What Does Organic Mean and Why Is Organic Food Better for You and the Planet?
“That’s it! I have to stick to a healthier lifestyle and let go of all the destructive habits I have going on. This vicious cycle has to come to an end.”, you resolved yourself the other day.
After looking high and low for healthy recipes online, you finally managed to create your diet book which comprises your most favored dishes and snacks. Once you make a shopping list out of them, you are under the impression that you are ready to purchase everything you need!
It’s time to go grocery shopping!
Just like a kid who has stepped into Disneyland, the moment you set foot into the grocery store, you fail to remember the list in your pocket. Instead, you roam around the product-jammed aisles, wondering how could so many products fit in one place. Lost in this product wonderland, you are no longer sure which choices are “right” for you and your family.
That’s when you take a trip down memory lane to that friend who eagerly introduced you to organic food, but you are not quite sure if this is a scam or the real deal. Well, this is where we swoop in to tell you everything you need to know about organic foods!
What Is Organic Food?
Organic food, also known as biological or ecological food, is food and drinks that are produced following organic farming practices.
By relying on organic agriculture and with no use of any industrial solvents or chemicals such as synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilizers, organic farmers steer clear of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As an alternative, they grow food that is not exposed to irradiation or synthetic fertilizers.
Comprised of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and meat; organic products are not only healthy, naturally-grown options but they are also how nature planned it! While some might call eating organic produce a mere “trend”, others believe that it’s just our return to nature.
“But how can an animal be organic?”, you might wonder. Well, simply put, organic animals live in the most natural of ways with minimum human interference. The word “organic” here mainly refers to what these animals eat and how they live.
Unlike traditional, non-organic animals that become part of the toxic business world, organic animals are raised without pesticides, antibiotics, growth stimulants, hormones, or formulated fertilizers.
Not only do these animals have access to pastures with plenty of space to experience nature, but also feed on either grasses or certified organic grains. So, this is how organic meat and organic dairy are produced!
Facts and Myths About Organic Food
Facts
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Organic food is more nutritious. Unlike its conventional counterpart, organic produce contains higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals.
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Organic products have to go through an organic certification process. This is what makes a huge difference between an orange with USDA organic seal and another one without an organic label. For these products to be labeled “organic”, they have to be made with at least 95% organic ingredients.
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Organic food is tastier and richer in flavor. Given the fact that organic foods are grown at a slower pace and on nutrient-rich soil, they taste unique, more flavorful, and tastier.
Myths
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All organic food and products are pesticide-free. Even though it’s certain that organic produce has a lower amount of pesticide residue than other traditional food options, they are still exposed to what are called natural, low-in-toxicity pesticides.
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It’s an all-or-nothing kind of situation. Many people are under the impression that they should either purchase only organic food or stay fully committed to conventional non-organic options.
They are not familiar with the gray area here. However, the truth is you can tap into the organic world whenever you find it possible. An all-or-nothing approach to healthy eating can not only harm you but also hinder your commitment.
Reasons Why Organic Food Is Better for Your Health and the Planet
Maintains Healthy Soil
Standing right before the produce shelf in the grocery store, you often find yourself baffled as to which product to reach for. Is it the one labeled “100% organic” or the non-organic one sitting right next to it? You simply wonder if your body will even notice any difference. After all, both of them are carrots.
It’s no secret that this is quite a tough decision, especially when you stand there feeling all clueless. That’s why we are here to help you make a more informed decision.
In an attempt to protect the only home that we’ve ever known: Earth, scientists around the world have been forever searching for new information regarding soil health improvement. As a result, recent findings show that organic agriculture maintains healthy soil and is better for soil quality.
Let’s envision two farmers who play out two completely distinct scenarios. One drenches their soil with toxic pesticides, chemicals, and additives that sooner or later depletes it, and the other relies on natural preventative fertilizers and compost.
Which soil do you believe is healthier?
Reduces the Amount of Chemicals in Your Diet
Can you imagine that you, daily, consume fruits and vegetables that have been genetically engineered or exposed to insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and weedkillers? Can you imagine that you consume meat and dairy products from animals that have been treated with growth hormones? Ever wondered how could all this affect your body?
Well, in response to the question “what are the health risks associated with pesticide residues in food?”, World Health Organization (WHO) explained that although pesticides are used “to protect crops against insects, fungi, weeds, and other pests”, it can also be “potentially toxic to humans”. “Cancer, effects on reproduction, immune or nervous systems” are all among the adverse health effects of pesticides.
Organic production, on the other hand, solely relies on natural pesticides, which must be approved beforehand by National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
Contains Higher Levels of Nutrients
It’s a well-known fact: our daily life is loaded with tempting fatty, sugary, and sodium-rich options. Our minds constantly host this bitter battle between positive thoughts encouraging you to stick to healthy food and other negative thoughts trying to convince you that you “can just start your diet tomorrow”.
When we finally conclude that we have to make wiser decisions for the sake of our minds and bodies, we always want to ensure that our food choices have the best nutritional value. While you can be holding two apples in both of your hands, one of them can have more nutrients than the other!
Packed with more vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, and micronutrients; organic products offer you better overall nutritional value than conventionally-grown food. As for organic meat, dairy, and eggs; they all share higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have so many benefits for your heart and brain.
The Bottom Line
Did we help you paint a better picture of organic food?
In short, grown and produced with natural methods and without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, organic food boasts many more benefits when compared to conventionally-grown food.
Organic food not only has a slight edge in food safety due to lower pesticide residue, requires environmentally-friendly practices, and reduces pollution but it also has more nutritional value, promotes soil health, and supports local farmers.
Because our goal is to help our customers not only lead but even enjoy healthier lifestyles, LUXELADYFIT makes sure you have the tools you need to maintain a healthy body and mind.
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