I've also found that organic produce lasts longer. I've had lettuce, for example, from my local organic farm, that lasted TWO weeks!! I'm not joking. It stayed crisp and beautiful for all that time, until I finished it. It was also huge in size.
I think the question is "can you AFFORD to have cancer???"
I recently read a study that found everyone they tested, including NEW BORN BABIES, had glyphosate in their systems. Has anyone thought about autism?? That was a pretty rare thing a long time ago, now its frequency is rather large. Instead of blaming vaccines as the sole cause, they should consider the pesticides and their overuse on all the crops. Does the public know that big Agra uses glyphosate to DRY grains after harvest?? Yes. So all the wheat, oats, etc. are sprayed with another dose of TOXINS before production/shipping starts.
If the government banned all pesticides on crops, except what's permissible for organic farming, there'd be no price issue because EVERYONE would be on a level playing field. The ones who might suffer, slightly, is the chemical and pesticide industry. I say, TOO BAD, our collective health is FAR MORE IMPORTANT than corporate profits. Find something else to do that benefits society without killing it.
Yes! Definitely worthwhile to eat organic food. It is not only healthier to us humans and animals, healthier for Mother Earth. As a 68 yr old adult, I've been eating organic food since I was 29yrs. My Dad grrw a vegetable garden without using pesticides or herbicides back in the 60,s and 70's. He grew up eating home made food from scratch and is still kicking at 99yrs. I raised my family on organic food. Yes, it was expensive. My attitude was and still is, my body, our bodies were worth it. Organic food tastes better overall♥️
Go Jen! I love your organic fruit flies piece! It seems high school students (and blue collar workers who spotted the globalists early on for what they really are) have more smarts and alert questioning minds than the so-called well-educated who don't notice the high cost of cheap food will be paid later in life with poor health.
I once had a 13-year-old research assistant who was amazing: energetic, bright, motivated, always on time. At the same time I was mentoring a 21-year-old college student. The 13 year old was so much farther along, in maturity and work ethic. Another reason why I believe that age is just a number...
There is something repeatable here. That is uncompromised science doesn't need a lot of resources to make a claim and gather evidence. I think we should try to build out scaled down versions of all important experiments in history from the tobacco mosaic virus experiment to Ben Franklin's Kite flying and see what still stacks up.
Great article. For me, the question is not whether it's worth it to buy organic; it's whether to grow organic. I do, but it's not easy. I have to put up with pests and diseases. I hand pick worms and insect pests, remove diseased portions of plants and burn them, do a lot of composting, rotate crops, save seeds from the plants that are the most disease resistant, plant cover crops for green manure, etc.
It's a lot of work, and it's a challenge - but yes - it's worth it. When my apples have worms, I just cut out the bad parts and make applesauce.
Ok. I guess the writing is on the wall, but organic! Although in the winter in Alberta, Canada, that section gets a little threadbare. How about organic frozen fruit and veggies?
Tim: Dr. Aviva Romm, M.D. (she went to Yale's medical school in her 40s. Before that she was a homebirth midwife!), writes in one of her books that frozen is a great option, and that it can even be better, that is, more nutrient-dense than so-called fresh produce, because it is usually frozen right away. This point is reiterated in the book, The Forever Dog. They also say frozen raw food is a nutrient-dense and delicious option for animals. I think one of the only considerations if you eat a lot of organic frozen veggies and fruits is not to defrost in the microwave. In the meantime, you may want to try my cornbread recipe, which is made with organic frozen corn kernels. I just made a batch yesterday. If you short the frozen corn kernels, it comes out a little fluffier. If you add more, it is almost pudding-like: https://substack.com/@jennifermargulis/p-147338724
That's the key.... eating organic as much as possible whether due to availability or finances....in the long run, eating loads of varied fruits and veggies of all kinds and colors will truly bolster and repair your immune system, gut flora and help keep your blood vessels flexible....it all helps with longevity and keeping your faculties in perfect condition as you age. That's something we all want.
