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Organic food has become increasingly popular! Organic food sales increased from almost 18 billion dollars in 2000 to about 132.74 billion in 2021 . This rise in popularity shows people's increased understanding of the benefits of organic food.
So, are you ready to learn about the health benefits of organic foods? Great! This blog post will discuss and compare the nutritional benefits of organic food to non-organic food. We will also provide tips to help you identify organic products quickly.
Let’s get started!
Organic foods are often praised for having more nutrients than regularly grown foods. Let's talk about some of the amazing nutritional benefits of organic food with scientific references:
A study shows that pesticide exposure during pregnancy harms children's neurodevelopment. Children of mothers exposed to organophosphates had lower cognitive function scores at 7 and 12. Also, chlorpyrifos-exposed mothers had kids with lower IQs and poorer memory at 7.
Organic farming doesn't use harmful synthetic chemicals to grow healthy food. The seasons decide when organic fruits and veggies are available. Some organic farms use pesticides, but most are made from natural ingredients. The organic farming industry needs to accept these natural pesticides.
Several past studies have found that organic foods usually have higher amounts of antioxidants and micronutrients like iron, vitamin C, and zinc . Antioxidant amounts in these foods can be up to 69% higher!
This is because non-organic food has chemicals that can lower its antioxidant value. On the other hand, organic fruit and vegetables don't have any chemicals. So when you eat them, you get all the antioxidant benefits.
A 2016 study from Newcastle University found that organic meat and milk have 50% higher omega-3 fatty acids than conventional sources. The study also found that organic milk had less saturated fat than non-organic milk.
The reason? According to the study's authors, it might be because of how organic animals are raised. These animals eat grass and spend more time outside. The authors believe switching to organic food will increase omega-3 intake without raising calories or saturated fat. (Learn the health benefits of organic honey )
Over 700,000 people die annually from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic residues in non-organic meat and milk are a big reason for this spread of resistance . Data shows that 80% of US antibiotics are sold for animal agriculture. Eating non-organic foods exposes us to these antibiotics and hormones.
The good thing about organic food is that it is not made out of antibiotics, growth hormones, or animal byproducts. These foods appear to minimize pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
The best way to avoid GMOs is to eat organic food. GMOs are banned in organic farming . For example, organic farmers must prove they don't use GMOs to meet USDA guidelines .
There are no long-term studies on the health impacts of GMOs. However, animal studies link GMOs to adverse effects on organs, reproduction, blood, hormones, and immunity. Eating organic food avoids possible risks as it is banned from organic.
Organic food isn't irradiated. Irradiated food is exposed to intense radiation. Food irradiation uses electromagnetic, gamma, or x-ray radiation to kill microbes. It creates concern, as radiation is known to cause cancer. The USDA does not consider irradiated food organic.
The USDA and FDA work together to ensure that food is irradiated when necessary. Additionally, the USDA manages the word "organic" on food labels. Regardless of production, irradiated foods cannot be branded USDA organic.
Many food additives are safe, but some can cause allergic reactions or diarrhea in sensitive people. Regular foods usually have fake colors, sweeteners, and preservatives that organic foods don't have.
Picking organic means choosing a healthier, more natural diet , which lowers the chance of food additive effects. It leads to better living through nutrition that is pure and doesn't have any additives.
High nitrate levels are known to raise cancer risk . Furthermore, they are linked to methemoglobinemia. Infants with this illness have trouble carrying oxygen .
The good news is that organically grown crops have been shown to have less nitrate. In fact, nitrate levels are 30% lower in these crops, according to studies. This shows that organic food may be healthier and safer.
You might have seen labels for "organic" and "non-organic" options while shopping for produce, meat, dairy, and other groceries. So, what are the differences? Let's discuss:
Some key differences:
Organic certification guarantees chemical-, pesticide-, and GMO-free food. Check for organic certification from a trusted third-party inspection agency. These marks show that the product meets very high standards.
Keep an eye on labels when you are shopping. "Organic" means at least 95% of ingredients are organic. "100% organic" indicates all ingredients are organic. "Natural" labeling doesn't necessarily mean chemical-free.
All right, it's time to wrap up! In this blog, we've discussed some of the nutritional benefits of organic food, compared organic vs. non-organic food, and discussed some easy hacks to identify organic food. Hope this helps!
Remember, going organic is a journey, not a destination. Start small by adding organic products to your weekly shopping list, then expand as you learn more and have more access. Do not worry; each little step is essential!
The key is to stay informed, read labels carefully, and seek out reputable organic certification marks. With a little effort, you can comfortably explore organic food and reap its many benefits. Happy organic eating!
The main benefits are more antioxidants and nutrients, no GMOs or irradiation, antibiotic and pesticide-free, lower nitrate levels, and higher omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional food.
Organic nutrients refer to the naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds found abundantly in foods grown organically without synthetic inputs.
Pros include nutrition, safety, and sustainability; cons include higher cost and limited variety. Overall, health/environmental benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks for most shoppers.
I want to cultivate organic food in my house.
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RAKIBUL ISLAM
August 24, 2022
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