Understanding Organics & GMO's

What’s the Difference Between GMO and Organic Food, and Why Does It Matter?

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At Synergistic Wellness, we’re all about promoting the benefits of organic, natural foods. While not everyone has access to the best food options, it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body. Our website provides resources to help you make choices that improve your health and the world around you, which is why we offer the following information about what it means to buy Organic and Non-GMO foods.

These days, more people are choosing organic foods because they offer many benefits for health and the environment. Organic food isn’t just good for us—it’s better for the planet, too. Here’s why organic food is important:

Organics

Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides or genetic modifications. Non-organic foods, however, often contain chemicals or are genetically changed to look or grow differently.

It’s important to note that while "Non-GMO" means the food isn’t genetically modified, it doesn’t mean it’s organic. But all organic foods are automatically non-GMO.

So, what does “organic” really mean? Organic foods follow strict rules that protect the soil, nature, and the environment. These rules vary by country but are enforced through a certification process.

GMO

Now, let’s talk about GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and conventional foods. GMOs can be harmful to health, potentially leading to new diseases and unknown effects on our bodies. GMO crops can also affect the environment by creating superbugs, superweeds, and new viruses.

Here’s an interesting story: A 9-year-old girl tried growing a sweet potato from the grocery store, but it didn’t sprout. She then bought an organic sweet potato, and it started to grow vines. Later, she tried a sweet potato from a local farmers market, and it grew even better. The non-organic sweet potato didn’t sprout because it was treated with pesticides. This simple experiment shows how organic produce can be more nutritious and better for growth.

The phrase “you are what you eat” really applies here. The best way to give your body the nutrients it needs is by eating local organic foods, then store-bought organic, and finally—if you have no other option—conventional GMO foods.

We also need to think about food waste. In the U.S., we waste around 120 billion pounds of food each year, which is about 40% of all the food produced. This waste ends up in landfills and harms the environment. Learning about things like fermenting, food storage, and composting can help reduce this problem.

Another point to consider is where your money goes. Supporting local farmers is better than giving money to big corporations. Buying local food not only helps the economy but also cuts down on pollution from food transportation. It’s a healthier and more eco-friendly choice.

Choosing organic means avoiding harmful chemicals and GMOs, which can have unknown effects on our genes. Organic produce is known to have more nutrients and often tastes better. Plus, when you eat local, organic food, you’re also supporting the environment.

Eating organic isn’t just about a healthier diet—it’s a choice that benefits the planet. When you understand the difference between organic and GMO foods, the decision is clear. Don’t let the ease of conventional grocery stores keep you from making healthier choices. Explore your community, find local options, or even start something yourself! The power is in your hands.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791249/

https://www.rts.com/resources/guides/food-waste-america/#:~:text=Just%20how%20much%20food%20do,120%20billion%20pounds%20%E2%80%94%20every%20year.

1. Hort Science Vol. 41

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