Organic: what it is and why it matters

 

The organic food industry–with sales of over $61.9 billion in 2020–is thriving. More people are taking interest in the quality of their food, and are striving to make healthier choices. Eating organic foods is one major way to do this. But identifying the facts can be tricky with all the information out there. So let’s answer two important questions: what does “organic” mean? And why does it matter?

According to Brittanica, organic food is “grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as human-made pesticides and fertilizers, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).” Translation: “organic” speaks to the way food is grown and processed. So by choosing organic foods, you’re avoiding chemicals that can cause an array of health problems–from cancer to diabetes. Instead, you’re embracing foods that are good for your body and mind.

Your body

Organic food is good for your body in some pretty important ways. The Organic Trade Association points out that organic foods are rich in nutrients like iron, Vitamin C, magnesium, and phosphorus when compared to their non-organic counterparts. The list of possible health benefits here is long, so we’ll give you a summary:

• Consuming iron can reduce fatigue, increase cognitive function, promote sleep, and support athletic performance. You can find iron in shellfish, spinach, legumes, and–you guessed it–red meat.
• Consuming Vitamin C can enhance brain function, strengthen the immune system, support eye health, and help fight chronic diseases. You can find Vitamin C in citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and potatoes.
• Consuming magnesium can support healthy blood sugar levels, promote heart health, decrease inflammation, and improve bone health. You can find magnesium in seeds, beans, brown rice, and seafood.

Your mind.

What you eat also impacts your mind. Today’s research across the board shows an increase in mental health conditions like depression and anxiety–so now is the perfect time to reconsider your food choices. Not surprisingly, long-term exposure to toxins in pesticides isn’t good for you; in fact, it can increase your risk of developing both depression and ADHD.

So how does eating organic foods benefit your mental health? Well, making healthy food choices can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Additionally, foods with a higher concentration of nutrients can help improve your memory and cognitive functioning. Need some recommended foods to support your mental health? SoCal Magazine suggests dark chocolate, yogurt, and eggs to help you manage anxiety.

The takeaway.

The overarching theme here is this: organic foods can positively impact both your physical and mental health. Now, choosing organic foods doesn’t have to mean giving up pizza forever. You can start small, like adding healthy vegetables to your grocery list. Or choosing organic Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for dessert.

At The Organic Snack Company, we recognize organic foods’ importance to your overall physical and mental wellbeing. As a result, we’ve gone a step further: all food products made in our facility are USDA-certified organic (a topic that we’ll cover in the near future). This means we pay attention to every ingredient, ensuring that it’s both farmed and processed safely. Want more information on organic foods?  Follow our blog to learn about The Organic Snack Company, healthy living, sustainability, and more.