Why I buy Organic Food

Organic produce should be the standard, not the exception. It is essential to prioritize high-quality food in our diet. We cannot wait for government agencies to improve our food standards because the U.S. government often caters to corporate interests. Voting with our dollars will enhance the quality of our food.

If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. We need not wait to see what others do. – Gandhi

So here is why I buy mostly organic food:

Our world is toxic; harmful pollutants and chemicals infiltrate our air, water, and soil. I am responsible for the food I bring home; the rest is out of my control.

If someone sprayed Roundup on an apple and handed it to you, would you eat it or give it to your kids? Food should nourish our bodies and promote our well-being, not harm us.

Trans-genetically modified organisms are my biggest concern; I don’t want to eat an apple with DNA spliced from a fish, worm, cow, person, etc. Some people say all food has been genetically modified, but this is misleading. There is a big difference between mixing DNA from different species and selecting certain traits by breeding within the same species. There are natural barriers that prevent DNA from species from mixing. (There are exceptions with lower organisms, such as bacteria, such as horizontal gene transfer, but most species cannot reproduce with other species). 

Now, GMO food may be safe, the problem is we don’t know if they are safe. There are no studies on the long-term effects of consuming GMO food, we are part of a large scientific experiment. I prefer to be cautious and avoid GMO food.

Glyphosate

The WHO says glyphosate is “probably” a carcinogen (Source). The jury is still out on this one, but there is enough data on glyphosate to make me concerned. (Dr. Seneff at M.I.T. has published some scientific studies about it. (Source)

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is also used as a desiccant to make harvesting wheat easier. (Source) So basically, wheat products are contaminated with this herbicide when harvested. I have seen articles that try to dispute this as well, saying the use of this practice is exaggerated.  However, testing on food products has shown high levels of glyphosate contamination. (Source) The LD 50 data shows Roundup is safe for humans. (Source)

Those studies do not include data for bacteria. Destroying the microbiome in our digestive system can have severe consequences. Did you know glyphosate can interfere with the shikimate pathway in bacteria? Human beings do not have this pathway, but our gut bacteria do. Glyphosate harms our gut bacteria, which are important for digestion and our immune system. Harming gut bacteria can affect human health, making it a topic worth researching further! (Source)

I work hard to keep my gut bacteria happy and healthy, so glyphosate is a herbicide I go out of my way to avoid. I have read enough about this to make me concerned. Organic food can have glyphosate, but I’m minimizing my exposure.

Some farmers do not use pesticides but cannot afford to be certified organic. It’s important to ask questions and connect with local farmers. I prefer to support small, local farmers.

In the summer, I preserve food from my CSA and garden. This saves money and ensures I have good quality food. I have also found a small farm that supplies organic food. It is possible to find local farmers who grow organically but you have to look for them. Truthfully, it is not always convenient, but it is important to vote with our dollars.

Organic food IS more EXPENSIVE, but these are ways I can reduce the cost:

• Gardening
• Food preservation
• I buy directly from farmers at the market or a CSA
• Thrive Market
• Meal planning
•  Dirty Dozen guide if organic produce is unavailable

I always buy organic greens; fruit, melons, and squash with thick skin do not have to be organic.

To avoid GMOS with fresh produce, you must know which foods are genetically modified because this is added to the food supply without warning the consumer.

To avoid GMO packaged foods, you must buy organic. Processed food contains wheat, corn, soy, or sugar. Genetically modified food is TRANS genetically modified unless indicated otherwise.

Labels are often misleading. Gluten-free foods contain pesticides, and gluten-free does not mean healthy. There are so many marketing tricks used with food labels. It is overwhelming at first.

Start small and make the changes a little at a time. If you buy rice cereal, make sure there are no extra ingredients. If you buy almonds, check the label for preservatives or undesirable ingredients. (Most nuts have coatings of soybean oil.) Try to buy more “real food” and not packaged food. It’s not EASY, but it is WORTH it. 

There is a saying: “Pay the farmer or pay the doctor.” I prefer to pay the farmer and live a healthy life. In this country, it is very challenging to eat healthy. Do the best that you can and let go of the rest, stress is toxic. If we all make changes, no matter how small, we are one step closer to having quality food and better health.

I hope more people join me and buy local and organic produce.