The term “organic” has become something of a marketing term in the last few years, particularly in terms of fruits and vegetables. Many companies use the term to justify an increased price over traditional options, clouding the benefits that true organic foods bring to the table. What are you to think about the value of organic? Our nutritionist in Kansas City digs in to help you understand the benefits of organic fruits and vegetables.

At its core, “organic” just means that the fruits and vegetables in question were grown in natural, healthy ways, free from the types of pesticides and fertilizers that may have a long-term effect on a person’s health.

In truth, true organic fruits and vegetables are more than worth the price you’ll be asked to pay for a wide range of different health benefits that you just won’t find anywhere else.

• Organic Foods Don’t Contain GMOs

GMO is an acronym that stands for “Genetically Modified Organism.“ A GMO is a type of food with DNA that has been altered by scientists on a cellular level, creating an end product that had no way of occurring in nature. While it is true that the United States Food and Drug Administration has done testing to confirm that GMOs are safe, this testing has always been short-term in nature. Basically, we just don’t know enough about the long-term health effects to really make that determination.

What we do know is that GMOs have been linked to not only intestinal problems in certain people, but increased food allergies as well. Choosing to embrace organic fruits and vegetables means that you don’t have to worry about this at all.

• Organic Fruits and Veggies Don’t Use Pesticides

For many farmers, pesticides are a way of life. In truth, there are few more efficient ways to protect large crops from predators, insects, molds and even diseases. The issue is that pesticides often leave a residue on the fruits or vegetables that have been known to cause health problems in humans. Some people may be allergic to pesticides, for example, and other pesticides may not have gone through the proper testing to know what negative side effects they create on a long-term scale. Buying organic means that this is yet another issue that you don’t have to concern yourself with.

• Organic Fruits and Vegetables Are Often the Freshest

Perhaps the biggest health benefit that you’ll get by embracing organic fruits and vegetables is that this type of produce tends to be the freshest, particularly when you’re also buying locally. Not only will you get the best tasting fruits and vegetables that money can buy (which will be worth the nominal price increase for many people alone), but you also get all of the vitamins and nutrients when they’re at their full force at the same time.

These are just a few of the many benefits that you’ll get from organic fruits and vegetables that most people would consider to be more than worth the price. To find out more information about organic produces or about how to live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lifestyle in general, feel free to call your nutritionist Kansas City professionals at AYC Health & Fitness today at 913-642-4437 or click to book a consultation. You can also reach Ellen Breeding, a certified nutritionist and personal trainer at 913-642-4437 #102.