ARE ORGANIC FOODS RIGHT FOR YOU?

It is no secret that organic foods are all the rage now – their popularity has been

growing through the years. With the overload of information available online and

on the food labels, it can be quite challenging to navigate the vast maze of organic

foods, their supposed benefits and their value proposition. All in all, you seek an

answer to the simple question – are organic foods right for me?

To answer the question, we need to know what organic foods really are. Are they

same as natural foods? Are they really beneficial?

Ok, so what are organic foods?

Essentially, organic pertains to the way agricultural produce and products are

grown and processed. To be classified as organic, crops must be grown in safe

and natural soil, must have no modifications – genetic or otherwise – and must be

separated from conventional produce and products. Organic crops are not

exposed to synthetic pesticides, GMOs and fertilizers that are petroleum-based or

sewage sludge-based. Organic farming practices include the usage of natural

fertilizers such as compost and manure to feed soil and plants. Crop rotation,

mulching and tilling are used to control weeds, while insects are controlled using

natural methods such as traps and birds.

Similarly, organic livestock must be raised on a diet of organic feed and must

have adequate access to the outdoors; they should not be administered growth

hormones, antibiotics, or any animal-by-products.

Are organic foods and natural foods the same?

Natural foods are not the same as organic foods, although it is quite common for

people to use the terms interchangeably. Foods that are natural are those that do

not contain artificial colours and flavours, artificial preservatives, GMOs and

irradiated ingredients. Therefore, all organic foods are natural, but not the other

way around.

How do organic foods benefit me?

Organic foods are associated with a variety of benefits – due to the absence of

chemicals and artificial treatments, they spare the ecosystem the damage, and are

strongly believed to deliver great benefits to your health.

1. Organic foods are safer to consume

Since organic foods are pesticide and chemical free, there are no harmful residues

that are left on the foods, making them several times safer than conventionally

grown foods that employ fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. This translates

to lesser bouts of food-borne diseases.

2. Organic foods are healthier for you

Organic foods are a richer source of antioxidants as compared to conventionally

grown foods. Studies have indicated that organic fruits and vegetables contain

27% more Vitamin C, 21.1% more Iron, 29.3% more Magnesium, 13.6% more

Phosphorus, and 18% more Polyphenols while organic meats are less fatty. They

have also noted that dairy products from organically raised livestock are healthier

than conventionally produced dairy products – specifically, the content of

Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants were significantly higher in organically

produced milk.

3. They are often fresher

Organic foods are typically fresher as they are not preserved using chemical

preservatives or agents. Hence these foods have shorter shelf life than the ones

that are conventionally grown. This leads to quicker and more regular

replenishment of fresher stock for consumption. Fresh food tastes better than the

one that has been frozen, stored and shipped across long distances.

4. Organic farming is greener

Besides delivering health benefits, organic farming is better for the environment.

These farming practices work to reduce air pollution, conserve water, reduce soil

erosion and increase soil fertility, and consume lesser energy.

So, are organic foods right for me?

If you seek healthier and safer alternatives to conventionally grown foods, then

YES, organic foods are the right choice for you. Apart from their greater

nutritional content, you also support local communities and protect the

environment.