Organic food and vegan meals are accompanied with a lot of stereotypes that make people shy away from changing their diet. Despite what you may have heard about organic food, the bottom line is that it is better for our bodies and the environment when compared to processed foods. This blog post discusses the different benefits of organic food!

1. What Is Organic Food?

 In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certifies any food with the Canada Organic label as organic. In order to receive this seal, food must meet certain standards during the production phase. These standards include how livestock is housed, how they are fed, transported and slaughtered. The guidelines also include how specific fruits and vegetables should be grown, processed and stored. Organic food standards vary by country and are often dependent on the local climate.

In order to retain organic certifications, producers must pass annual inspections conducted by the CFIA. These inspections also include unannounced visits to ensure all food labeled as organic is of the highest quality. Organic foods are commonly found in health food stores and sometimes in conventional grocery stores.

2. Organic Foods Help You Avoid Overeating

Organic food is full of complex carbs, which keep your body fuller for longer. Complex carbs reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many other diseases. Complex carbs take longer to digest which makes it easier for your body to regulate the hunger signals sent to your brain. Organic foods are full of complex carbs that are full of nutrients for your body to feast on.

Another way organic foods help you avoid overeating is they aren’t full of fillers. Processed foods are full of fillers, which are cheaper to produce and use less real ingredients. Your body quickly burns through fillers and additives, which leaves you hungry within hours of eating. When you have a diet heavy in fillers, you also have severe sugar and junk food cravings. Organic food is full of solid nutrients that keep your body full and healthy for longer periods.

3. Organic Foods Helps You Keep Cortisol Levels Under Control

Cortisol is a hormone often associated with stress. Many studies show that eating processed foods increases your cortisol production and your overall stress levels. When your body has lots of cortisol, it’s easier to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when difficult situations arise. Eating organic foods rich in vitamins and minerals helps to keep your cortisol levels under control. Foods high in Omega 3-fatty acids, magnesium, protein and other nutrients are excellent for maintaining your cortisol levels. You’ll notice you’ll have more mental clarity and an increased stress tolerance when you eat a diet high in organic foods.

4. Organic Food Is Better For The Environment

Organic farming techniques are significantly more sustainable than traditional farming. Organic farming reduces pollution, conserves water and uses less energy. Organic farms also have less soil erosion, which makes the soil significantly more fertile. Because organic farms use natural fertilizers instead of synthetic, the environment is much healthier for the animals and people who live nearby. Shopping at a health food store and supporting organic farmers is an excellent way to do your part for the environment.

5. Organic Food Is The Original Fast Food

Conventional fast food is full of additives, preservatives, and fillers that are horrible for your body. All the fillers in fast food leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Regular fast food also contains excessive levels of sodium, fat, and sugars that make them impossible to eat on a daily basis. Raw fruits and vegetables are the original fast foods. Even cooking an organically raised piece of meat is ultimately quicker and much healthier for you. Our bodies are designed to eat organic foods which is why they keep us fuller and healthier for longer.