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When browsing aisles in the grocery store, the many fruit and vegetable options can be overwhelming. It might seem like any choice is as healthy as another if you don’t know the differences between each variety, especially when it comes to organic produce. Here is some information on the benefits of eating organic to help you make healthy decisions for you and your family.

4 Reasons to Think About Going Organic

1. Supporting Local Growers

Organic produce hasn’t been treated with preservatives, meaning it doesn’t have a long shelf-life like other foods. As a result, products must be grown locally as they can’t travel as far. By purchasing organic produce, you’re supporting growers who, in turn, reinvest their money in the local community, bettering everyone’s quality of life.

2. Avoiding Chemicals 

organic produce St. Louis MOThe Environmental Working Group releases an annual “Dirty Dozen™” list denoting the 12 produce items that have the most pesticides. In 2019, strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, and apples topped the list of produce with the most pesticides.

Chemicals that end up on your produce may include fungicide, insecticide, nerve gasses, and pesticides that can disrupt hormones and are even considered cancer-causing agents. When you purchase organic produce, you’re avoiding these chemicals and lowering the likelihood of developing related health problems. 

3. More Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight free-radicals, chemicals that damage genetic material and cells. A study found that organic produce offers higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C that can prevent oxidation and mitigate free radicals.

4. Promoting Healthy Agriculture

The chemicals used in traditional produce farming don’t just affect the food and your health — they can also harm the environment. Synthetic fertilizers and sewage can damage water sources by promoting algae growth that can harm humans and animals.

Organic farming does not use these additives. Instead, these growers use self-sustaining farming techniques like rotating crops and using plant waste and manure to bring nutrients back to the soil. They use mulch or low-lying crops with foliage to prevent weeds. Promoting healthy agriculture encourages sustainable water and land use and betters the surrounding community.

 

If you’re interested in healthy food in St. Louis, MO, contact Growing Food Growing People. This locally-run organization donates fresh, organic produce to area restaurants, schools, and groups to promote healthy eating. Call the Laurel Street non-profit at (314) 518-2048 or visit their website to learn about founder Laura’s mission to encourage community growth through local growing and organic produce distribution.

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