7 Ways That Organic Foods Are Better for You

We all know that fresh foods and vegetables are good for us. They are a recommended and essential way to get the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. But how are natural foods better for us than artificial or processed foods? Here are 7 reasons why.

1. More nutrients

Organic foods contain more nutrients. The world-renowned Mayo Clinic website says that studies have moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce. The most significant increase is found in certain types of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.

2. Higher Omega-3 fatty acids Higher Omega-3 fatty acids

The feeding requirements for organic livestock farming, such as the primary use of grass and alfalfa for cattle, result in generally higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, a kind of fat that is more heart healthy than other fats. These higher omega-3 fatty acids are found in organic meats, dairy and eggs.

3. Anti-Oxidant Properties

Organic foods produce more antioxidants and have been shown to have more of an impact than other foods. This might be because there are fewer foreign chemicals in organics to interact with the different vitamins and minerals that help natural foods work so well in preventing cancer and other chronic health diseases.

4. Lower levels of bacteria

Not all bacteria is bad but the strain created by meat which is produced conventionally may have a higher occurrence of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. That reduces their effectiveness when it comes time to use them to treat infections and diseases.

5. Less toxic metals

There are less toxic metals like cadmium found in organically grown crops as compared to traditional farming. This is particularly true in organic grains because of the ban on synthetic fertilizers in organic farming.

6. No pesticide residue

Organically grown produce has lower detectable levels of pesticide residue. This is important because of the known dangers of pesticide use and consumption by children and people with respiratory problems. There are proven positive health outcomes when pesticides are not used.

7. Protection against aging and Alzheimer’s

Organically produced fatty fish products and oils produce a fatty acid called DHA that could reduce the risk of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease in many patients. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is found in fatty fish and also available in supplement form. It naturally occurs in the human body, but studies have shown that people with dementia have decreased brain and plasma DHA levels.