Is Organic Food Really Better For You?
Organic food gets a lot of attention these days, but is it worth the hype? The following article will tell you why organic food is the way to go and not just a marketing ploy.
"Organic food is better for you".
You may have heard this before, and you’re probably wondering why.
After all, it can be more expensive to buy organic food, so what’s the big deal?
Well, as it turns out, organic food is not only better for you – it’s also better for the environment.
So, what makes organic food so special? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of organic food:
Organic food is free from harmful pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests, such as insects and rodents.
Unfortunately, these pesticides can also be harmful to humans.
Pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological problems.
Many common pesticides include the chemical glyphosate, which has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization.
In studies, glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Organic food is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, so you can be sure that you’re not exposing yourself to these chemicals when you eat organic.
Organic food is more nutrient-rich than conventionally-grown food
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that organic crops are up to 60% higher in a range of important vitamins and minerals, including zinc and vitamin C.
It has also been shown that organic food has higher levels of antioxidants.
One study showed that organic berries have twice the amount of antioxidants as non-organic berries.
This is because organic crops are not exposed to the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that are used in conventional agriculture.
These chemicals can damage the soil, making it harder for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Organic food is therefore a great way to get more vitamins and minerals into your diet.
Organic food is grown without the use of harmful chemicals
Organic farmers rely on natural methods to fertilize and control weeds, rather than using harmful chemicals.
This means that organic food is free from harmful chemicals, such as those found in herbicides.
Chemicals in herbicides have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer and birth defects.
They have also been linked to environmental problems, such as water contamination.
These chemicals can end up in the food chain, and can be harmful to both humans and the environment.
Organic food is free from GMOs
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are plants or animals that have been genetically modified in a lab.
Organic food is free from GMOs, so you can be sure that you’re not eating anything that has been artificially altered.
The GMO process is controversial, as there is some evidence that GMOs can be harmful to both humans and the environment.
Studies have shown that GMO's can be harmful to both humans and the environment.
For example, a study published in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe showed that GMO crops can lead to the increased use of herbicides, which can be harmful to humans and the environment.
Organic food is a great way to avoid these risks.
Organic farming is better for the environment
Organic farming is more sustainable than conventional farming.
It uses less energy, produces less waste, and requires fewer inputs (such as fertilizers and pesticides).
Organic farming also helps to preserve topsoil quality and biodiversity, which is essential for healthy plant growth.
Also buying organic food oftentimes supports local farmers.
When you buy organic food, you’re supporting local farmers who are using sustainable methods to grow their crops.
This means that your organic purchase is helping to preserve the environment and support your local economy.
How do you know it's organic?
Organic produce and organic food products typically carry a USDA organic certification seal, which should indicate that the food is organic.
- Look for the organic sticker on foods you're purchasing in the store.
- Read organic labels carefully to look for organic claims, such as "organic," "made with organic ingredients" and "no GMOs."
You may find different labels designating the amounts of organic ingredients in some foods.
A label that states "100% organic" means that all of the ingredients in the product are organic.
A label that states "organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic.
If a food is made with organic ingredients, at least 70% of the ingredients must be organic.
And if a food contains GMOs, it cannot be labeled organic. So read the labels carefully.
Conclusion
Organic food is healthier for you, organic food is grown without harmful chemicals, organic food is GMO free, organic farming is better for the environment.
All of these reasons suggest that organic food is a more sustainable and healthier option than conventional processed foods.
As you can see, organic food has a lot of benefits.
So next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to reach for some organic food!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is organic food really better?
The organic food world is full of passionate supporters who swear organic is the only way to go. On the other hand, there are those that argue organic doesn't have an edge over conventionally farmed products. However, organic produce may have a slight edge because organic farming practices often result in the production of fruits and vegetables with higher levels of some nutrients and antioxidants. Also, organic food is typically grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals which can be harmful to your health.
What is the difference between organic food and regular food?
Organic food is grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and consumption of organic food has been shown to reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and other chronic diseases.
Why is organic food better?
Organic food is organic by definition, organic production adheres to organic principles. Organic farming also protects soil and water quality and reduces toxic chemical use. And finally, organic nutrition is better than conventional foods because organic has the potential to be healthier, more nutritious and taste better!
How can you tell if food is organic?
The easiest way to tell if food is organic or not is to look for the organic certification seal. If a food doesn't have this seal, it's likely not organic. However, there are some exceptions – for example, if a farmer grows organic produce but doesn't have organic certification, they may label their produce as "organically grown."
What makes a food organic?
Organic food is food that has been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals. Organic food is also produced using organic farming methods, which are designed to promote soil health and avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
Are organic foods worth it?
Yes, organic foods are worth it because organic farming is motivated by its effects on the environment and healthier for people/animals.
Organic farming helps prevent pollution of natural resources like rivers and oceans which improves water quality. It also protects biodiversity and highly conserves soil which in turn reduces CO2 emissions from organic farms. Organic farming methods also help to preserve our food supply by working to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Organic foods are also healthier for people and animals because they are not exposed to harmful chemicals. Pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems in both humans and animals, including cancer, birth defects, nervous system damage, and endocrine disruption.
Is organic food more expensive?
For organic food to be certified organic, the farmers can't use synthetic fertilizers and cannot use genetic engineering. So organic food does cost more than non-organic foods. However, if you carefully budget for organic food, you can find ways to get it for less (for bulk purchases and shopping at farmer's markets).