The market for organic food is expected to increase quickly, and the future of this sector’s operations is very promising. The majority of shoppers are slowly preferring organic products since they are healthier overall and are better for the environment. Organic foods contain also the same nutrients as conventional food products but lack toxic chemicals that are mostly found in the food supply in the market. Consumers are more health-conscious nowadays and looking for ways to prepare foods generally healthy for their families. There are 4 science-backed health benefits of eating organic food that just might convince you.
It’s fairly easy to find and buy organic products by going to the whole foods section of your grocery or at a whole foods market. With this, you can make meals higher in organic content. So if you’re looking for a healthy, responsible way to shop, be sure to add organic food to your shopping cart.
Organic food – what does it mean?
It’s a term that comes with a ton of confusion and misinformation. Some people think it means food covered in dirt, some people think it’s healthier than traditional foods, and some people think it’s more natural than regular food. The truth is: “organic” simply means that food was grown without any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Some examples of organic food include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs.
The organic food industry is very strict in its standards of organic food production. It is very important to pass the standards for agricultural and food chemistry to determine the authenticity of labeled organic food.
Organic food has a number of health benefits, including reduced exposure to harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Some research has also shown that organic produce tends to have higher levels of certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, than non-organic produce. Additionally, going organic can help support sustainable farming practices and protect the environment.
4 science-backed health benefits of eating organic food
Organic food is often considered a pricey upgrade, but the health benefits can be worth it. When you buy organic food, it would not only impact your health positively but also help your environment. Here are 4 science-backed health benefits and why organic deserves a spot in your shopping cart:
Organic food is more nutritious than non-organic food
Several studies have shown that organic food is more nutritious than non-organic food. One study found that organic tomatoes had higher levels of vitamins and minerals than non-organic tomatoes. Another study found that organic milk contained higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and low in bad fatty acids than non-organic milk. These nutrients in organic food are evidence that organic foods hold a certain advantage over non-organic food.
When you prepare food, you’d mostly either peel away the skin of most vegetables and fruits. This is because most consumers know that these goods contain pesticides or chemicals used to protect the produce. This is not exactly a bad thing since it just does its job of protecting the crops. However, most peels contain the rich nutrients that fruit or vegetable has. With foods having the organic label you don’t need to necessarily take away any skins, instead, a good wash of the fruit or vegetable would be enough.
Organic food is better for the environment
So, you might be wondering what the positive impact of growing organic crops is. Organic farming practices are better for the environment than conventional farming practices. Conventionally grown food usually contains pesticide residue which is harmful to our health. The food industry supply relies heavily on conventionally produced products thus these foods contain pesticide residue in higher amounts.
Organic farms use less water and fewer pesticides and fertilizers than traditional farms. They also have a lower carbon footprint. Organic farming methods are very thorough which in turn makes it more expensive. Farmers have to pay very close attention to growing them which is the reason why fewer chemicals are needed. The key is the organic soil used in organic farming which is free of chemicals but functions effectively for the organic growing of crops.
Of course, part of organic agriculture is not only confined to producing crops but also organic dairy and meat. Unlike traditional farms, organic livestock is fed their natural food source for example cows that eat grass can affect the quality of milk they produce. Some studies also have taken focused on high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in conventional meat and evidence that organic chicken and pork are a much better choice as your organic meat supply.
Certified organic food produced came from farms that passed the organic certification standards required by the government.
Organic food is safer to eat
Pesticides and other chemicals used in conventional farming can be harmful to human health. Organic produce has lesser pesticides. Studies have linked exposure to these chemicals with a variety of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and endocrine disruption. Eating organic food reduces your exposure to these harmful chemicals.
When food is organic you can consume almost all of the whole fruit for example unlike when the food isn’t one. Maximizing the nutrients you’d be able to consume. You can make a salad without having to peel most of the skins of your fruit to the vegetable of your choice.
The continuous consumption of organic foods would be better for health. So, choosing organic foods more would potentially lessen those chances of acquiring or developing those mentioned health risks later on.
Organic food tastes better
Picking organic foods is most likely a wiser choice than non-organic, but because organic food may be costly, you should be judicious when making buys. Many people believe that organic food tastes better than non-organic food.
Organically grown foods, more specifically organic fruits, and vegetables are given special care during cultivation which makes their taste far superior to non-organic produced foods. Not only is the taste better but the additional nutritional benefits are a reason to opt for organic food.
The bottom line on why you should eat organic foods
The conventional food you are settling for may pose health problems in the future. Conventionally produced products contain little to no nutritional benefits that you and your family need. The constant battle between organic and non-organic food choices boils down to a number of pros and cons. Weighing into the number you could find of the health benefits of organic food consumption, it’s safe to say it has more pros than conventional food consumption. When shoppers start comparing organic and conventional food, the price difference is a huge factor to most but if you think about it, the health outcomes would definitely be worth it.
Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This means that it is free of harmful chemicals that can potentially be damaging to your health. In addition, organic food is often more nutritious than conventionally-grown food because it is grown in more nutrient-rich soil. Therefore, eating organic food is a great way to reduce exposure to toxins and improve overall health. You’ll gain from it, but it will also help all the farmers that engage in organic farming and agriculture.
It may be overwhelming to suddenly change your lifestyle by going on an organic diet. It takes dedication to go on a strictly organic diet as well. These science-backed bonuses might be able to convince you to start consuming organic. You don’t have to immediately begin purchasing organic products. You can start by purchasing organic dairy, egg, and meat products to make tiny improvements to your diet. Gradually adding organic ingredients to your meals is another way to try it. Or you can start by reading the 10 sustainable gardening ideas to produce your organic food!