Organic food has been increasingly gaining importance and preference over conventional food. Essentially, organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals. In the US, the regulations for growing organic crops restrict the use of petroleum-based fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge-based fertilizers, and bioengineered genes.
In today’s technology-enabled world, most of the people shop for vegetables and fruits from supermarkets, local vendors, or use food delivery apps to order from online stores. People who are apprehensive of the additives in conventional foods and farming styles, prefer buying organic food. Conventional foods are perceived to have adverse impacts on health and increase the risk of some diseases. Pesticides are known as endocrine disruptors and long term exposure to conventional food leads to diseases such as cancer, reproductive toxicity, respiratory problems, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.
As per a report conducted under the European Parliament, there are residues of pesticides in conventional food that aren’t easily washed off. Therefore, authorities in the US and EU have imposed limits on the usage of pesticides to ensure that conventional food is safe to consume.
Organic food has been trending amongst the health-conscious people due to the many health benefits it provides. These foods are known to have higher antioxidants and nutrition in comparison to conventional food. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of eating organic food and why it is better for every individual.
Why eating organic food is better for you?
- Organic food is fresher
Unlike conventional food which contains preservatives for longer shelf life, organic food is grown naturally and has a lower shelf life. Therefore, organic food is mostly sold in local markets and places near the farms. So, if you are buying organic food you can be confident that the food is fresh and enriched with nutrients and flavor. However, one should ensure that the food is from trusted sources.
- Organic milk, meat, and vegetables are rich in nutrients
Organic food including milk, fish, and poultry, are highly nutritious in comparison to conventional food products as they are free of modified ingredients. These foods are also given natural conditions and ample time to grow naturally. Moreover, the soil that organic food is grown on is nutrient-rich.
As per studies, organic milk contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin-E, and iron than conventional food. Similarly, organic meat contains lower levels of saturated fats and higher levels on omega-3 fatty acids which reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Higher antioxidant content
Organic foods are known to contain higher levels of antioxidants resulting in direct health benefits. According to researchers, organically produced onions have a 20% higher antioxidant content than conventional onions. The antioxidant content in organically grown food is higher as these foods are chemical-free which reacts with minerals, vitamins, and organic compounds in conventionally-grown food.
Studies also suggest that consuming organic food limit exposure to heavy metals present in conventional food. Moreover, the high antioxidant content in organic food helps prevent heart diseases, premature aging, cancer, cognitive malfunction, and vision problems.
- Organic food improves health
Organic food is free of chemical pesticides and fertilizers that adversely impact human health. Moreover, as mentioned previously, organic foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which leads to many health benefits.
Conventionally meat and dairy products often contain antibiotics, growth hormones, animal byproducts, and vaccines that are used on animals. These foods when consumed by human beings directly impact the immune system making it weaker. This is the main cause of the occurrence of various diseases in which the immune system is unable to fight. However, since organic meat and dairy products do not contain such hormones and antibiotics, they are healthier.
- Organic food is GMO-free
Genetically Modified Organisms are generally found in conventionally-grown food. GMO causes diseases such as allergies, infertility, cancer, intestinal damage, Alzheimer’s, etc. Moreover, the extent of adverse impacts of GMOs on the human body is still not very well known. However, in the long-run conventional foods turn out to be the root cause of various illnesses and diseases. Fortunately, organic food is GMO-free and it is possible to avoid GMO-associated diseases by eating only organic food.
- Impeccable taste that feels fresh
You will know that your fruits and vegetables are organic when they taste fresh. Since organic food free of pesticides and genetic modifications, it has a better and fresher taste. The impeccable taste is another reason why eating organic is better for you.
- Growing organic food is good for the environment
Organic foods are also good for the environment as there is no water, air, and soil pollution caused by conventional farming methods. Reduced air, water, and soil pollution indirectly benefit human health and prevents diseases caused due to pollution.
- Organic Food benefits farmers
While this has no relation with our health directly, however, it is an important benefit of organic farming. Farmers and supermarkets are under a constant pressure of selling food items that look fresh from the outside and have a good shine. Since consumers pick out the best food items it promotes further usage of pesticides and chemicals to grow food instead of organic production.
Farmers and farmworkers who grow conventional food are always exposed to the harmful chemicals that they use to grow crops. Exposure to pesticides causes higher rates of birth defects, brain cancer, development delays, and leukemia in children who work on farms. Moreover, almost 20,000 farmworkers are poisoned every year due to occupational exposure to pesticides. These stats are enough to make you switch to organic food from conventional food.
The Bottom Line
A majority of people across the world consume conventional food even after knowing the benefits of organic food and the potential diseases caused by non-organic food. In fact, there are more side effects and risks of eating conventionally-grown food than we are aware of.
Eating organic food is certainly better for you and the environment. However, the only downside is that organic food is expensive and many people can’t afford to buy only organic products. Therefore, to maintain a healthy lifestyle you should try to consume a variety of foods from different sources, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption, and eat only seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you are looking to buy organic food from reliable sources, try buying food products from organic farms, local markets, or farmers’ markets.