What are Organic Foods and Why You Should Buy From Them
Organic foods are gaining popularity every day due to the health and environmental benefits they offer. At the same time, organic stores, which specialize in selling organic products, have become increasingly available in the United States and throughout the world. This article will explore what organic foods are and the reasons why you should shop at organic food stores.
What are Organic Foods?
Organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), growth hormones, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Products labeled “organic” must have been produced without these synthetic substances, as set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Organic labelling, however, does not always indicate that all ingredients were organically grown or produced. For products to be labeled “100 percent organic”, they must not contain any non-organic ingredients.
Types of Organic Products
Organic fruits and vegetables are the most popular organic food products. These are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Additionally, organic fruits and vegetables usually contain higher levels of nutrients and minerals than their non-organic counterparts. Other organic products available in organic stores are dairy, eggs, meat and poultry, grains, and packaged foods.
Benefits of Buying Organic
There are numerous benefits of buying organic, including the following:
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Improved Health
Organic foods are free from toxic chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones which can be toxic to humans. Studies have shown that organic produce also usually has higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their non-organic counterparts. -
Environmental Benefits
Organically-grown produce uses less water and energy than traditionally-produced foods. Additionally, organic farming helps prevent soil erosion, provides habitat for wildlife, and reduces air, water, and soil pollution. -
Animal Welfare
Organic farms typically have higher animal welfare standards compared to industrial farms. Animals are free to roam in outdoor pastures and are not given antibiotics or growth hormones.
Reasons You Should Shop at an Organic Food Store
Organic stores typically specialize in products with organic certification and labeling. Furthermore, these stores guarantee that the products on their shelves have met specific regulations set forth by the USDA. In other words, the products have been grown and processed without the use of prohibited substances.
Organic stores are also usually more likely to carry local, sustainable, and ethically produced foods. Furthermore, organic stores are often committed to supporting local producers, which helps to strengthen local economies.
In addition, shopping at an organic store usually provides customers with more options, especially in terms of certified organic foods. Organic stores also often have more variety in terms of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free products.
Finally, organic stores typically have knowledgeable staff that can provide advice or information regarding organic foods and related nutrition topics.
Where to Find Organic Stores
Organic stores are available in many cities and towns in the United States and around the world. One of the best ways of finding them is simply by searching online – there are many online directories that list organic stores by location.
In addition, many large grocery stores now also carry organic products. You may also be able to find organic food co-ops or farmers’ markets in your area.
Organic products offer numerous health and environmental benefits. Organic stores typically specialize in organic products, meaning that the products on their shelves have been grown without prohibited substances such as synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. They typically also carry local and sustainable products, as well as provide customers with more variety in terms of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free foods. Shopping at an organic store can help support local producers, as well as provide customers with useful information from knowledgeable staff.
