Organic food is believed to be healthier and more nutritious than non-organic food. Organic food is getting more popular as people become more aware of nutritional trends, which is unsurprising. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic sales topped $50 billion for the first time in 2018. Organic foods are better for the environment since they promote a pesticide-free and synthetic fertilizer-free agriculture system. This argument is valid, yet organic food is more expensive, often significantly more costly. You may be wondering, “Is Organic food worth the hype?
Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about organic food.
What is Organic Food?
A few years back, organic food was exclusively accessible at health food stores. However, Now organic food is already widely available in stores. It has caused some issues in the produce section. Organic vegetables can get cultivated without using pesticides, antibiotics, or synthetic fertilizers that are harmful or persistent. They aren’t getting changed genetically in any way. They are a good choice since they are more nutritious, less poisonous, and environmentally friendly than traditional farming.
How is Organic Food Produced? Organic Farming
The “organic” refers to how farmers cultivate and prepare agricultural goods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Organic agriculture is subject to strict government regulations. Organic goods must be free of harmful and long-lasting pesticides, artificial nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, and synthetic hormones. The following are the goals of organic farming:
- Improve the quality of the soil and water
- Livestock should be encouraged to behave naturally.
- Encourage an agricultural resource cycle that is self-sustaining.
- Reduce pollutants and provide a safe and healthy environment for cattle.
In organic production and processing, some techniques got forbidden. Irradiation and the use of sewage sludge are expressly prohibited while growing organic food. Unless certified and published on the certification authority List, products containing synthetic components are typically not allowed for organic processing or handling.
If a food is labeled “USDA organic,” it means it includes at least 95% organic ingredients and was produced on a farm that a government-approved expert inspected to ensure the farmer followed USDA guidelines. Organic foods are cultivated and processed following federal rules that cover, among other things, soil quality, animal husbandry techniques, pest and weed management, and additive usage. Organic farmers depend on natural ingredients and physical, mechanical, or biologically based agricultural methods to the most significant degree feasible.
Understanding the USDA organic label can assist consumers in making educated purchasing decisions. USDA organic products can get guaranteed to be organic at every stage from the farm to the shop. There’s a lot more to it than a short trip to the farm. The USDA evaluates every step of an organic farmer’s or rancher’s operation from the soil up, a time-consuming and costly certification procedure.
“Is Organic food worth the hype? What Does The Research Say?
The findings of studies comparing the nutritional content of organic and non-organic foods are varied. Natural variations in food handling and manufacturing are most likely to blame. Foods cultivated organically, on the other hand, appear to be more nutritious, according to research. So, “Is Organic food worth the hype? Some of the main points of the studies are
Studies in Support
- Organic milk and dairy products may have more excellent omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin E, and specific carotenoids.
- Nitrate levels beyond a specific threshold have got related to an increased risk of some cancers. Organically produced crops have also got proven to have reduced nitrate levels. Studies have found that nitrate levels in these crops are 30 percent lower.
- According to several studies, organic foods offer more significant antioxidants and essential micronutrients, including zinc, iron, and vitamin C.
Other Studies:
- According to new research from Stanford, organic foods aren’t more nutritious or provide more significant health advantages than non-organic ones.
- According to a 2018 observational research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, almost 70,000 French people had a 25% reduced cancer risk. The research lasted seven years and enrolled over 70,000 people. The methodology was faulty, and the study did not show cause and effect. As a result, more investigation gets required.
Benefits of Organic Food
“Is Organic food worth the hype? Consumers want to know more about the origins of their food. They also want to know how it gets made, as well as reasons to eat healthier. There are hundreds of reasons to select certified organic products over conventional ones, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top few.
- Organic eating lowers the number of toxins in your food, particularly persistent pesticides.
- Consume organic foods because, otherwise, demand exceeds supply.
- Organic farming encourages carbon sequestration, which helps to offset growing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
- Pollinator-friendly organic farms and crops safeguard bees, pollinators, and wildlife from harmful pesticides.
- Organic farming preserves streams and lakes downstream from the harmful runoff produced by conventional agriculture.
Why Organic Food Cost More
Organic food is expensive because of the high financial investment and short-term risks involved in organic production. According to THE BALANCE, SMALL BUSINESS, accreditation varies from $700 to $1200 per farm. There are many other costs and responsibilities associated with certification. According to the USDA, organic enterprises must demonstrate that they protect natural resources and biodiversity while using authorized chemicals. Some tiny family-run farms cannot apply for the official organic label because of all the hurdles they must go through to be certified.
Bottom Line
Organic goods are developing all the time to satisfy more essential requirements. These are the benchmarks that you, the customer, establish. By selecting high-quality goods, you set the standard for acceptable food quality. Others will try to emulate you and raise the bar. Organic food is the industry’s fastest-growing category.
We think you are deserving of the finest. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and other organic foods to enhance your health.
