Transitioning to a diet that consists primarily of organic food can have significant benefits for your health. Conventionally grown food can contain traces of potentially toxic substances, such as heavy metals. Organic foods are produced without these things. The skilled practitioners at Natural Health Center in Rome, NY, can explain all the benefits of organic food on your health and help you learn to identify truly organic foods.
Advantages of an Organic Diet
Organic foods are grown using methods that are believed to be better for the environment and healthier for consumption than conventional farming methods. For example, artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides can be used in conventional farming. For food crops to be deemed organic, artificial fertilizers and most types of synthetic pesticides cannot be used in the growing process. The potential problem with artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides is that they often contain toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium. Eating organic foods can lessen exposure to pesticides and heavy metals.
Another advantage of an organic diet is the reduced consumption of unwanted antibiotics or synthetic hormones. Non-organic meat and dairy products can contain traces of both antibiotics and synthetic hormones, which can ultimately make their way into the bodies of individuals who consume these items. Some livestock is given injections of synthetic growth hormones to help them produce more milk or gain weight faster. They are also given antibiotics to prevent illness. Both the hormones and medications can be passed on to the consumer. Organic foods are produced without the use of synthetic hormones or antibiotics.
Exposure to synthetic pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics, and synthetic growth hormones through the consumption of non-organic foods could potentially contribute to the development of certain health conditions or diseases. For example, a correlation has been observed between synthetic hormones and an increased risk for developing some types of cancer. An organic diet could reduce that risk by eliminating exposure to carcinogens and other unhealthy substances. The knowledgeable practitioners at our health center in Rome, NY, can help you transition to an organic diet.
Organic Produce vs. the Dirty Dozen
Many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain unhealthy pesticide residues. Unfortunately, some types of products tend to have much higher levels of these residues, which is why it is essential to purchase their organic counterparts. The most recent tests performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2020 have identified twelve fruits and vegetables as the dirty dozen since they contain the highest levels of pesticide residues. These items are best purchased as organic. Produce on the dirty dozen list for 2020 includes:
- Strawberries
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Pears
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Kale
- Celery
- Potatoes
The benefits of an organic diet include decreased exposure to pesticides, toxic heavy metals, and other health threats. You could potentially also reduce your risk of developing certain health conditions or diseases as a result of exposure to these toxins. For help transitioning to an organic diet, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced practitioners by calling Natural Health Center in Rome, NY, at (888) 338-WELL.