Now-a-days
organic foods have become quite popular. Organic foods which were
once found only in health stores, have now become a regular feature
in the food markets. The foods grown by organic farming and
conventional farming are same in appearance, taste
and nutritional value so why should we pay more for them?
Let
us first understand what actually
organic foods are. The term
“organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and
processed. Specific requirements must be met and maintained in order
for products to be labeled as "organic."
Organic
crops must be grown in safe soil, have no modification, and must
remain separate from conventional products. Farmers are not allowed
to use synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum
based fertilizers, and sewage sludge based fertilizers. Organic
livestock must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed.
They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any
animal-by-products.
Benefits
of Organic Foods
- Antioxidant Capacity : Recent research suggests that choosing organic food can lead to increased intake of nutrtionally desirable antioxidants which helps in the prevention of problems like cancer, heart disease, premature aging, vision problems and cognitive malfunction.
Pesticide
Reduction : Pesticides
are chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. These
are widely used in conventional agriculture and their residues
remain in
the food we eat. But
in the case of organic foods, use of pesticides is not permissible.
- Heart Health : Organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers, it does not contain any traces of strong chemicals and might not affect the human body in negative ways. Natural fertilizers, like manure is being used during cultivation. Organic food tastes better than non-organic food. Organic fruit and vegetables have up to 50% more antioxidants, which scientists believe can cut the risk of heart disease. They have also more vitamins and minerals such as iron,zinc, vit. C and Vit. A. According to other recent studies, organic foods are better for fighting heart diseases.
- Organic food is often fresher : Organic food is usually fresher because it is free from preservatives which increase the shelf-life of foods.
- Organic food is GMO free.
- Environment Friendly : Organic farming helps in reducing pollution, conserves water, improves soil quality and reduces soil erosion.
Pesticide
levels in foods
According
to studies, the following fruits and vegetables have the highest
pesticide levels when grown conventionally, therefore it is best to
buy these organic :
- Apple
- Bell Pepper
- Cucumber
- Potato
- Grapes
- Cherry Tomato
- Peach
- Spinach
- Strawberry
These
conventionally grown fruits and vegetables were found to have the
lowest levels of pesticides. Most of these have thicker skin, which
naturally protects them better from pests, and which also means their
production does not require the use of as many pesticides.
- Avocado
- Mushroom
Cabbage- Sweet Corn
- Brinjal
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Onion
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Sweet Potato
- Grapefruit
Organic Food Buying Tips
- Buy in season – Fruits and vegetables are cheapest and freshest when they are in season.
- Shop Around – Compare the price of organic items at the grocery store, the farmer's market and any other venue to get the best possible price.
- Remember that organic doesn't always equal healthy – Junk food can just as easily be made using organic ingredients. Making junk food sound healthy is a common marketing ploy in food industry but organic baked goods, desserts and snacks are usually still very high in sugar, salt, fats and calories.
Regardless
of diet, organic foods are a smart priority. Opting for organic foods
is an effectual choice for personal and planetary health. Buying
organically grown food is a direct vote for immediate health and the
hopeful future generations to come.
