Home & Garden
Eating Organic in St. Charles
Eating organic is good for your health and it's good for the planet. But sometimes, it can be hard to find. Here's where to get the best organic foods in and around St. Charles.
Did you know that eating conventional produce increases your risk of pesticide contamination by 30%? And chowing down on non-organic chicken and pork increases your risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria by 33 percent? This is all according to a 2012 Annals of Internal Medicine report.
If you're not already sold on the benefits of eating organic, consider this: organic foods may have more nutrients than their conventionally produced counterparts. Organic broccoli, for example, has higher levels of antioxidants and vitamin C than the traditionally produced variety, found a 2012 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture study. There’s also evidence of more heart-healthy omega-3s in organic poultry and dairy.
So eating organic is good for you and your family, but here's more: organic grub is good for Mother Earth. Foods advertised as organic must be grown by farmers who aim to use renewable resources, and conserve the soil and water. These practices preserve the environment and help prevent the extinction of numerous animal species.
Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In St. Charles, you can find organic groceries at local super markets. In recent years both Schnucks and Dierbergs have offered more organic goods. Locally, Connie's Green Grocery in Cottleville has a wide selection of organic food. When the weather picks up, the St. Charles Farmer's Market is also a good place to go for fresh food.