Here's another bonus: if you have certain negative markers in your genetics, e.g. diabetes, hypertension, even cancer.... eating loads of fruit and vegetables will actually help your body to prevent those very genes from switching on and becoming a chronic health issue. Unlike "frankenfoods" which actually precipitate the genetic markers to switch on these undesirable diseases and metastatic changes. They create massive internal inflammation which is the ultimate trigger to developing diseases. You'll even find you won't catch the common cold or flu hardly at all. I haven't had the flu (or a cold) in over 30 years, no joke. You also (if you go completely vegetarian or vegan) need to take some supplements, they are: vitamin D3, liposomal vitamin C, zinc and Algal DHA (your Omega 3 component) .These are necessary to prevent dementia and Parkinson's as you age, because we all need to supplement a little when eating just vegetarian or vegan. A small adjustment for massive benefits. Good luck 😉
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and detailed and inspiring comment, Diane Lee! And for your willingness to be open to the idea of eating more organic food, Tim!
Because organic is loaded with nutrients, you need less of it. Without the Farm Bill subsidizing the mass poisoning of our food, it would cost 4-8 times more than it does now. It's more profitable to keep us in a state of misery of our own choosing. Eating organic is a threat to profits of BIgPharma, BigAg and ShittyHealthCare.
So glad to see you writing about organic produce. Eating organic is SO important to good health. I became convinced a dozen years ago upon reading Dr. Theo Colborn's amazing book Our Stolen Future.
Yes, Alexandra! I read that book based on your recommendation. I want to read it again. So so good! And your advocacy of organic food and organic farming also helped me understand better how important both are! Have you had a chance to read Dr. Stephanie Seneff's TOXIC LEGACY?
I'd be really cautious about "organic" dairy, however. Lotta factory farms involved, purely for the profit associated with that O word. Cornucopia has a vetted list of the good vs the bad (eggs, too), and you'll rarely do better than seeking out a small dairy farmer will to sell you his milk directly (and raw). https://www.cornucopia.org/scorecard/dairy/
Thank you for this link, Dr. Falconer. I wish it were easier to get local raw milk (goat, cow, sheep, camel). Possibly better than so-called organic? Love the work Cornucopia does. Thank you for this link! Your comment has inspired me to redouble my efforts to find raw milk. There is a dairy that brings minimally processed milk to the farmers' market. It's delicious, but not raw. And also sold in plastic instead of glass...
Fresh from the farmer is likely better than merely organic, but you'd have to interview him or have a referral you trusted. You should find something on the Weston Price site. They used to have a url that had it pretty organized.
The fruit flies don' need no steenking budgets! They just know! "Spend it now, or pay the doctors later," one was heard piping up during this research.
Ria Chhabra’s work is very important especially given the age at which it was started and the dedication needed to see it through.
In my opinion it got to the main stream press etc. because it didn't really challenge the deeper issues of corporate food. People could easily dismiss the organic food as good for "knats/friut flies" as I am not a fly I can eat anything I want.
But the real economic costs of corporate food are hidden. Consider;
Organic fruits on trees are not sprayed, the soil is not fumigated or fertilized by synthetic fertilizer, herbicides are not used nor are pesticides. Thus ground water is not polluted, the creeks and rivers are not polluted the ocean is not polluted. And these are just fruit trees.
The cost of just removing toxins from ground water is astronomical. So if the economics of corporate food were priced in the produce section no one on planet earth could begin to afford them.
That type of analysis will never see the light of day. But the kind of work and science done by Ria gets a pass. Why? Because it never threatens their bottom line. It gives the appearance that corporate farmers are open to science that explores corporate and organic foods, but never challenges their economic and environmental burdens put on life and humans. These we all pay for whether we like it or not.
A very insightful and incisive comment, William. It's disheartening to realize how many vested interests there are in keeping us sick. Big Ag and Big Pharma want us fat, sick, and nearly dead so they can profit on our misery. Unfortunately Mother Earth is being polluted at breakneck speed. Fortunately, SHE can survive the onslaught, mostly thanks to the microbes. But can we humans?
Excellent question. I believe we can by doing our best to align with bacteria, the micro-cosmos your mom wrote about. Asian's are the best at foods (fermented) that confer deep health. Considering all they have been through Asians from India to Japan, Vietnam to the Arctic Circle have a deep if not symbiotic relationship with these beings.
