Organic food is food made from non-natural growing methods complying with the requirements of organic agriculture. Organic farming involves practices that rotate natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and balance land and water to maintain ecological balance. Organic production is dependent on crop rotation, crop protection methods, and resource usage guidelines. The organic market is estimated to be worth US $ 47 billion annually.
People have long been concerned about the harmful effects of chemical additives and pesticides on crops and animals. Organic foods are grown without the use of chemicals and do not cause health issues like those caused by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Studies have shown organic produce to contain a higher concentration of nutrients and trace minerals than conventional produce. Organic foods may help you live a longer, healthier life.
Organic produce carries a more natural look and taste. Its freshness cannot be kept for long under typical farming conditions, so farmers must use organic practices to retain as much of the vegetable’s original flavor and color as possible. Organic vegetables are also grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or antibiotics. The chemical residues found on commercial produce can cause allergies and health problems in humans. By choosing to buy organic food, you are helping to ensure that your family is eating healthy food, with less possibility of serious side effects.
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without using synthetic pesticides or herbicides, making them safer to eat. Some people have become concerned about the chemicals sprayed on crops and would prefer to skip organic foods if they could. However, most organic foods are grown without spraying pesticides at all. Since pesticides are known to be unhealthy for humans, the absence of this additive reduces some of the risk associated with eating this nutritious food.
A food’s nutritional content can be reduced by as much as forty percent through the use of artificial chemicals. However, farmers grow natural crops knowing that pesticides can reduce the nutrients found naturally. In an effort to get more of these nutrients, companies have begun adding synthetic vitamins and antioxidants to organic foods. Antioxidants can increase the levels of vitamins A and C in organic food. However, synthetic vitamins and antioxidants can provide fewer nutrients than natural antioxidants. Organic foods may also contain less essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are important for cell maintenance.
Organic food may contain fewer nutrients than conventional foods, since the lack of pesticides means the growth of less beneficial bacteria. However, some research has shown that conventional farming techniques may increase the number of harmful bacteria present in the produce. Organic farmers do not use chemical-based pesticides, so they do not raise the same amount of bacteria that conventional farmers do. This means that the quality of the end product is usually higher, though there is still a chance that the presence of bacteria may still be too great to be of any benefit.
Since organic produce is grown in non-traditional growing methods, it is not as likely to have been exposed to chemicals or toxins. Organic produce is also grown without using fertilizers and pesticides. The absence of these chemicals makes the produce more alkaline and hence suitable for use in making dietary supplements.
With so many benefits to Organic food, it is not surprising that the demand for Organic food items is on the rise. There are many stores that carry a range of Organic foods including: fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, bakery products, herbs and spices, condiments, cleaners, oils and vinegars. Many retailers also offer organic specialty foods such as: hair care products, organic skin care products, organic fish and seafood, organic coffee and tea, organic natural cleaning supplies, natural soaps and personal care items, organic educational products and household cleaners.