Organic foods have become more prevalent in recent years, and for a good reason. Organic foods are healthier than their conventional counterparts, and they taste better, too! But what are organic foods, exactly? And why should you buy them? Organic foods have been grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. They also won’t use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in production. Instead, organic farmers rely on natural methods to control pests and diseases and fertilize their crops. To know which foods are best to buy organic, this article will look at the specific foods you should always buy organic!
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Meat
Conventionally-raised animals receive chemicals and hormones to make them bigger faster. Chances are, the meat you buy at your local supermarket is full of these chemicals. One particularly harmful chemical that used to be common when feeding beef cattle was DES. It caused reproductive problems in both humans and animals, but luckily it has since been banned. The meat from animals with additional hormones is also different from the meat of those who haven’t. One study discovered that when men consumed farm-raised salmon, their blood levels of testosterone dropped 23 percent after just three weeks! On the other hand, organic meats are healthier for you and will not cause any potential problems with hormones.
Dairy
Conventional dairy cows may receive hormones and antibiotics, which end up in the milk that goes into commercial products. In addition, pasteurized milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt (pasteurized unless otherwise stated) also contain these chemicals. Fortunately, organic dairy products must come from cows without using growth hormones or antibiotics. They also cannot be made to eat animal by-products, and their feed cannot contain genetically modified organisms (GMO). The “USDA Organic” seal on the packaging can easily identify most organic dairy products.
Eggs
Conventional eggs come from chickens that are fed antibiotics and pesticide-laden feed. The yolks of these eggs are also orange in color, resulting from pigments added to their feed. These chickens live in very tight spaces, which can cause them to get aggressive. Through antibiotics, farmers can control their egg-laying cycles, which makes them lay eggs almost every day. Organic eggs come from chickens that do not get feed with these additives. Their coops must be large enough for the animals to move around freely and spread their wings. The hens also never receive antibiotics or growth hormones; they get the chance to molt naturally.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens include kale, Swiss chard, collards, spinach, and salad greens. Conventional leafy greens that you buy in the supermarket or find at your local farmer’s market usually come from farms where all crops get sprayed with pesticides. When we eat these vegetables raw, we’re ingesting those chemicals along with them. Organic leafy greens are not only healthier for you, but they are also better for the environment. The chemicals used in conventional farming cause soil erosion and water contamination when the chemicals they use run off into our waterways.