One can see it on their faces. When in Korea (or in our home) Genie face is aglow when it is time to harvest napa cabbage and make Kim Chi. Same with Perilla leaves. Koreans historically fermented almost everything. Genie had me watch a Korean documentary on a Buddhist monestary and a small local community working together to make Kim Chi. One rarely sees such happiness in the faces of people, the monks an lay people were alive with happiness. The Lay people men and women were allowed to spend the nights at the monastery while making Kim Chi. The documentary was in Korean, but the video caught the spirit of the activity and the joy of the people.
In today's world our relationship with the micro-cosmos is lousy. They are our parents and we have been admonished to obey our parents in the commandments. But the micro-cosmos doesn't impose itself on any living being. Genie and I are doing our best to show our profound gratitude for all they do and have done for the last 3+ billion years on Earth. We know you and others around the world are too. So while a lot of humanity may fade away those who care for the earth and each other will abide. I have deep faith in such a path.
I’ve been an “organic girl” for over 15 years. Yes, you can tell the difference. Cost may be more, but not always significant. Love Publix Greenwise brand items, but some are not organic, so look for the organic label. They have a significant number items. ALDI is another great place to shop for organic foods. You do all sorts of things to make and keep your body fit and beautiful. Only makes sense to fuel it with healthy non-poisonous/toxic foods. Good for your insides and outsides as well.
Yes, Gale. Thank you for this comment. How do we spread the word to more people about this in a positive, inspiring, and gentle way? I can't tell you how many people--from every political perspective and walk of life (including many many family members)--scoff at the idea of buying organic food, or buying local. Many very wealthy friends insist they "can't afford it" but they do go out to eat, often for several meals a day...
That is discouraging. The last thing we need is more pesticide residue in our food. Another reason to know your local farming community and buy directly from them. I have noticed that Publix (a big supermarket chain in the southeast of the United States) has a generic organic brand, Greenwise, which offers fresh food at reasonable prices. Their produce often sells out. They can't seem to stock it fast enough. But since organic food spoils much more quickly, they probably prefer making customers wait and have to come back to having spoiled produce.
Actually, my organic produce lasts far longer than the commercial stuff. My local organic farm has incredible veggies, they far outlast the regular veggies from the grocery store.
That's interesting, Diane. Others have chime in to say the same. Food Lion also has an organic brand (I think it's called Nature's Way) and they often end up donating some to the local food banks because it spoils. I wonder if that's just lack of demand or poor handling or something? Perhaps it's not related to the food being organic at all? Also--these brands package the food in plastic. (Yuck.) Maybe that traps moisture and leads to quicker spoilage?
Mine come in plastic baggies generally, or brown paper bags. I store my produce with a paper towel sheet wrapped around, close the baggie with lots of air in the bag (as instructed by the farmers) and that's it.... I change the paper towel sheet every other day.
That's a perfect example of corporate Agra buying off the governments yet again. How disgusting. It's an outrage really. So many people have no idea either. Upsetting 😢
Yes! Worth eating organic. Natural grocers, farmer's market, houterite colony growers ..like Mennonite but these farmers make rhubarb wine and invite us to drink with them.. their children get to view hospitality with outsiders.. Montana at its finest.
That's wonderful, Donna. I imagine the growing season is not long in Montana though. I guess the solution is doing a lot of canning and preserving and having a really big freezer?
Thanks for taking the time to come by and comment, Lisa. Not all the posts are free though. I put the personal ones behind the paywall. I make a living as a writer. If I don't write, my family does not eat. Every reader and is appreciated, and we are especially grateful for Vibrant Life's paid subscribers. ❤️
I've also found that organic produce lasts longer. I've had lettuce, for example, from my local organic farm, that lasted TWO weeks!! I'm not joking. It stayed crisp and beautiful for all that time, until I finished it. It was also huge in size.
I think the question is "can you AFFORD to have cancer???"
I recently read a study that found everyone they tested, including NEW BORN BABIES, had glyphosate in their systems. Has anyone thought about autism?? That was a pretty rare thing a long time ago, now its frequency is rather large. Instead of blaming vaccines as the sole cause, they should consider the pesticides and their overuse on all the crops. Does the public know that big Agra uses glyphosate to DRY grains after harvest?? Yes. So all the wheat, oats, etc. are sprayed with another dose of TOXINS before production/shipping starts.
