According to a new study by Newcastle University on organic versus conventional crops, organic farming methods have a positive impact on your health, as they lead to substantially higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of pesticides in crops. Antioxidants have been linked to lower risk of cancer and other diseases in humans, and – because nature is wise – plants produce their own antioxidants to defend themselves from pests and diseases. However, whenever synthetic pesticides are applied, they cause plants to lose their ability to generate antioxidants for their own defenses.

How do organic foods benefit you?

• Organic crops contain an average of 17% more antioxidants than conventionally grown crops.
• Some organic crops, including fruits, vegetables, and grains, have as much as 60% higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds than conventional crops.
• The level of flavanones, which are associated with a lower risk of a stroke, were 69% higher in organic foods.
• Overall, levels of synthetic pesticides were found to be 10 to 100 times lower in organic foods than in conventional foods.

Does this mean that crops can’t be farmed with pesticides?

Organic farming consists of providing you, the consumer, with the freshest, most tasty and authentic foods while respecting natural life-cycle systems. This means no GMO’s, no synthetic pesticides and no unnatural solutions can be applied to crops. However, natural pesticides like neem, that do not harm the human body or kill beneficial insects, can be used. The neem tree has been used as an organic crop care solution for centuries! It has many medicinal and agricultural appliances, which is why foods produced using neem do not lead to harmful side effects. Neem’s main compound, Azadirachtin, works as a natural repellent for pests, that does not kill the insect on contact, but instead prevents them from feeding on the plant. Another plus for neem is that it is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, and also works as a completely natural fertilizer. Have you tried using neem for your garden or farm? Let us know in the comments below!

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This revelation poses a significant question: Who should we trust to make our food? If products are brought into the US and marketed as organic, shouldn’t you be able to trust that the grain, fruits, or veggies were produced in sustainable, environmentally friendly and responsible way, as opposed to the typical, conventional options that degrade our environment? Yes, but that is not always the case.

This proves the existence of fraudulent manufacturers that look only for the bottom line in organic food production. Not only does it affect you, the consumer, when you pay extra for the safety, health, and nutrition benefits that come with organic foods, but it also takes revenue away from the organic farmers who truly believe that agriculture and the earth can survive sustainably and harmoniously.

What can you do to prevent this from happening and ensure that all food is produced transparently, sustainably and responsibly? Become an informed consumer and learn more about the organic system to support natural, sustainable practices, like using neem-based products in the agricultural process. When using neem to produce food, not only do crops thrive, but also the health of the planet improves. Neem is safe for beneficials and improves soil quality. Most importantly, neem is safe for you! How do you support organic practices?

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Environmental Health Perspectives has published multiple studies on the effect of an organic diet on children living in low-income urban and agricultural communities. What these studies prove is remarkable! In one, children first ate conventionally grown food for four days, organic food for seven days, and then conventional food for five days. Urine samples were collected each day, and researchers found that after eating a purely organic diet, levels of organophosphates and 2,4-D declined.

In other studies published in this journal, but across non-agricultural communities, have shown the same results. Organophosphate pesticide levels in children declined after only several days of eating organic food. This implies that the traces of chemical pesticides in the body are caused by the consumption of conventionally produced agricultural products.

Why does the level of these toxins in your body matter? Pesticide exposure can cause many damaging and life-threatening health problems, reproductive issues, and birth defects. However, in order to successfully decrease use of synthetic pesticides, a viable alternative in crop care must be available. That natural alternative is neem-based biopesticides and fertilizers. Cost-effective and able to protect plants against over 600 pests, neem is the sustainable, safe solution that agriculture needs.

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