
It’s the way of the new age, these days. Everyone is talking about eating organic. But why should you do it? A definition of “organic” is a product which is raised, grown, stored, and/or processed without the use of synthetically-produced chemicals or fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or any other pesticides, growth hormones or growth regulators. Only farmers who produce food according to a set of standards, undergo evaluation by other certified growers, and pass a yearly inspection by a trained independent inspector can label their products certified organic.
How does this make the food better, you may ask? There is a good reason why many people use organic food in their recipes: IT TASTES BETTER! Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil, which leads to the nourishment of the plant and, ultimately, a better taste for our palates.
Did you know that the average child is exposed to four times as many cancer-causing pesticides in their daily lives compared to an adult? Organic food contains no carcinogenic pesticides. You do the math. When you think about it, it would sure be nice to keep those chemicals off your plate!
The FDA approved many pesticides before research linked them to chemicals that cause cancer and other diseases. Now, 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides, and 30% of all insecticides are considered to be carcinogenic. The bottom line is that pesticides are poisons made to kill living creatures, and can also be harmful to humans. A National Cancer Institute study showed that farmers exposed to chemical herbicides had a six times greater risk of contracting cancer than farmers who are not. What happens when you end up eating those chemicals, then? Yikes!
Ah, but organic food costs so much! It’s true that superficially, organic foods might seem more expensive than conventional foods. However, conventional food prices do not reflect hidden costs borne by the taxpayer in the form of subsidies. Other hidden costs include pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental damage. In the end, you’re paying for quality when you pay for organic.
As a bonus, organic farming encourages food production that nurtures our soil through the absence of pesticides and the presence of rich compost. The commitment of organic farming to crop rotation, living soil, companion planting, rural enterprise, pure water and sustainable agriculture is a critical step toward protecting our environment and our individual health. By buying organic, you provide a marketplace for growers who have made the future of our planet a top priority. In addition, you’re looking out for your own health, and that of your children.
Why organic? Why NOT.
Today’s Workout:
Buy-In –3 Rounds
5 Box Jumps
5 Knees to Elbows
10 Jumping Pullups
WOD – “Max Hang Power Clean”
3-3-2-2-2-1-1
Hang Power Clean
Work your way up in weight each rep set, towards your 1 rep max.
Cash-Out – Partner up and do 1 round each of Ab-One Hundreds