My intent here is to share quick and compelling reasons to invest your money in organic foods.  I invite you to research these topics and expand your knowledge on the many benefits of organic food to nourish your cellular and whole-body health.

1. Organic food is higher in nutritional value.

Agricultural studies have shown that when plants have to defend themselves chemically free against microbes, insects, etc. they create phytochemical defenses.  These phytochemicals, their defenses, are the phytonutrients and antioxidants that nourish our body cells for vitality and longevity. 

Soil that is fertilized with chemicals lacks the balance of nutrients, minerals, and microbial life forms that contributes to the nutrient density of the food grown in said soil.

2. Buying organic food increases the demand for organic food.

Where there is demand, farmers may see the benefit of switching to organic practices, and we cultivate more organic farms. Organic farming creates and sustains the health, integrity, and biodiversity of the soil. Soil supports the growth of every food we eat and food the entire web of life eats. When the soil suffers, everything suffers.

3. Buying organic food helps to reduce the load of toxic chemicals you put in your body.

We live in a world overwhelmed by chemicals in our homes, yards, body care products, water we drink, etc. I invite people to focus on what they can change and control in their lives. Organic food is one area we can opt to bring into our kitchens and bodies.

The just wash it off advice in regards to agricultural chemicals is BS. If you pour gasoline or DDT on your skin and don’t do anything to wash it off for two weeks, the chemicals are not still sitting there on the surface of your skin waiting to be washed away? The chemicals have impacted every cell in your body. Same goes for produce.
Even plants that are not sprayed directly, but the ground around them is sprayed with insecticides and ‘weed’ killers, are drawing those chemicals up through their roots, into the plant, and into every cell of the food.

My written information is from my wisdom, research, training, and experience in western medicine (Functional Medicine RN) and Natural Medicine -Holistic Modalities – Herbalist certification. My views are not necessarily the views of the Potsdam Food Co-op. When we make choices about our health, use other’s advice, and make choices based upon that advice; we are taking our health into our own hands. Our choices, and any actions that result from said choices, are our own responsibility. Using herbs wisely, as food and medicine, requires hands on learning and working with a trained herbalist while you create your own knowledge base. Yes, this is my disclaimer.

-Paula Youmell, RN

Find more articles by Paula Youmell, RN, Wise Woman Nurse.