The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up our lives and brought the world as we knew it to a screeching halt. The disease poses severe health risks to everyone out there, but even so, it’s reorienting our lifestyles for good in some ways. In fact, we’re seeing some positive lifestyle changes coming out of the novel coronavirus. For example, more and more people are now seeking ways to improve their physical and mental well-being.
If you’re looking to take care of your health during these testing times, a well-balanced diet with organic foods at its focus is an excellent place to start. Here are five reasons why you should switch to organic food during this pandemic.
Boosts Immunity
Your immune system is your first line of defense against infections, such as COVID-19. Organic produce is rich in various essential nutrients and vitamins, including Vitamin B6, C, and E. All of these nutrients are important for supporting a robust immune system. Since traditional farming is done with a focus on quantity instead of quality, the final products may lack the fullest possible content of these vital nutrients. Moreover, the chemicals used in growing traditional crops are bad for your health, and they may do more harm than good to your immune system.
Free of Harmful Chemicals
Unlike commercial farming, organic food is produced through natural means and without dangerous chemicals like synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. As such, you can rest assured that the products you buy and consume are not laden with residual toxins known to cause various diseases. For this reason, regular consumption of organic food is associated with a lower risk of health problems, such as heart disease and cancer.
Rich in Antioxidants
Organic crops are rich in antioxidants because they are not treated with synthetic chemicals. High antioxidants in organic fresh fruits and vegetables mean they offer you many health benefits in addition to reducing the risks of some major health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairment.
Eco-Friendly
Many people fail to understand the adverse effects of commercial, non-organic farming on the environment. The synthetic fertilizers disrupt the soil quality, making it less habitable to the billions of essential microorganisms that call it home. Plus, pesticides don’t only kill insects that are harmful to the plants, but they also eradicate large populations of essential pollinators and thus reduce biodiversity. Not to mention that these toxic chemicals make their way into the air and water near the fields, impacting human health close to and, in some cases, distant from the farms. Since organic produce doesn’t use these chemicals, it is more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Better Flavors
The elimination of synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals from the organic farming process and the high antioxidant concentrations of the food impact its organoleptic properties, improving smell, texture, and taste. As such, organic foods are flavorsome and taste better than their commercial counterparts.
Convenient to Buy
While finding organic food in the past was a hassle, it is now available in every other grocery store. It is a good idea to subscribe to an organic grocery delivery service, like Farmbox Direct, to get fresh produce boxes at your doorsteps, without having to go to the supermarket each time.
There are many reliable produce box delivery services out there that can get organic fruits and vegetables to your home every week. The good news is that even individuals in high-risk groups for COVID-19 can regularly purchase healthy and fresh fruits and vegetables with this option.