When it comes to eating healthy, there’s a lot of confusion around the term organic. What exactly is organic food? We shall see the definition and benefits of having organic food in this article. The nature and process of how the food is grown has a great impact on your mental, emotional, and physical health as well.
Definition
Organic food refers to produce or other food products that are grown without any usage of chemical fertilizers. These are produced in an organic and pure form, where the product is free from any harmful chemicals or pesticides. These foods are produced locally and come with several benefits.
Organic farming cannot use chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, or any other harmful substance. Animals raised for the production of meat, eggs, honey, and dairy products are to be raised organically and have access to the outdoors. They are not to be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any other by-products.
Organic food often comes with more beneficial nutrients. Let us now see the benefits of having local and organic food.
Benefits of having Organic Food
Organic is fresh
Fresh food always tastes better. Because organic food does not contain any preservatives, which could make it long-lasting, these are served freshly. Experiencing the food that is cooked freshly has a great feeling. So if you want to boost your nutrient intake and protect your health, switch to organic food.
Long-Term Benefits for Your Body
Chemical pesticides have been linked with different health diseases such as cancer, leukemia, convulsions, depression, and endocrine disorders. Based on studies organic food contains higher concentrations of nutritionally desirable antioxidants and lower concentrations of harmful toxic substances. Thus organic food protects the internal immune system and makes the body strong enough to fight any disease or illness.
Support Local Economy
When you wish to have organic food you are supporting local farmers and especially markets. This means that more money stays within your community, helping the small business. By having organic food locally, you know where your food is coming from and how it was raised. Money remains within the economy as payment is made directly to the farmers instead of doing marketing or distribution.
Organic Farming Protects the Environment
Organic farming practices reduce pollution and soil erosion. It increases soil fertility and conserves water. Farming without chemical pesticides protects the soil animals or microfauna and macrofauna. It is even better for birds and people living around the land. Being a part of this environment we should take care of our land and nature.
Keeps Your Children Healthy
All the chemical food is connected to birth defects, childhood leukemia, ADHD, learning disorders, autism, and other childhood disorders. This is the duty of every parent or pregnant woman to provide their child with high-quality nutritious food that does not hinder their growth. Organic food thus can be a good choice to prevent any type of disease prevailing among children.
Organic Food Is a Growing Industry
The demand for organic food has increased at a higher rate in the last few years. The consumer demand for organic food is growing at a rate of 20 to 30 percent per year.
Also we know organic food is expensive, this is because of the practices adopted by farmers to grow the product. Organic food relatively needs more care and effort which makes it more expensive. But let’s not forget the fact that when you are eating local organic food, you are investing it in your long-term health. You are less prone to get ill or get sick and it’s better to have organic food rather than spending money on expensive medical bills.
What are the possible risks of pesticides?
Most of us have an accumulation of pesticides in our bodies due to years of exposure. This is known as a chemical body burden that could lead to serious health issues.
Some studies have indicated that the consumption of pesticides even at a low dose can increase the risk of various cancers in our body.
Children and fetuses are most exposed to pesticide exposure because their bodies, immune systems, and brains are still in the developing stage. Exposure to pesticides at an early stage can cause developmental delays, behavioral disorders, malfunctioning, and dysfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top companies in the organic food industry?
General Mills, Hain Celestial Group Inc., Cliff Bar and Company, Frito-Lay, Dean Foods, Organic Valley, etc.
Who is the largest producer of organic food in the world?
India is the largest producer of organic food in the world.
Is organic food beneficial to my health?
Organic food plays a key role in the development of your health. It contains a high amount of nutrients and vital substances, important for your body.
Conclusion
In the end, organic food is healthy as well as economical for the market. A few generations ago, all food was organic and people were less sick. With the growing population and demand for food, we have changed our trends and are liking more junk food. But by switching back to organic consumption we can promote a healthy life and sustainable lifestyle.
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