gardener who grows different things, dry for winter gifts....and it is a wonderful learning experience for children to learn about where food comes from. Involve your children/grandchildren in the garden and you are creating lifetime memories and a basis for good health habits!

Bottom line, the benefits of certified organic foods are many if you consume them on a regular basis. By being a consumer of organic foods, you are consuming a high quality product and you are supporting the organic industry that is working for a healthier choice for people, animals and, HEY, the environment.

*References from the Organic Trade Association

Recommended books, documentaries and Youtubes:

"The Kind Diet" by Alicia Silverstone

"Diet for America" by John Robbins

"The World Peace Diet" by Will Tuttle, PhD

The One-Week Vegan Challenge Oprah Show on Youtube.com Feb 1,2011

"Earthlings" by Nation Earth a documentary

"Peaceable Kingdom" by Tribe of Heart a documentary about Farm Santuary

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