Benefits of Eating Organic

Experts predict that the demand for organic food will double between 2006 and 2010 predictions are that people will spend 2.1 billion dollar on organic foods in 2010. Everywhere you look there are signs of this explosion. Currently the fastest growing supplier of organic products is Wal-Mart and we all know when Wal-Mart is on the bandwagon everyone is on the bandwagon.

Many people ask themselves why they should spend the extra money on organic food. The answers are many and all fairly simple. The most important reason may be that by buying and consuming organic foods you are avoiding added hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and toxins and the reality is that these additives are not good for you or your family. They are also harmful to the environment. Additional benefits of consuming organic foods is that you are supporting clean farming practices which helps to limit toxic water run off, a show or respect for those who are raising your food along with honoring the animals that are giving their lives for your sustenance. A commitment to living organically can also be very beneficial to your spirit. Living organically means that you understand the interconnectedness of all living things.

There have been a number of studies that link the use of synthetic hormones to increases in cancer. When you eat food that has added hormones these hormones are entering your body and are also entering rivers, streams and our drinking water and if this can be avoided it should. There has also been an increase in the number of infections that are resistant to antibiotics. In Europe when antibiotics were banned for prophylactic reasons in animals there was a decrease in antibiotic resistance. With the increase in super-bugs we all have a responsibility to do all that we can to ensure that our current medicines can protect all of us in times of emergency.

Organic foods tend to be more expensive then ones that are conventionaly grown but you can take steps to lower the cost. There are a number of websites that offer coupons for organic foods and products including www.organicfoodcoupons.com . Another way to lower the cost is to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables while lowering your intake of meat. This will also provide a number of other health benefits. Farmers markets and local farms can also help you lower the cost of eating organically. Many local farms offer farm shares which is when you pay a certain amount at the beginning of the season and then you receive a weekly delivery of fresh organic produce and meat. Additionally you can grow some of your own fruits and vegetables. There are many herbs that remain viable all year. Also eating in season and locally will lower your cost. If you live in Maine and are not going to get a fresh blueberry in January but by picking and freezing blueberries in August you will have access to them throughout the year.

Another way to lower the cost is to limit the organic foods you buy to those most likely to contain large amounts of pesticides and toxins. These foods tend to be fruits and vegetables that have thin skins or absorb a lot of water. Examples include strawberries, kale, celery, leafy greens peaches and cherries. Foods like banana's and oranges have thicker skins that you peel and are therefore less likely to harbor as many pesticides and toxins. The daily green www.thedailygreen.com is a great website to explore to find out more about organic food and you can also sign up for a daily email that will give you short easy tips on how to eat organically while saving money and enjoying the process.

Another website where you can find additional information about the benefits of choosing an organic lifestyle is www.ifoam.comthis site will allow you to learn more about the agricultural benefits of organic farming. Lastly organic food just tastes better but you will not know this until you try.