Choosing an organic diet is not only better for your personal health, it is better for the environment and whole planet.
For a product to be Certified Organic By Australian Organic, it has to meet a high set of standards through rigorous testing so that you can be assured it is 100% organic. Unfortunately, there are many products that claim to be ‘organic’, ‘natural’ or ‘pure’ without being Certified. These products might only use one organic ingredient along with a multitude of non-organic substances, and therefore do not meet the requirements of being a 100% organic product.
Here are the top 6 reasons to choose Certified Organic products today:
Better for the environment
Certified organic farming means that farming practices are carried out in a way that cares for the environment, without using any synthetic chemicals or unnatural techniques. Organic farming places a total focus on the health of the soil, which in turn creates a healthy plant. Certified Organic farmers are also required to set aside at least 5% of their farming to biodiversity, such as a wetlands area, tree buffers or native pastures.
For decades scientists worldwide have carried out studies with the clear conclusion that organic farming significantly supports biodiversity, with up to 50% more plant, insect and bird life found on organic farms (Soil Association, 2011).
Free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, chemicals or food additives
No artificial pesticides, synthethic herbicides, hormones or growth enhancers are used on Certified Organic products, which are harmful to our bodies and the earth.
These chemicals can be especially harmful to children, with three separate United States university studies likened the effects of organophosphate (OP) insecticides exposure during pregnancy to that of high lead exposure, impacting the cognitive development of children (Engel et al., 2011).
Many food additives have also been linked with symptoms such as allergic reactions, rashes, headaches, asthma, growth retardation and hyperactivity in children (Heaton, 2004).
Supports animal welfare
Certified organic products place a great emphasis on supporting animal welfare. Scientific evidence indicates that practices such as battery hen farming, and the use of sow stalls, inflict continuous intense suffering on animals throughout their confinement leading to acute physical and behavioural problems (RSPCA). Organic livestock is grown in a way that conforms to natural processes of growth and development (Australian Organic, 2015), dramatically increasing the quality of life for animals.
More nutritious
Organically grown foods have more nutrients – vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients - than commercially grown foods as the soil is managed and nourished with sustainable practices (Prevention, 2015). On average, organically grown foods provide: 21.1% more iron, 27% more vitamin C, 29% more magnesium and 13.6% more phosphorus.
Avoid antibiotics, hormones and drugs in animal products
Meat and dairy products are the highest risk foods for contamination by harmful substances. If you imagine the food chain, a chicken, pig or cow are fed animal parts, by-products, fish meal and grains that are heavily laden with toxins and chemicals. Once eaten, these toxins are absorbed into the animals’ bodies and are passed on to us through digestion.
Antibiotics, drugs and growth hormones are also directly passed into meat and dairy products. A huge amount these substances are used in animal feed every year, including roughly 70% of the overall antibiotics produced. Farmers have also been giving sex and growth hormones to cattle to increase the amount of meat and milk the cow can produce. These hormones cannot be broken down by the animal, and remain in complete form and are passed on to us once eaten.
The concern for us includes the early onset of puberty, growth of tumors, heightened cancer risks and genetic problems. Many scientists also warn that the use of antibiotics in feed will breed an epidemic that medicine has no defense against.
Certified Organic products ensure that you are not digesting any of these harmful substances.
It tastes better!
Organic foods generally taste a lot better because they come from nourished, strong plants! Try it today!
For more information on why you should choose Certified Organic products, please visit Australian Organic.
Remember to look for the bud logo on your organic products.