Do you know the difference between Organic vs. Non-organic? (Besides the price! But here’s why…)
When a food (for example produce, eggs, milk, meat) is certified Organic, it has been grown or produced without the use of genetic engineering, growth hormones or antibiotics, man-made pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, sewage, or any type of radiation.
The Certified Organic label is a federally regulated designation that takes into account these things, but also down the soil and feed that is used for the growth of the produce and animals.
Farmers must show proof that the animals are fed organic feed and have access to sunlight and the outdoors in order for certification.
For a piece of land to be used for organic farming, there must be a transition period of a minimum of 3 years (up to 10 years!) to detoxify the conventional soil, must have a buffer zone of 8 metres (up to 3km!) between their organic and conventional land, and the land must never have replaced a clearcut forest.
Choosing organic not only saves your body from ingesting toxins but it also provides it with higher quality nutrients via the soil and health and wellbeing of the animals. Buying organic supports humane livestock practices, environmentally friendly farming practices that protect wildlife and water quality, reduces soil erosion, improves biodiversity, and supports renewable resources.
You might now understand why there is a price difference in organic produce. It’s important to choose organic to reduce individual toxin exposure and their accumulated effects on the body but in today’s climate it might not always be accessible or affordable for everyone to do so.
This is why the Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes out with a “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” each year to help consumers make the healthiest choices when buying food, given their circumstances.
If you’re in need of some assistance with overhauling your fridge and pantry, a grocery shopping education session, or how to read nutrition labels and ingredients lists in order to make better decisions about what goes into your body, contact me!
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veronica monture functional wellness 