What is organic food?
Everyone is curious about the advantages of organic food
because it is so widely consumed. The main driver of the rise in demand for
organic food over the past 5–6 years has been the pervasive public perception
that organic food is healthier than conventional food. Although Organic Facts
is a big supporter of organic food, it also thinks that its visitors need to
know the truth.
The definition of organic food, its advantages, and the
requirements for it are all covered in this article. This is evidence that
eating organic food is healthy.
What
exactly are organic foods?
First of all, the amount of scientific evidence
demonstrating that organic food has higher quality than conventional food is
rather minimal. The effectiveness of organic food over non-organic food has not
yet been conclusively demonstrated by scientific studies on a variety of
organic food products. This is especially true given that a large portion of
scientific research is supported by money from both government and business.
Because of this, non-organic food is just as healthful as
organic food, according to the FDA and the USDA. However, some scientific
research has demonstrated that organic milk and organic tomatoes are superior
than non-organic types. Studies are also being conducted on a number of other
organic food kinds that might offer further health advantages over non-organic
counterparts.
Organic
Milk
Recent studies on organic milk have revealed that it
contains more vitamins, CLA, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants than
non-organic milk. Organic milk is healthier than non-organic milk, say experts
at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Researchers from the University of
Aberdeen as well as the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research,
since organic cows are pasture-grazed, which produces better-quality milk.
Organic
tomatoes
A 10-year study by the University of California, Davis found
that because nitrogen-rich chemical fertilizers are not used, the environment
in which organic tomatoes are grown has a reduced supply of nutrients. In
organic tomatoes, this causes an excessive synthesis of antioxidants such
quercetin (79% greater) and kaempferol (97% higher). Antioxidants are
beneficial to health and help lower the chance of developing chronic diseases,
as is common knowledge.
These results have raised the hopes of many people who
firmly believe that chemical fertilizers and pesticides should no longer be
used by humans and that organic farming methods would be a more sustainable
alternative. There are numerous studies demonstrating the contamination of
non-organic foods (pesticide and fertilizer), and there are others that contend
organic foods are unhealthy due to the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses
because they are not grown using powerful chemicals to protect against these
toxic substances. However, none of the studies that demonstrate chemical
contaminating agents or the presence of viruses or bacteria indicate a direct
connection to people's general health.
Organic
Food's Health Benefits
The following are advantages that consumers, producers, and
farmers of organic food firmly feel organic food offers over conventional food.
Antioxidant
Booster
Numerous research have been conducted to determine how
antioxidants from organic foods affect general health, and the most convincing
evidence suggests that antioxidants tend to have a greater influence when they
come from organic foods. This may be because foreign chemicals are not
interfering negatively with the various vitamins, minerals, and organic
compounds that are crucial for the beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables
in the prevention of early aging, eyesight issues, and cognitive dysfunction.
According to recent studies, consuming organic food can enhance antioxidant
intake, which is healthy, and decrease exposure to hazardous heavy metals.
Reduced
Pesticide Use
The presence of pesticides is one of the main reasons why
customers choose organic food over non-organic. Pesticides are necessary to
protect crops from being attacked by the environment, including bugs. Although
they are effective in keeping some pests away from the crops, they also contain
strong chemicals, such as organophosphorus.
Although humans don't need this synthetic mineral compound,
more than 80% of it is found in our bodies as a result of consuming vegetables
sprayed with pesticides. Organic food supporters definitely have a pretty solid
argument in this situation because organophosphorus has been linked to a number
of developmental issues, including autism and ADHD. To be honest, many people
do opt for organic foods in order to ensure that their kids have a healthy
childhood free from environmental contaminants while they are still developing.
Healthy
Heart
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is present in greater
quantities in animal products, is also produced when animals spend more time
grazing on grass. CLA is a heart-healthy fatty acid that can improve
cardiovascular protection. It is more prevalent in breast milk and meat from
animals that were grown outdoors or without cages.
Immune
System Enhancement
One of the largest undertakings for farmers and food growers
in recent decades has been genetic modification. Although growing tomatoes six
times larger would seem like a solution to some of the world's hunger problems,
there is another aspect to this. Since genetic modification is still in its
infancy, it is difficult to predict how it may affect human health in the long run.
Animal studies on genetically modified food revealed significant immune system
weakness, a rise in infant mortality, as well as some sexual dysfunctions and
allergen sensitivity. The lack of specific information about the long-term
impacts of genetically modified food, despite the fact that it has some
positive aspects, is cited by proponents of organic food.
Resistance
to antibiotics
People take several precautions to ensure their health, like
acquiring numerous vaccines and taking antibiotics as soon as a new bacterial
strain gets them unwell, since they are very concerned about their health.
