Is organic food really healthier? Is it worth the expense?
Organic Foods: What You Need to Know
What should I eat at dinner? How do I pick healthy snacks? Where do I find the best deals on groceries? Learn how to make homemade dog treats or use our DIY recipe tool to personalize your own meals! What does “organic” mean? Do you also have all these questions in your mind?
The APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) defines organics as products that are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals; processed under conditions where these substances cannot enter the product; handled with care, so they do not come in contact with soil, water or livestock feed; and packaged using materials that have been certified free of prohibited ingredients. The term is also used by many farmers who want their crops labelled as such because consumers tend to pay a premium price.
The benefits of organic food
Healthier soil – Organic farming practices help build a stronger plant foundation because they encourage beneficial microorganisms that improve plant health. This means more nutritious fruits and vegetables.
– Organic farming practices help build a stronger foundation for plants because they encourage beneficial microorganisms that improve plant health. This means more nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Less pesticide residue – The Agencies have found up to 1,000 times higher residues than conventional levels in conventionally produced fruit and vegetable samples.
Organic food vs locally-grown food
There’s no doubt about it: eating local is good for you! Eating fresh fruits and vegetables picked at peak ripeness means you’re getting all sorts of vitamins and minerals straight into your body. But what if you don’t want to spend hours driving across town? What if you just want something quick and easy? Or maybe you’d like to try some new recipes but aren’t sure how to get started.
Objectives of organic farming include respecting nature’s biological systems and establishing a sustainable management system, using water, soil, and air responsibly, and adhering to animal welfare standards that meet species-specific behavioural needs. The overall impacts of organic agriculture are beneficial to the environment. Society
Certification requirements also limit farmers who practice conventional agricultural techniques to participate in the market for organic foods. For example, many small family farms do not have enough land to grow crops without chemicals. However, they can still sell their produce directly from their own gardens if they do not contain synthetics. This limits consumer choice because producers can only afford expensive equipment and facilities considered viable candidates for certification.
Organic diets we know cause less pesticide and antibiotic exposure, but nutritionally, they are about the same or more. In addition, there’s no proof of medically appropriate distinctions between natural and standard milk. There isn’t a concrete study that shows organic foods lead to healthier kids. But consuming natural is a benefit because we know pesticides can result in neurodevelopmental problems and are strongly connected with cancer.