Respecting the Body-Temple with Organic Foods

Osho, an Indian philosopher and guru, once said, “the body is the temple; you are the deity of the temple”.

Many yogis practice in this way, treating the body as an earth-bound vehicle for the soul, or a person’s real identity or essence. If it is true that you are housed in a material body, doesn’t it make sense to care for that house, temple, or vehicle in the best way possible?

Organic living is one method of treating the body with respect. Here is a glimpse into the research behind the organic living movement, and how it may benefit your body.

Pesticides and Weight Gain

Did you know that pesticides that are found on conventionally grown produce have been linked to persistent weight? The body cushions harmful toxins with fat as a protective measure. Your body will resist shedding that fat because it is serving an important function.

If you have been fighting to rid your body of that last five or ten pounds, you may want to try doing a liver detox to help your body safely flush out the toxins, and then begin eating only organic foods that are pesticide free. But switching to natural foods is only half the battle, if you truly want to rid your body of damaging chemicals, then it’s important to switch to healthy deodorants, body washes and hair products too. This will significantly reduce your contact with daily toxins.

Toxins and Hormonal Health

Your body functions optimally when your hormones are working correctly. Compounds found in non-organic foods, such as zeranol in some meat products, disrupt the natural hormone cycle of the body. Since all hormone systems in the body are connected, a disruption in one area can seriously affect a separate area of the body.

This communication between hormones causes a cascade-like effect. The result? A less-than-happy body, riddled with fertility, thyroid, or sleep problems.

Nutrient Dense Organic Produce

Organic foods tend to be higher in nutrient content than their conventional counterparts. This means that when you bite into an organic meal, you might feel full faster as the nutrients flush through your body.

You may also boost your immune system, health, or functioning of various organs, depending on the food that you eat. For example, an organic grapefruit rich in vitamin C could help you fight off that pesky cold.

Through your yoga practice, you honor your mind, body, and spirit. The connection between these three components is as of yet unknown, and it is up to you to develop your view on the matter. If you are like Osho, you may see the body as the temple of the soul. Living an organic lifestyle is one way to protect, respect, and serve the body in which your soul is housed.