Isn’t organic food healthier? At least, that is widely assumed. But what exactly is the real deal? Are there any advantages and disadvantages to eating organic food? Yes, organic food is free of chemicals that may be harmful to one’s health. A higher price point, on the other hand, may make it inaccessible to all. Let’s go deeper and learn more about organic food, its advantages and disadvantages.
What is organic food?
Organic food is produced without the use of harmful pesticides, irradiation, fertilisers, or other synthetic materials. Even animals raised in organic farming are fed organic feed that is free of synthetic growth hormones and antibiotics. Organic snacks and cereals can now be found on store shelves alongside the usual vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat.
Organic food labels are classified into four categories: 100% organic, organic (product made from at least 95% organic produce), made with organic (product made from at least 70% organic produce), and specific organic ingredients (product made from less than 70% organic produce).
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of organic foods to help you decide whether to eat them or not:
Benefits of eating organic food:
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There are no chemicals
Organic farmers, unlike conventional farmers, are prohibited from using synthetic fertilisers, chemical additives, or preservatives in their products. As a result, the food you eat contains no chemical residues that could harm your body. You are also safe from poisonous pesticides that can cause serious health problems. Organic farmers use organic matter such as compost, manure, feather meal, or blood meal to boost crop growth instead of chemical fertilisers.
Eco-Friendliness
Organic farming is beneficial to our ailing environment. It has fewer complications for the soil and atmosphere because it does not follow the principle of increasing crop size. They also conserve water for future generations. Crop diversity is increased on organic farms.
Organic products are mineral-rich when compared to conventional farming. Organic farming increases soil potency and benefits. As a result, these advantages are passed on to you whenever you consume these products.
Superior Taste
Organic farming improves the flavour of your food. The amount of sugar in food influences its flavour. Organic farms improve this taste significantly by using higher nutritional inputs. Naturally sweet apples and berries are available.
There is no hydrogenated fat
Eat organic to avoid heart disease! Yes, organic produce contains no hydrogenated fat. This, in turn, lowers your risk of heart disease. It also prepares you to face the challenges of a hectic lifestyle, thanks to its high antioxidant content.
Toxins free
Pesticides and harmful fertilisers found in non-organic food have been shown in studies to cross the placenta and harm unborn babies. Toxins in such food can cause serious health problems. In fact, these chemicals have been linked to low birth weight, autism, and birth defects in some cases. As a result, organic food protects your unborn baby from such disorders. And we’ve got a healthier generation on the way!
Disadvantages of eating organic food:
High Price Points
Because synthetic fertilisers are not used in organic farming, the yield is usually lower. As a result, they are more expensive than non-organic food. Organic farming has higher overhead costs as well. All of these factors weigh on your wallet.
Quickly deteriorates
This is the most concerning fact about organic food. It quickly disappears from the shelves. Organic food is produced without the use of artificial preservatives or irradiation. As a result, they spoil faster than processed non-organic food.
This bacteria found in animal intestinal tracts poses a risk to human health. It has been discovered that even organic food is susceptible to contamination caused by it. Recent studies have revealed some startling findings that organic food is not necessarily superior to conventional food in terms of health benefits and nutrition.
It’s Difficult to Find
Organic food may not always be available in your local store. This is primarily due to the inability of organic farming in all regions. Furthermore, because organic food has a shorter shelf life, you cannot always expect to obtain it from remote areas where organic farming is practised.
Some common questions related to organic food:
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Do organic foods make you live longer?
There is no scientific evidence that organic food can extend one’s life. A healthy diet, on the other hand, can help you maintain your overall health and reduce your risk of disease.
What effect does organic food have on your body?
Organic foods contain significantly more antioxidants than conventionally grown foods. Antioxidants have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of a few cancers as well as certain types of chronic cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Is it possible to lose weight by eating organic?
Yes. Organic foods are high in fibre and nutrients, which will help you control your appetite by keeping you full. As a result, including organic foods in your diet can help you lose weight in a healthy way.
Takeaway
Organic food is becoming more popular as people become more health-conscious. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to organic food that should be considered before consuming it. Organic food is free of chemicals, eco-friendly, high in nutritional value, tastes better, lacks hydrogenated fat, and is beneficial to pregnant women. However, it spoils quickly, is more susceptible to E.coli infection, and is more expensive than the other food categories. Furthermore, it is difficult to find organic food everywhere.
