“All Natural” vs. Organic Foods: What’s the Real Difference?

As consumers grow ever more contentious about their food choices, more and more companies are striving to promote their products with the marketing spin of “100% All Natural,” — but are they really? Did you know, that foods labeled “all natural” can actually contain pesticides, herbicides, toxic heavy metals, trace amounts of PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls, used as a dialectic and coolant in food production), toxic fluoride, hidden MSG and more scary substances.

The only regulation of the term “natural” by the Food and Drug Administration is in regards to added color, synthetic substances and flavors.

The certification of Organic foods on the other hand requires stringent and ongoing oversight for producers to earn  the right to label their foods as organic.  Audits inclusive of annual inspections of farms and food handlers, periodic testing of soils and examinations of required paperwork to track all purchases and practices are just some of the steps that verify producers meet or exceed defined standards.  After a three year proven track record, those deemed worthy may be certified by the United States Department Agriculture to label their foods Organic.  Don’t be fooled by the “All natural” claims.  Make sure and look for the government seal of approval before you buy.   

**Sources:

The Wall Street Journal, “Is Your Dinner 'All Natural'?” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903374004576580671156407598.html

Live-The-Organic-Life.com, “Natural vs. Organic”,http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/natural-vs-organic.html, “Definition of Organic” http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/definition-of-organic.html

 

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to the Blog of Custom Organics – your source for nutritiously delicious cereals, snacks and bars you create yourself!  Our products are perfect for anyone who lives an active healthy lifestyle.  Maybe you are just getting into a health kick and need a tasty treat that meets your dietary needs? Or maybe you are already highly health conscious and like to plan ahead for meals and snacks you can feel good about (moms, we know YOU love this).
 

In a time where we are inundated with unhealthy food choices and fast food restaurants are prevalent on just about every major street, it can be difficult to find healthy snacks that can truly be called both healthy and tasty.   Our 100% customizable organic food products provide a unique opportunity - Whether selecting to mix it up with one of our snack paks, opting for organic cereal as part of a healthy breakfast, or needing a convenient option when you are on the go, Custom Organics has you covered. 

Our customizable snacks feature ALL organic ingredients.  First you pick your base of cereal, muesli, or granola.  Then you mix up however you like with dried fruit, nuts, seeds, nutritional infusions, even candies!  All products come in environmentally friendly, bio-degradable packaging, feature your own custom name and can be conveniently shipped to your home or office.   There’s no reason to compromise taste for health anymore.  Stay tuned to the Custom Organics blog for updates on the launch of our online store!

 

Why Go Organic?

These days everyone is talking about the health benefits of organic food.  If you have not already hopped on this emerging Tractor of Health trend, you might be wondering if it is really THAT big of a deal. True, organic foods cost more, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.  Not only do organic foods taste better, but organic food production is better for the environment while helping to stimulate rural communities and maximize our scarce water resources.   Here are some more reasons to go organic:

Healthier Crops = A Healthier You

Containing fewer residues of pesticides, organic crops develop a natural defense mechanism in the form of chemicals all called phenols. Also, studies show that organic produce contains more vitamins and important trace minerals.

No Need to Fear 

Organic farming exercises a zero-tolerance approach towards genetically modified (GM) crops. The Soil Association, one of the UK's two organic accreditation organizations believes the effects GM crops are unknown and untested and no one knows what the long-term health implications really are.  By providing non-GM food, organic farming provides the worldwide consumer with options and the choice to know what they are getting - and just what went into bringing it to their table. 

More Environmentally Friendly

Organic farming minimizes the need for chemical inputs, thereby limiting damage to the environment. It is a more sustainable method of farming than conventional techniques and promotes biodiversity, or increased diversity of both plant and animal life.

Organic Meats – No Mystery Here

Grass fed meat is better for both the welfare of the animals and your health. Animals raised for slaughter on organic farms are not treated with hormones or antibiotics; they live freely outdoors and are fed natural diets for most if not all of their lives.

We will have more fun facts on why to go organic coming soon, but here is one last feel good fact for today - Foods that are not treated with preservatives or pesticides do not hold up as well as those that are when being transported long distances.   Therefore most organic foods, (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) are often sold locally, allowing you to support your local producers while making the healthier choice for you and your family to go organic! 

Sources:

**Organic Trade Association (OTA) - “Us Organic Industry Overview” http://www.ota.com/pics/documents/2011OrganicIndustrySurvey.pdf

**Organic Trade Association (OTA) - “10 Reasons to Go Organic” http://www.ota.com/organic_and_you/10reasons.html

**Royal Society of Chemistry (RCA)- ”Organic vs Non-organic Farming - The Debate”

http://www.rsc.org/chemsoc/chembytes/hottopics/organic/index.asp

**Organic Consumers Association (OCA) – “Organic Food Promotes Health & Ethical Choice”http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/ronnie051203.cfm
NKSQGUVPP9YF