Walk into any supermarket today and you are sure to spot an organic food section, one which stocks everything from fruits and vegetables to dairy products and frozen foods. Organic food consumption has become the trend of the time, but still there are many who do not have a clear idea regarding the definition of organic food and this can be attributed to the fact that we do not possess adequate organic food information. This article is not against or in favor of organic food, we will just present you with the facts and its up to you to decide whether to go organic or not.
Organic food is the food derived from animals and plants that have been grown without the use of products such as manufactured fertilizers, synthetic or man-made pesticides, additives that control or modify growth, antibodies, and/or and livestock feed containing additives.
The benefits claimed by organic food are:
- Higher Nutrient Levels
- Animal Welfare
- Lower Pesticide Residues
- Beneficial for the Environment: As Organic produce is not treated with pesticides etc they are environment friendly.
- Better Taste: People strongly believe that organic food tastes better than non organic food.
Some of the above claims like lower pesticide residue in organic foods are proven one but others are not conclusive.
According to researchers there is little evidence that an organic diet provides greater nutritional benefits or that non-organic crops grown using pesticides and chemical fertilizers are more harmful than their organic competitors. And the USDA — even though it certifies organic food — doesn't claim that these products are safer or more nutritious.
Tom Sanders, the professor of nutrition and dietetics at Kings College London, claims that organic food has no higher nutritional value compared to conventional food. According to him there is not much of a difference between the two.
Organic foods meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods. The difference lies in how the food is produced, processed and handled. And taste is a subjective and personal consideration, so decide for yourself.
The pros in 'going organic' is that organic food is free from artificial chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, growth-promoters and fertilizers. It is produced using environmentally friendly methods and is free from genetically modified ingredients. These "pros" are also the cause for a premium rate of organic food, since not using fertilizers, pesticides etc leads to lower crop yield and increased price. Their cost also increases due to more expensive farming practices and tighter government regulations.
If you are already a fan of organic food or want to try it be sure that you are buying the right product. The only way to be sure that the food you're eating is organic, short of growing it yourself, is looking for certification marks, like the USDA Organic Seal. Elsewhere, in the world similar government regulations and third-party inspectors certify that food is produced to certain standards.