Antibiotics are also used by non-organic food sources, mainly cattle and feed
mills, to feed their animals. By essentially overdosing on antibiotics and
modifying our immune system so many times that it would finally be unable to
protect itself, this additional dose of antibiotics may actually be weakening
our immune system. Antibiotics are not used in the production processes by
organic food and dairy farmers.
General
Well-being
Food that is organically grown is produced without the use
of chemical fertilizers, thus it contains no residues of these potent chemicals
and has no adverse effects on human health. Organic farmers are glad to employ
this smellier, but safer, form of fertilizer, which includes natural nutrients
like dung.
Improved
Taste
Some people fervently hold the opinion that conventional
food does not taste as good as organic food. The fact that it is created
utilizing organic methods is the main justification for this opinion.
Additionally, since organic food is frequently sold locally, fresh produce is
frequently available in the market. Fresh produce generally tastes better than
stuff that has been frozen, packed, or transported over great distances.
Environmental
Protection
Organic farming avoids using toxic chemicals, so there is
less soil, air, and water pollution, creating a safer and better world for
current and future generations to live in.
Animal
Welfare
Producing organic milk, meat, poultry, and fish requires
careful consideration of animal welfare. When consuming organic animal
products, people are relieved that the animals are not subjected to a
deplorable life in a cage.
You can better understand organic food and its advantages by
reading the following frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Why Eat Organic Food?
Food products manufactured in accordance with standards
established by an organic certifying authority are referred to as organic food.
Organic food is often defined as food that has not been grown or processed with
the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or chemical preservatives.
Food items are divided into the following categories by the
USDA:
- 100%
organic: All ingredients used must be wholly organic.
- Organic:
Contains a minimum of 95% organic components.
- Made
from organic materials: Must include at least 70% organic materials.
Have some organic ingredients available: components that are
not entirely organic, up to 70%.
Does It
Promote Health?
The general consensus is that eating organic food is
healthier for you than eating conventional food. Contrary to popular belief,
conventional food is just as healthful as organic food, according to the USDA
and FDA. Scientific studies have also been unable to definitively demonstrate
that organic food is healthier than conventional food because opposing studies
have demonstrated that conventional food is superior to organic food. Organic
milk and tomatoes are the exceptions. According to recent studies, organic milk
and organic tomatoes are healthier than non-organic milk and non-organic
tomatoes, respectively.
What
Stores Sell Organic Food?
The following list includes the best places to buy it:
- straight from an organic farm
- local marketplaces for organic food
- Nutritional food outlets
- Chain stores like Walmart and Whole Foods
- Online conventional stores that carry organic food
How Do
I Recognize Organic Content?
With the aid of an organic logo on the packaging, organic
food can be recognized. Businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and suppliers who
adhere to all the standards established by a regional certifying authority can
brand their food products with the emblem of that body.
Do All
Organic Food Products Have to Meet the Same Standards?
No, because different food items have varied production and
processing methods, there are also various standards. The standards for
producing organic milk or organic coconut oil, for instance, differ from those
for producing organic honey. It should be noted that regional norms differ.
Some nations might adhere to a standard set of rules. For instance, the
International Olive Oil Council's guidelines for the production of organic
olive oil are adhered to by around 18 nations. There are, however, some nations
with their own requirements for the manufacturing of organic olive oil, such
the US.
Should
I check the label of the food item for the word "organic"?
The word "Organic" is something you should search
for. The certification body's logo, though, should also be examined.
Food that does not bear the organic label cannot be sold.
However, instances of fraud had already occurred, and when they were reported
to the authorities, they were vigorously dealt with. Therefore, you should
always carefully inspect the certifying body's insignia before purchasing any
organic food products. You should also only purchase products with genuine
labels.
Do
organic foods have a higher price tag than regular ones?
Yes, the price difference between organic and conventional
food is typically 20% to 100%. Organic fertilizers and pesticides, which are
more expensive than conventional fertilizers and pesticides, are used in the
production of organic food, which is typically labor-intensive. Therefore, the
price is higher.
Can I
grow it in my backyard or on my farm?
As organic gardening is a very popular hobby for many
people, you can also grow organic food in your garden without getting
permission. However, if you want to sell organic products, you must abide by
their rules and obtain their permission before utilizing their brand.
What
distinguishes natural from organic food?
Not at all. Organic food is defined as being produced
without the use of chemicals. Foods with little to no processing are referred
to as natural foods.
Is it
safe for kids?
Since organic food doesn't include any chemical pesticides
or fertilizers, many parents feel that it is safer for their kids to eat it.
However, there is no empirical evidence to support this.
Does it
have extra nutrients?
Only organic tomatoes and milk have received scientific
proof of this to this point. In comparison to non-organic milk, organic milk
contains greater omega-3, CLA, vitamins, and antioxidants. Similar to this,
organic tomatoes contain more antioxidants than non-organic tomatoes. According
to recent research, [13]eating organic food can improve consumption of
nutritionally beneficial antioxidants and decrease exposure to harmful heavy
metals.
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