Why Buying Organic Food Is The Safest Choice For You

As we dive into the spring season, we thought we’d share some helpful facts about the benefits of buying organic food.

At this point, you’ve probably heard that buying organic food or growing your own plants protects you from exposure to harmful pesticides. But did you know that they can also decrease your risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria? Here’s a quick breakdown of what it is and why this type of bacteria is so dangerous.

Besides pesticides, the agriculture industry uses antibiotic bacteria to fight off infections that would otherwise damage millions of crops in one sweep. It’s like giving a plant an antibiotic.

Antibiotics are also given to animals, like cows, to help them reproduce faster, and grow faster. So it’s no wonder that we’re getting sicker day by day!

The CDC reports that over 2 million illnesses and and nearly 23 thousand deaths are caused each year by this bacteria. In fact, the World Health Organization declared this as a growing epidemic.

So how can we protect ourselves and our loved ones from microbes in our foods that have become so powerful that they resist the antibiotics?

So how can I protect myself?

1. Buying organic foods, like fruits and vegetables, and organic dairy products that come from livestock that haven’t been treated with antibiotics, is the most recommended way to reduce your risk.
2. While the FDA and USDA approve consumer products for consumption, the USDA makes sure that anything labeled with the “USDA Certified Organic” seal hasn’t been treated by antibiotics – so always look out for products that at USDA Organic. If the label claims it is “All Natural” or “Organic”, it most likely isn’t. Be very careful!
3. Grow your own food! Now this is easier said than done, so if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! Start with buying a few potted herb plants (basil, mint etc.), or buy a potted tomato plant that you can keep in your or your loved one’s home!
4. When buying meat, remember that organic chicken, turkey, pork, beef and eggs are much more less likely to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria than their non-organic, conventional meat products. Granted, cooking meat at high temperatures does kill a lot of bacteria already, but you can never be too safe!

Do you only buy organic? Do you grow your own foods come spring and summer? Comment below!