If the government banned all pesticides on crops, except what's permissible for organic farming, there'd be no price issue because EVERYONE would be on a level playing field. The ones who might suffer, slightly, is the chemical and pesticide industry. I say, TOO BAD, our collective health is FAR MORE IMPORTANT than corporate profits. Find something else to do that benefits society without killing it.
Yes! Definitely worthwhile to eat organic food. It is not only healthier to us humans and animals, healthier for Mother Earth. As a 68 yr old adult, I've been eating organic food since I was 29yrs. My Dad grrw a vegetable garden without using pesticides or herbicides back in the 60,s and 70's. He grew up eating home made food from scratch and is still kicking at 99yrs. I raised my family on organic food. Yes, it was expensive. My attitude was and still is, my body, our bodies were worth it. Organic food tastes better overall♥️
I totally agree.....the difference is like night and day. Our health is better off eating organic, it's just so important.
Dianas unite!
You’re right! There are many things we could cut out in order to afford healthy food!
Go Jen! I love your organic fruit flies piece! It seems high school students (and blue collar workers who spotted the globalists early on for what they really are) have more smarts and alert questioning minds than the so-called well-educated who don't notice the high cost of cheap food will be paid later in life with poor health.
I once had a 13-year-old research assistant who was amazing: energetic, bright, motivated, always on time. At the same time I was mentoring a 21-year-old college student. The 13 year old was so much farther along, in maturity and work ethic. Another reason why I believe that age is just a number...
There is something repeatable here. That is uncompromised science doesn't need a lot of resources to make a claim and gather evidence. I think we should try to build out scaled down versions of all important experiments in history from the tobacco mosaic virus experiment to Ben Franklin's Kite flying and see what still stacks up.
Great article. For me, the question is not whether it's worth it to buy organic; it's whether to grow organic. I do, but it's not easy. I have to put up with pests and diseases. I hand pick worms and insect pests, remove diseased portions of plants and burn them, do a lot of composting, rotate crops, save seeds from the plants that are the most disease resistant, plant cover crops for green manure, etc.
It's a lot of work, and it's a challenge - but yes - it's worth it. When my apples have worms, I just cut out the bad parts and make applesauce.
Ok. I guess the writing is on the wall, but organic! Although in the winter in Alberta, Canada, that section gets a little threadbare. How about organic frozen fruit and veggies?
Tim: Dr. Aviva Romm, M.D. (she went to Yale's medical school in her 40s. Before that she was a homebirth midwife!), writes in one of her books that frozen is a great option, and that it can even be better, that is, more nutrient-dense than so-called fresh produce, because it is usually frozen right away. This point is reiterated in the book, The Forever Dog. They also say frozen raw food is a nutrient-dense and delicious option for animals. I think one of the only considerations if you eat a lot of organic frozen veggies and fruits is not to defrost in the microwave. In the meantime, you may want to try my cornbread recipe, which is made with organic frozen corn kernels. I just made a batch yesterday. If you short the frozen corn kernels, it comes out a little fluffier. If you add more, it is almost pudding-like: https://substack.com/@jennifermargulis/p-147338724
Thanks! No worries on the microwave, we could get rid of it and no one would notice since we barely use it.
They're excellent too, especially the fruits. Frozen fruits make great desserts too. They work well in cooking. The tip is, don't over cook them. 😉
Ok, switching over as much as possible to organic, thanks!
That's the key.... eating organic as much as possible whether due to availability or finances....in the long run, eating loads of varied fruits and veggies of all kinds and colors will truly bolster and repair your immune system, gut flora and help keep your blood vessels flexible....it all helps with longevity and keeping your faculties in perfect condition as you age. That's something we all want.
Here's another bonus: if you have certain negative markers in your genetics, e.g. diabetes, hypertension, even cancer.... eating loads of fruit and vegetables will actually help your body to prevent those very genes from switching on and becoming a chronic health issue. Unlike "frankenfoods" which actually precipitate the genetic markers to switch on these undesirable diseases and metastatic changes. They create massive internal inflammation which is the ultimate trigger to developing diseases. You'll even find you won't catch the common cold or flu hardly at all. I haven't had the flu (or a cold) in over 30 years, no joke. You also (if you go completely vegetarian or vegan) need to take some supplements, they are: vitamin D3, liposomal vitamin C, zinc and Algal DHA (your Omega 3 component) .These are necessary to prevent dementia and Parkinson's as you age, because we all need to supplement a little when eating just vegetarian or vegan. A small adjustment for massive benefits. Good luck 😉
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and detailed and inspiring comment, Diane Lee! And for your willingness to be open to the idea of eating more organic food, Tim!
