organic · Jul 28, 2020

Why Organic?

Are organic foods healthier?

Yes and no. Unless you’re eating organic, you can be assured that chemical residue from produce and within processed foods are present and a scary reality. Conventional farming experts say their plants have the same nutrition profile as organic, but organic experts say that the way in which they amend soil enriches the plant's nutrition profile, or at least does not diminish it in the way many conventional crops do.

“A plant on a conventionally managed field will typically have access to high levels of synthetic nitrogen and will marshal the extra resources into producing sugars and starches. As a result, the harvested portion of the plant will often contain lower concentrations of other nutrients, including health-promoting antioxidants.” British Journal of Nutrition

Are we really ingesting chemicals from produce?

Yes. A large percent of conventional farming use pesticides and herbicides that can be detrimental to our health. There are many reasons or excuses that conventional farming relies heavily on these chemicals, and the use of genetically engineered seed (GMO’s).

One being, there is less crop waste from pests, and the other being unwanted weeds growing within crops. For example, genetically modified seeds and their plants have the ability to withstand chemicals that are sprayed on them. This also means then that we are consuming the residue of these chemicals that have been sprayed or added to plants, seeds, water, or soil.

Genetic modification of organisms (GMO’s) is also becoming popular to artificially enhance certain parts of the nutrition profile and/or resist certain environmental conditions. Modifying the nutrition profile though may pose deficiencies of other nutrients within the plant.

Are more people wanting organic?

Yes. Many farmers are turning to the use of organic practices because the demand is growing. Many grocery stores now provide certified organically grown produce. There are a number of dietary supplement companies going the extra mile to ensure clean, healthy, and organically grown and sourced dietary supplements from fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Who’s doing organic?

We’re beginning to see more companies moving toward organic and also being concerned about which superfoods may be better than others for the general population.

RAWr! Life. is one of the first pioneers of an alfalfa free product. Many people have autoimmune issues and alfalfa consumed on a regular basis can pose inflammatory health issues, especially for those with lupus.

Alfalfa is the fourth-largest crop in the United States and highly sprayed with pesticides.

Consuming certified organic would be a wise option, but if you suffer certain health issues, such as Lupus, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal issues, you may want to steer clear of alfalfa whether organic or not. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Are supplements regulated at all?

Supplements are regulated by the FDA, but not as strictly as prescription drugs, so they aren’t put through the same strict guidelines. However, when purchasing USDA Certified Organic there are more regulations.

For example, superfoods that are sourced from organic farms must comply with practices overseen by Quality Assurance International (QAI) an accredited organic certifying agency authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The organic farms and manufacturing facilities they certify as organic must comply with organic integrity practices, such as non-genetically engineered seeds, natural soil amendments, natural pest control practices, no irradiation or sewage, and healthy harvesting, packaging, distribution, and labeling.

QAI works with farms and facilities throughout the US and Internationally with global farms that adhere to these same USDA and QAI guidelines and certifications. Foods that meet USDA organic standards are "Certified Organic," or called "USDA-Certified Organic.” The product also lists the official USDA organic seal letting the consumer know that it contains 95 percent or more organic ingredients.

Also, some manufacturers comply with GMP (good manufacturing practices) and Kosher within their facility practice. These are some things to look for in supplemental products we may purchase.

References

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140711153329.htm

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/environmental-benefits-of-organic-farming-2538317

https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-pesticides-and-other-chemicals

https://www.healthline.com/health/gmos-pros-and-cons

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/when-is-organic-really-organic-2538312

https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic