Why you should be buying organic

The general perception surrounding organic produce is that it is more nutritious and generally better for your health, but a lot of people aren’t 100% sure why that is – so here’s why you should be buying organic, in the spirit of the Soil Association’s Organic September initiative, launching this month to encourage people to go organic when they do their food shop.

The British Journal of Nutrition states that ‘Organic crop production standards prohibit the use of synthetic chemical crop protection products and certain mineral fertilisers’. This means that lots of food that isn’t organic is at risk of being contaminated by these chemicals. If we constantly consume items that have these pesticides on it can have a really negative effect on our health. This is true also of products like tea.

Tea’s up

Lots of people have no idea that pesticides on regular teas aren’t actually washed off of the bag until they are brewing in your mug! Organic tea is grown without artificial pesticides and fertilisers, meaning no cross contamination in your brew. This is also a great bonus for the environment as it leaves the soil healthy and chemical-free, which is good news for the wildlife too. Continuing with the tea theme, organic milk is also proven to be much healthier for you too. It contains 68% more omega-3, which is great for your heart. It is also naturally much lower in saturated fat.

When it comes to food, organic produce is proven to be the healthier option again. Organic vegetables can help counter the effects of ageing as they can contain up to 60% more antioxidants than non-organic, which can protect against diseases like diabetes and cancer too. Organic meat has become increasingly popular as not only is it more humane for the animals, but it contains none of the artificial contaminants of non-organic meat.

Meat standards

Animals that are reared in other ways are often given antibiotics in an attempt to prevent disease before they are even ill, which means that there is a possibility that those medicines are passed down the food chain and into our bodies. Organically reared animals are only ever given treatments if they are already ill, therefore reducing this risk greatly.

Egging on

The same can be said for organic eggs too. A better standard of welfare for the hens means that the eggs are more likely to be healthier and better for you. Organic chicken feed also contains fewer pesticides and no GM residue, which cannot be said for non-organic produce.

Wine win

And last but by no means least, wine! Non-organic wine contains sulphates from the preserving agents, which can actually be the cause of hangovers! Organic wine eliminates these sulphates, meaning less chance of a hangover. Well, it’s worth testing surely?