With the rise in obesity rates and cancer-causing products, people have begun to turn to healthier choices in the things they eat, drink, and slather on their bodies, especially here in Colorado where the lifestyle is well-known for being earthier, natural, and overall healthier. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorado is the only state to have a prevalence of obesity that is less than 20%. So, as a mother, I am not surprised when I hear other mothers sharing new recipes for organic meals to offer their wee ones. But what is the real difference? What does that mean when we say we’re “organic”?
For most of us, "organic" products are products that are grown without using harmful pesticides and dangerous chemicals. However, there’s more to it than just that. Did you know that most organic products are also gluten-free, high in antioxidants, and rich in essential fatty acids? That means that using them reduces your risk of allergies, protects your immune system and restores the regeneration of cells, both inside the body and on the skin’s surface. I've heard stories from other mothers at my child's preschool that they had no idea their child was allergic to gluten and endured months of symptoms before actually having a doctor test them for gluten allergies! How many of you have allergy symptoms without going to a doctor about it? I know I do.
Now, once we all realize that organic is the way to go, how can we ensure that we’re getting “organic” products? A lot of companies claim to be “all natural” and “organic,” when in reality, they are filled with lots of “stuff” that isn’t organic at all. Large corporate companies have begun to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to selling “organic” products. Many websites offer laundry lists of big companies that own smaller brand names which claim to be “all natural.” But what does this mean for what we should expect?
The Organic Consumers Association published an article by Dr. Bronner in which he offers a list of what consumers expect from organic products. Some of the various expectations were things such as no petrochemicals in the ingredients, no petrochemical preservatives, no cleansing or moisturizing agents derived from “conventionally-produced agricultural material that may have been grown using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.” Sounds to me like we should all just stick to consuming that which we know...good old-fashioned homegrown ingredients!
But obviously not everyone has the money to shop at high end natural grocers, so is there an alternative for those of us who wish to buy organic but just don't know how or where to go? Well, the next time you’re at the store buying groceries, just take a minute and remember to stop and take notice of the "stuff" in the products you’re purchasing. Just because it says “all natural” or “organic,” doesn't mean all unwanted chemicals are excluded (this is especially true for people with allergies!). So go beyond looking at the “active” ingredients, and do your part to remain loyal to organic farms by checking out your local farmers markets. Keeping it simple is key to keeping it healthy. If you have any recommendations to share, we would love to hear from you!
Buying organic is good for the body, good for the mind, and good for the soul!
Wishing you health!
With thanks to Alice Theoand Natalie Maynor for the images...
Shani Canillas-Rucker