Because organic is loaded with nutrients, you need less of it. Without the Farm Bill subsidizing the mass poisoning of our food, it would cost 4-8 times more than it does now. It's more profitable to keep us in a state of misery of our own choosing. Eating organic is a threat to profits of BIgPharma, BigAg and ShittyHealthCare.
So glad to see you writing about organic produce. Eating organic is SO important to good health. I became convinced a dozen years ago upon reading Dr. Theo Colborn's amazing book Our Stolen Future.
Yes, Alexandra! I read that book based on your recommendation. I want to read it again. So so good! And your advocacy of organic food and organic farming also helped me understand better how important both are! Have you had a chance to read Dr. Stephanie Seneff's TOXIC LEGACY?
I'd be really cautious about "organic" dairy, however. Lotta factory farms involved, purely for the profit associated with that O word. Cornucopia has a vetted list of the good vs the bad (eggs, too), and you'll rarely do better than seeking out a small dairy farmer will to sell you his milk directly (and raw). https://www.cornucopia.org/scorecard/dairy/
Thank you for this link, Dr. Falconer. I wish it were easier to get local raw milk (goat, cow, sheep, camel). Possibly better than so-called organic? Love the work Cornucopia does. Thank you for this link! Your comment has inspired me to redouble my efforts to find raw milk. There is a dairy that brings minimally processed milk to the farmers' market. It's delicious, but not raw. And also sold in plastic instead of glass...
Fresh from the farmer is likely better than merely organic, but you'd have to interview him or have a referral you trusted. You should find something on the Weston Price site. They used to have a url that had it pretty organized.
The fruit flies don' need no steenking budgets! They just know! "Spend it now, or pay the doctors later," one was heard piping up during this research.
🤣
Haha!
Hi Jennifer
Ria Chhabra’s work is very important especially given the age at which it was started and the dedication needed to see it through.
In my opinion it got to the main stream press etc. because it didn't really challenge the deeper issues of corporate food. People could easily dismiss the organic food as good for "knats/friut flies" as I am not a fly I can eat anything I want.
But the real economic costs of corporate food are hidden. Consider;
Organic fruits on trees are not sprayed, the soil is not fumigated or fertilized by synthetic fertilizer, herbicides are not used nor are pesticides. Thus ground water is not polluted, the creeks and rivers are not polluted the ocean is not polluted. And these are just fruit trees.
The cost of just removing toxins from ground water is astronomical. So if the economics of corporate food were priced in the produce section no one on planet earth could begin to afford them.
That type of analysis will never see the light of day. But the kind of work and science done by Ria gets a pass. Why? Because it never threatens their bottom line. It gives the appearance that corporate farmers are open to science that explores corporate and organic foods, but never challenges their economic and environmental burdens put on life and humans. These we all pay for whether we like it or not.
A very insightful and incisive comment, William. It's disheartening to realize how many vested interests there are in keeping us sick. Big Ag and Big Pharma want us fat, sick, and nearly dead so they can profit on our misery. Unfortunately Mother Earth is being polluted at breakneck speed. Fortunately, SHE can survive the onslaught, mostly thanks to the microbes. But can we humans?
> But can we humans?
Excellent question. I believe we can by doing our best to align with bacteria, the micro-cosmos your mom wrote about. Asian's are the best at foods (fermented) that confer deep health. Considering all they have been through Asians from India to Japan, Vietnam to the Arctic Circle have a deep if not symbiotic relationship with these beings.
One can see it on their faces. When in Korea (or in our home) Genie face is aglow when it is time to harvest napa cabbage and make Kim Chi. Same with Perilla leaves. Koreans historically fermented almost everything. Genie had me watch a Korean documentary on a Buddhist monestary and a small local community working together to make Kim Chi. One rarely sees such happiness in the faces of people, the monks an lay people were alive with happiness. The Lay people men and women were allowed to spend the nights at the monastery while making Kim Chi. The documentary was in Korean, but the video caught the spirit of the activity and the joy of the people.
