The term “organic” refers to the process of how certain foods are produced. Organic foods have been grown or farmed without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified organisms. In order to be labelled organic, a food product must be free of artificial food additives.
Organic Food Is Better for Our Health
69% higher levels of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables. 50% higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in meat and dairy. 48% lower levels of the toxic metal cadmium.
Produce can be called organic if it's certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Chemicals can contaminate soil, water, and other plants too. Organic farming includes natural cultivation practices, which increase soil fertility, conserve water and reduce pollution. It also helps in reducing carbon dioxide, slows down climate change and the effects of global warming.
Organic food is an environmentally friendly method of production. Organic foods are often chosen because people are trying to avoid artificial chemicals. Eating these items can reduce your exposure to some pesticide residues. It may also lower your risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
One of the largest disadvantages of organic farming is the high costs. There is no use of pesticides so, the crops are far more vulnerable to pests and other diseases. ... These costs are passed on to the customer making organic food more expensive than conventionally produced fruits and vegetables.
Top 10 Organic Food Pros & Cons – Summary List
Organic Food Pros | Organic Food Cons |
---|---|
Less air pollution | Lower variety of products |
Less soil pollution | Limited shelf life |
Less need for antibiotics | Small companies may suffer |
Animals are treated better | Quality greatly varies across producers |
In essence, synthetic fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and anything that is going to compromise biodiversity and symbiotic relationships are not allowed.
Read below to see the 12 fruits and vegetables that the EWG recommends that you buy organic, beginning with the most contaminated food.
Organic describes things that are natural or related to nature. In common usage, organic is used to mean “healthful” or “close to nature.” It can also describe foods grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers. In other uses, organic refers to living things or material that comes from living things.
Why the high cost
Organic foods are difficult to grow as they need high involvement and more time to grow. ... Post-harvest processing and handling of organic food is a costly affair since the risk of contamination by chemical fertilisers, pesticides, etc. from water and neighboring farms is high.
Organic living is a lifestyle in a way that is healthy for you and the environment. ... As for foods, organic means foodstuff that did not go through fertilization and pesticides. As for living, organic simply means a healthy lifestyle, much as the foods that are not processed with harmful chemicals.
Is organic food more nutritious than regular food? Organic foods are not healthier, per se, in terms of nutrients. You are still getting the same benefits in conventionally grown foods as you are in organic foods.
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