Every supermarket has a designated area for organic food now, but why?! We hear and see so much about organic food produce but do we need to take much notice?! There are many of us who whole heartily consume nothing else within their purely organic lifestyle, while the rest of us ponder if this is at all necessary.
Eating organic may be important for many reasons, from keeping our bodies healthy to protection for the animals and our planet. Let’s explore the details.
So, why Organic?
Organic produce is said to be the most densely nutritious food that are bursting with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (1). People with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives very often find that their symptoms improve when they consume only organic foods, leaving conventionally grown foods out in the cold.
Pesticides and Chemicals
As alluded to organic food harness less pesticides and chemicals, conventionally grown produce can be home to a number of different chemicals which force it to grow all year around for our convenience and the demand of the supermarkets. Exposing ourselves to these levels of toxins on a daily basis is at the heart of why people are choosing to go organic.
Sound Soil
Due to the lack of chemicals and pesticides the surrounding environment is cleaner, healthier and better! The soil is therefore free of manmade chemicals which promote the growth of additional crops and purer water deeper within. Organic crops from this soil have substantially higher concentrations of a range of antioxidants and other potentially beneficial compounds (2). This sound soil also then contributes to the taste of organic food, making it richer and more flavoursome.
Always Healthy?!
Just because the produce or packaging has the word ‘organic’ in front of it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. Eating in moderation and within a healthy balanced diet would promote your general health and wellbeing. However, organic diary produce, meat and even chocolate are likely to still be high in salt, sugar, or fat. The word organic doesn’t necessity mean consume at will, consuming all food groups mindfully, whether organic or conventional will be more beneficial.
Organic or Nothing?!
When people are bombarded with negative images of conventional food, they tend to become discouraged and actually end up eating less fruits and vegetables overall as opposed to switching to organic food. This is especially true for consumers that have a lower income due to the additional costs organic produce demand (3). You don’t have to avoid non-organic food completely it is important to bring up the fact that eating non-organic food is okay, there , we said it!!
Going organic is a personal choice that is connected to certain values and beliefs, and of course financial circumstances. Sometimes, conventional food is the most convenient and nutritious option to fill both yours and your family’s diet and lifestyle.
There have been various research finding that the nutrition content of non-organic fruit and vegetables are just as nutritious as organic. Although the fear of chemicals is present as mentioned above, the amount used in conventional produce is very small compared to how much is required to intoxicate the body.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26878105
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24968103
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/downloads/State-Indicator-Report-Fruits-Vegetables-2013.pdf
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