In today's world our relationship with the micro-cosmos is lousy. They are our parents and we have been admonished to obey our parents in the commandments. But the micro-cosmos doesn't impose itself on any living being. Genie and I are doing our best to show our profound gratitude for all they do and have done for the last 3+ billion years on Earth. We know you and others around the world are too. So while a lot of humanity may fade away those who care for the earth and each other will abide. I have deep faith in such a path.
I’ve been an “organic girl” for over 15 years. Yes, you can tell the difference. Cost may be more, but not always significant. Love Publix Greenwise brand items, but some are not organic, so look for the organic label. They have a significant number items. ALDI is another great place to shop for organic foods. You do all sorts of things to make and keep your body fit and beautiful. Only makes sense to fuel it with healthy non-poisonous/toxic foods. Good for your insides and outsides as well.
Yes, Gale. Thank you for this comment. How do we spread the word to more people about this in a positive, inspiring, and gentle way? I can't tell you how many people--from every political perspective and walk of life (including many many family members)--scoff at the idea of buying organic food, or buying local. Many very wealthy friends insist they "can't afford it" but they do go out to eat, often for several meals a day...
Aldi does have good prices and a lot of variety in their organic sections.
Also, their regular food items generally contain fewer ingredients, which I have come to realize is an important point!
The corporate supermarkets would dearly love to increase the quantity
and range of the organic fruits and vegies they sell - but there's customer
resistance to the products relatively higher prices...
The corporate Solution ? Lobby governments to widen the definition
of 'organic'...
('GMO is out, gene-edited is in... In Australia, food corporationss are no
longer required to list any of the GMO (aka - gene edited) ingredients in
their products... So, expect the definition of 'organic' to include for the
allowance of a certain amount of pesticide etc residue...)
That is discouraging. The last thing we need is more pesticide residue in our food. Another reason to know your local farming community and buy directly from them. I have noticed that Publix (a big supermarket chain in the southeast of the United States) has a generic organic brand, Greenwise, which offers fresh food at reasonable prices. Their produce often sells out. They can't seem to stock it fast enough. But since organic food spoils much more quickly, they probably prefer making customers wait and have to come back to having spoiled produce.
Actually, my organic produce lasts far longer than the commercial stuff. My local organic farm has incredible veggies, they far outlast the regular veggies from the grocery store.
That's interesting, Diane. Others have chime in to say the same. Food Lion also has an organic brand (I think it's called Nature's Way) and they often end up donating some to the local food banks because it spoils. I wonder if that's just lack of demand or poor handling or something? Perhaps it's not related to the food being organic at all? Also--these brands package the food in plastic. (Yuck.) Maybe that traps moisture and leads to quicker spoilage?
Mine come in plastic baggies generally, or brown paper bags. I store my produce with a paper towel sheet wrapped around, close the baggie with lots of air in the bag (as instructed by the farmers) and that's it.... I change the paper towel sheet every other day.
Thank you for these tips!
I find that my organic produce lasts as long as inorganic.
Remove from the plastic container and store in glass.
Good advice Laura!
That's a perfect example of corporate Agra buying off the governments yet again. How disgusting. It's an outrage really. So many people have no idea either. Upsetting 😢
🫤
Yes! Worth eating organic. Natural grocers, farmer's market, houterite colony growers ..like Mennonite but these farmers make rhubarb wine and invite us to drink with them.. their children get to view hospitality with outsiders.. Montana at its finest.
That's wonderful, Donna. I imagine the growing season is not long in Montana though. I guess the solution is doing a lot of canning and preserving and having a really big freezer?
Thank you for making your publication free and accessible for everyone, Jennifer!❤️🙏
Thanks for taking the time to come by and comment, Lisa. Not all the posts are free though. I put the personal ones behind the paywall. I make a living as a writer. If I don't write, my family does not eat. Every reader and is appreciated, and we are especially grateful for Vibrant Life's paid subscribers. ❤️
100% yes!!
Another fantastic share 💐
Thank you, Barbara.