The guiding principles of Organic'ly Foods are important, and those start with all-organic products. Let’s talk about what that really means.
What is Organic?
“Organic” is the most heavily regulated and closely monitored agricultural system in the US. The USDA sets standards and guidelines that companies must follow for their products to be certified organic.
Organic foods are subject to very strict regulations, which include minimal processing. Organic also means that foods can not be genetically engineered, also known as “non-GMO”.
Additionally, the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers is prohibited in organic food production. And finally, organic food production prohibits the use of artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Organic food production supports healthier soil, a healthier environment, sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Organic food production also supports humane animal treatment and a higher level of nutrient integrity.
Why Should You Choose All-Organic Foods?
We have been eating organic for several years. For us, it was less about what organic foods include and more about what they do not include. And that’s the pesticides, the antibiotics, the growth hormones, and everything else conventionally produced foods are exposed to.
A lot of people get hung up on specific diets. That might be paleo, or keto, or gluten-free. But an important and often-overlooked factor is organic. Because if you're eating something that is gluten-free or grain-free but isn’t certified organic, it's still subject to everything that non-organic certified foods are exposed to.
Far too many people think that plant-based or paleo or keto diets are sufficiently healthy, but they really aren’t without that organic certification.
Now, organic doesn’t necessarily guarantee that a food is “healthy”. There are unhealthy organic foods; but it's at least a great place to start.
Eating Organic for Restricted Diets
Eating organic is also a healthier option for individuals with food allergies, dietary restrictions or other health concerns.
We’ve worked with people who have digestive issues, autoimmune disease, and chronic inflammation. And when we put non-organic foods into our bodies, that can exacerbate any existing issue.
Essentially, you're ingesting everything that non-organic foods are exposed to, including pesticides, GMOs, etc. And for many, once they replace processed non-organic foods with organic whole foods, a lot of these issues will improve.
This is so important to us because I [Jen] have Hashimoto's disease, so I have to stay away from anything exposed to pesticides because those foods make me feel worse. For me personally, sticking to 100% organic is the best thing for my body.
Additionally, there are now plenty of studies that show that glyphosate, which is one of the most common chemicals in the world, causes cancer. And in 2018, California finally acknowledged glyphosate as a toxic chemical and added it to their Prop 65 list of cancer-causing foods.
In general, when your food has an organic certification, the foods you eat are supportive of good health. In contrast, the things that foods are exposed to in conventional food production are not conducive to good health.
Long-Term Benefits
Another important thing to remember is that many health issues build up over time. For many, after years and years of choosing fruits, vegetables and other types of food non-organic, health issues start to pop up. Cancer, autoimmune, digestive issues, and aches and pains.
So why doesn’t everyone eat organic all the time? Well, the regulations surrounding organic food contribute to higher costs. Organic is more expensive. But who would you rather pay - your grocer now or your doctor later. Why not pay your grocer and live a healthier life, as opposed to years and decades of unhealthy eating that will eventually affect your long-term health?
In other words, yes we believe it's definitely worth the added cost.
So, we've defined what all-organic means — when everything used in a particular product is certified organic. And that's the Organic'ly difference.
Excited for an all-organic diet? Click here to check out our baking mixes.