There is a big buzz to save the planet currently. Due to this buzz, organic farming has received a big boost as a lot of people are pushing for organic food.
One of the reasons for this recognition is that it is considered that organic food is healthy for humans and the planet.
However, it is very hard to trust everything you see on the internet. As PR companies are famous for pushing propaganda in their favour.
So, in this article, we look in detail what are the benefits of Organic food and should you eat it?
What do we mean by organic food?
Originally, the term “organic” referred to a way of naturally growing and processing agricultural products. Nowadays, each country has a different definition of the word.
In general, organic crops are grown without the use of bioengineered genes (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, and petroleum-based fertilizers, sewage sludge-based fertilizers.
Similarly, organic livestock raised for meat, eggs or any other dairy products should have access to the outdoors and be given organic diet.
In no condition, they should be given growth hormones, antibiotics, or any animal byproducts to increase their size.
Now, that we know what is organic food, let’s find the benefits of organic food:
1. Organic Food Contains Fewer Pesticides :
As stated above, organic food is grown without the addition of synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
Although chemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides, are widely used in conventional agriculture and in safe quantity.
Research has shown these chemical residues remain on and in the food. Over-exposure to such chemicals can cause problems in your body.
2. Organic Food is Fresher :
Organic food doesn’t contain preservatives to make them last longer; hence they are sold quickly. For example, they are produced on farms and took to the nearby market to be sold.
That is why it is important to check where organic food is grown before buying.
3. Organic Farm is Nice to the Planet :
Organic farming practices prohibit the use of any synthetic fertilizer, antibiotics, or anything else. This helps reduces pollution due to less use of chemicals.
It also reduces soil erosion, conserves water, uses less energy, and increase soil fertility. Moreover, when farmers stop using pesticides, it is better for nearby birds and animals.
Even people who live near the farm consume less amount of chemicals.
4. You Save Live Stock :
There are dedicated livestock farms where it is mandatory to give animals growth hormones, antibiotics, etc. By the use of antibiotics, you are creating antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Many researches have shown that feeding livestock animal byproducts increase the risk of disease in the animal. Then these sick animals are killed and its meat sold in the market.
Lastly, organically-raised animals have more space to move and live his life which keeps them mentally and physically healthy.
5. Organic Food is Healthier :
One of the biggest advantages of eating organic food is that they are richer in certain nutrients.
A 2016 European study concluded that certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids were up by 50% than non-organic meat and milk.
Clearly, organic meat and milk are better than a conventional dairy products. So, we can conclude that organic food is healthier.
6. Organic food is GMO-free :
It is no secret that farmers use Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to enhance their crops or meat for a bigger profit.
By using GMOs, farmers are altering the DNAs of the plant and animals which can’t occur naturally. This also helps the plant to be resistant to pesticides or anything else.
The problem is that GMOs is being linked to allergies, intestinal damage, infertility, cancer, Alzheimer’s and many more diseases. Hence, it better to stay away from GMO food.
Conclusion :
Organic food is the way that food was also meant to be produced without any pesticides or hormones.
However, conventional farming has driven away from this path and constantly use antibiotics and GMOs.
Clearly, non-organic food isn’t safe and has the potential to harm humans in a significant way. However, organic food is expensive than conventional food, and this makes it less desirable.
But if you want to keep yourself healthy and live a fit life alongside saving the planet in the process. Then you should definitely eat organic food.