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Nowadays, it seems like the organic food movement is getting more and more popular. Sure we know organic food is supposed to be better for us and that it’s generally a bit more expensive. But what exactly is organic, what are the health benefits, and is it worth it?
In order for a food (meat, animal by-products, and produce) to be approved by the USDA as organic product:
1. It must be produced while utilizing renewable resources as well as conserving soil and water in order to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.
2. Any meat or animal by-product such as eggs and dairy must come from animals that have not been given antibiotics or growth hormones.
3. Organic farmers must adhere to methods:
Using natural fertilizers as opposed to the chemical ones used by conventional farmers.
Allowing animals to graze outside, have a balanced diet, and clean housing in order to prevent disease — unlike conventional factory farms.
Using alternative methods to handle weeds instead of herbicides, and natural interventions instead of insecticides to control pests and disease.
4. Organic farms and processing plants must be inspected by a government-approved certifier to ensure they are following USDA standards.
Many people choose to eat organic for different reasons. Now that we’re familiar with the USDA standards and definition for organic foods, let’s explore the benefits of eating organic food.
1. Nutrition
According to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that organically grown berries and corn contain up to 58 percent more polyphen-olics (antioxidants) than their conventional counterparts grown in plots near by. The same study found that there they also contained more ascorbic acid (vitamin c).
2. Safety
Because organic food isn’t sprayed with chemical pesticides and is grown in a much more natural way, there are far less toxins in organic foods. A University of Washington study found that children who ate organic food had a pesticide level that was six times lower than children who did not eat organic food.
3. Environment
Not only is organic food more healthy for you, it is more healthy for our environment. Organically grown food does not produce excess chemicals that will eventually end up in our oceans, soil, food or bodies. Organic standards encourage less pollution, while promoting healthy soil that will be sustainable for future generations.
4. Taste
Many people, myself included, argue that organically grown food is both fresher and tastier than its non-organic counterparts.
It is important to remember that natural is not the same as organic. Because there are specified regulations on organic foods, you can be more confident in what you’re getting by choosing organic.
Most organic producers decide to use the USDA-certified organic sticker, as you may have seen on produce or meat in the grocery store. This means that at least 95 percent of the product is grown in accordance with organic standards.
Because the sticker is voluntarily used, you may not see it on every product. If a food is 100 percent organic, however, it will most likely advertise for you, as this means that 100 percent of the ingredients used in the product are indeed organic.
I hope this helps to clarify what organic food is. May it broaden your knowledge to be able to make more informed decisions about your food and your health.
Live well, eat well, be well!
Sources:
Kepner, J. (n.d.). Studies Show Benefits of Eating Organic. BeyondPesticides.org. Retrieved November 15, 2011, from www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/spring%2003/organic%20benefits%20studies.pdf
Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? - MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 12, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255/NSECTIONGROUP=1
Paramapoonya, O. (n.d.). Facts about Organic Food. Om Paramapoonya on HubPages. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from
http://om-paramapoonya.hubpages.com/hub/Shopping-Green
Reviewed November 16, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment9 Comments
Organic foods are the most important foods which should be always used and taken. Therefore we should always be taking organic foods a these foods are gluten free food. The demand of organic orchid foods is increasing day by day and so as more number of people are interested in using these foods as it helps in increasing our metabolism rate. This will help in increasing the metabolism rate of our body.
July 24, 2013 - 9:55pmThis Comment
Your welcome. I thought I'd also say that it ha been over 5 months that I have not had any caffeine products of any kind. I learned such information from this doctor here www.johnleemd.com. He explains a lot about how caffeine is bad. I actually never had a cupe of coffee in my life. Most people don't believe when I say this. Usually at least a couple cups in a day I used to drink lots of coke, pepsi, etc. and cause me to be so tired during that and made me have lots of cyst in breasts. It made me to have such awful breast pain as well. After I learned about everything from Dr. John Lee I kept a real good habit by not having no more coke, pepsi, etc and not only that I decided to stop having caffeine products of all kinds. I'm feeling less tired and more energetic. It's hard to manage with out caffeine and with all these drink recipes I gave you has made me feel better by having such things. I'm happy that I'm on a good habit and I will keep it this way. I'm sure you don't know how to believe what I'm saying. I'm still amazed by all this.
Melissa
November 23, 2011 - 11:31amThis Comment
Wow that sounds amazing! I'll definitely try this and let you know what I think! Thanks again! :)
November 22, 2011 - 9:03pmThis Comment
The club soda/seltzer you don't mix it with the sugar and lemon juice. You only boil one part sugar and one part lemon juice. Sorry I got that part confusing.
November 22, 2011 - 8:58pmThis Comment
Your welcome. I know one thing which I recently make as being a great source of antioxidant and a healthy drink. It doesn't have to be organic though so I pick a fruit I like that you can blend it in the blender. From here is your choice in what like and I buy a big bottle of seltzer/club soda and I boil one part sugar and one part lemon juice together and let it cool completely and keep in refrigerator to use it for anytime. So I take a nice fancy glass cup I pour in my favorited blended fruit like 4 tablespoons in the cup and 1 tablespoon of the lemon sugar mixture and the rest I fill it up with club soda/seltzer. Give a good mix and I put a little lemon on the cup for garnish. It is really delicious, light and healthy. My favorite is strawberries so I blend them and keep in container and I keep in the refrigerator. I keep them all ready like this to assemble the drink I want and drink anytime. If you ever get to make this let me know. I'd really like to know how you like it. Like this I always make cocktail drinks and everyone really does like it.
Melissa
November 22, 2011 - 8:55pmThis Comment
Thanks Melissa, that is really helpful advice!!
November 22, 2011 - 1:09pmThis Comment
Organic food are expensive of course but you don't have to buy 100% of the time organic. Once in awhile having organic produce are good so you don't pay alot for them and you still having healthy and organic foods counts. How about this try something like I do. Generally I love carrot juice and my uncle once offered me a cup of organic carrot juice and I fell in love with this drink. Regular carrot juice are to thick and don't have much taste and organic is light and rich and tasted much better than regular one. Every once in awhile I drink a cup of organic ice carrot juice and I really love it. You can just buy a few bottle of your favorite drink in organic and keep it on storage. Have a cup once in awhile and it's a great source of antioxidant. You don't have to always purchase organic produce but as a drink is healthier and you save money this way.
Hope this helps,
November 22, 2011 - 12:20pmMelissa
This Comment
Great article!
While I agree that it's very much healthier for my body and the environment to buy organic I just can't double my fruit and veggie bill at this time. It's unfortunate and I try to buy some organic produce, like tomatoes, but the fact is, they're twice as expensive which is hard right now. It's all about balance.
November 22, 2011 - 6:59amThis Comment
Organic or natural foods have no chemicals because they come from natural sources. Anything organic you would like to have is very good and healthy. This way you have less toxins in the body.
Melissa
November 16, 2011 - 9:01pmThis Comment