Extraordinary Health Magazine EH Magazine VOl 33_Final | Page 39
Why choose organic?
It makes sense why many consumers are especially
tapped into organic fruits and vegetables, as
they comprise a significant portion of the daily
recommended food intake for optimal health. There
are many benefits of going organic, but some of the top
reasons include no risk of GMOs, toxic chemicals, and a
more nutritionally sound as well as tastier experience.
Unfortunately, genetically modified organisms
comprise over 90 percent of the most common crops
in the U.S. today, according to the Center for Food
Safety. Despite various studies which have linked GMO
foods to negative health effects, there continues to be
FDA controversy regarding the safety of these crops,
including many conventional vegetables and fruits.
Choosing organic helps to eliminate the potential risk
of these altered foods.
Further, organic foods are free of highly toxic synthetic
pesticides that are common with conventional
produce. Research has found synthetic pesticides to
be associated with many chronic health conditions, as
cited by reports in the US National Library of Medicine
and other sources.
In addition, studies have shown that synthetic
fertilizers can even impact nutritional value and
taste. Organic foods may contain 18 to 69 percent
higher concentrations of antioxidants, as reported
by the British Journal of Nutrition. This is likely since
synthetic fertilizers as well as pesticides inhibit a plant’s
production of phytonutrients, such as antioxidants,
according to Organic.org. In turn, organic produce
cultivated without these inhibitors is higher in
antioxidants, which may explain their richer and more
intense flavors, according to the British Journal of
Nutrition.
Starting your own organic garden
For many people, growing their own produce can be
one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences,
as it allows for total control over one of the major food
sources. It is also very cost-effective, as buying organic
can be very expensive. Growing your own garden
also allows for cultivating crops that may be difficult
to attain locally, or specific varieties unavailable
throughout the year. With mini greenhouses, indoor
grow tents and lights, it has become relatively easy to
manage a climate-controlled garden, if you choose.
After deciding upon an outdoor or indoor garden,
evaluate individual needs and resources. Starting small
and expanding is almost always better than committing
to an unmanageable large scale garden. For smaller
spaces, container or window gardens are a great choice
for herbs, cherry tomatoes, and of course flowers.
Good Housekeeping suggests picking up a few
essential tools, including a trowel set, soil
test kit, a compost bin, garden gloves and a
lightweight watering can. The soil test kit is
especially important, as soil is the foundation
for successful growing. For best results,
plan to compost about two months prior to
planting, using organic materials such as
fallen leaves, grass clippings, and manure.
Some people prefer to start with seeds, while
others prefer to plant crops. Keep in mind
that some foods and flowers are better to
grow from seed, including sunflowers, dill,
sweet peas, squash and cucumbers, says
Good Housekeeping. When going with crops,
group like kinds together to reduce weeding
and water waste. Zucchini and tomatoes are
some good choices for beginners. To avoid
pests, ensure plants remain healthy, with
adequate light, nutrients and moisture.
While some insects can actually be beneficial
to a garden, if needed seek out horticultural
oils, garlic or hot pepper sprays to help repel
excessive pests.
Best choices for spring and summer
planting
Some of the best warm season produce to
grow includes the aforementioned seed
and crop suggestions, as well as snap peas,
corn, cucumbers, peppers, and melons like
honeydew, according to Sunset. Cabbage,
lettuce, spinach and raspberries are also
good spring and summer crops, says
Urban Farmer. For flowers, there are plenty
of beautiful varieties that add color, but
marigolds, black-eyed susans, aster, hibiscus
and zinnias are some great choices for the
warmer seasons.
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