Why buy organic?

I know it might be more expensive in the short term, but in the longer term there are definitely savings to be had in terms of the implications on your health and wellbeing.

For your body

In theory, the soft skinned fruits and vegetables such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, apples and raspberries have the greatest likelihood of carrying high levels of chemical residues, which can’;t be washed off. These chemicals build up in your body over time, which can cause a disturbance to its natural intelligence and - from an Ayurvedic perspective - lead to an accumulation of ‘ama’, the underlying cause of all disease.

‘Ama’ is a Sanskrit word that translates literally to mean things like “unripe,” “uncooked,” “raw,” “immature,” or “undigested.” Essentially, it is a form of un-metabolised waste that cannot be utilized by the body. To some degree, the formation of small amounts of ama is a normal part of the digestive process, provided it is efficiently removed. But when it is not regularly cleared and eliminated, ama becomes hugely problematic. In fact, ama is said to be the root cause of all disease, and amaya, a Sanskrit word for disease literally means “that which is born out of ama.” Essentially, it is the result of poor digestion when the body fails to fully metabolise food or emotions.

For Everybody

The choices you make when you shop have implications. It’s like the Children’s Fire and the fact that indigenous culture in what we call North America, would meet around a fire and make decisions based on how that decision would affect seven generations. This is quite in contrast to our modern approach, where for the most part people in power only consider the implications on themselves and if we’re lucky, their children’s generation.

Supporting organic farming ensures that your food will be produced with respect for the environment and landscape, with love and kindness to your body and for the farmers and their families and communities.

If you are questioning the cost of organic, then remember, it is far cheaper to buy organic produce and staples, then it is to eat out. When you eat out, you have no idea where your food has come from, nor the energy which has gone into it - the chef may be angry, totally disinterested, and all of that negative energy goes into the food you eat and this has implications for how you feel. However if you cook at home from scratch, not only do you save money, but you can put love (and Reiki) into the food you prepare for yourself and those you love.

On a budget

The Environmental Working Group publishes its annual lists of conventional (nonorganic) foods with the highest and lowest amounts of pesticide residue after washing. Thus if your budget is tight then perhaps consult the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists and choose organic when buying the foods on the first list.

We are lucky here on Guernsey that there is currently a plentiful supply of home grown foods on the hedge, which help to keep the costs down. The one;y problem is we don’t always know if the foods have been grown without sprays, so you might just have to ask the seller. But we do have the lovely and amazing Hansa for staples and also now The Farm Shop plus Waitrose have really upped their game with organic produce and products lately.

I tend to buy in bulk the basics from www.healthysupplies.co.uk. Maybe it’s a bit weird, but I get very excited when I receive the box of organic goodies, which I know will feed my family well over the coming weeks while supporting the organic farmers, communities and those who actually care about organic farming and the implications for the planet and wider community.

For me, making my own food from scratch with love and Reiki, just feels lovely. I LOVE baking especially, and find this grounding, like a form of meditation. Admittedly I do spend a lot of time in the kitchen, sometimes before bed you will find me ‘winding down’ with a quick batch of flapjacks, or whatever recipe I am keen to try out. I am currently back using Deliciously Ella’s cookbook, which has some great recipes in it. And I love Lucinda Miller’s The Good Stuff too. Plus some Ayurvedic ones.

Anyway, that’s just a little something to leave you with.

Love Emma x