Organic foods have gained immense popularity in recent times owing to the increasing awareness of health benefits and purchasing potential. Some believe that organic foods are healthier, safer and tastier than conventionally harvested foods. While others value it for the environmental merits and well-being of the wildlife.
As per reports from the Organic India Market (2022), the organic products market has a year-on-year growth rate of 25 per cent, which reflects the high demand for organic alternatives.
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Read this article to get an overview of organic foods' nutrition and impact on human health.
What Are Organic Foods?
Organic products are grown via an agricultural method that highlights the need for using natural harvesting methods and sustainability. They are cultivated without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), growth hormones or antibiotics.
For a food product to be labelled organic, a food must be free of artificial food additives comprising artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colouring, flavouring, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Generally, organically grown crops use natural fertilizers like manure to improve plant growth, while animals raised organically are not given any antibiotics or hormones.
This farming practice improves soil quality, conserves groundwater, reduces pollution and maintains the ecosystem. Hence, organically grown products are often considered healthier and environmentally friendly.
Commonly organically grown produce includes fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, meat, and processed products like cereals or snacks labelled and marketed as "certified organic."
Benefits of Organic Foods
Nutrient Profile
Organically grown foods contain vital nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids in animal products. The rich nutrient content is endorsed by the absence of synthetic chemicals and naturally manured soil.
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Minimal Contact with Chemicals
Organic foods decrease exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can have adverse health problems with long-term usage.
Eco-Friendly Cultivation
Organic cultivation promotes the practice of sustainable agricultural methods by promoting soil health, preserving water and decreasing pollution. It supports biodiversity and averts soil degradation.
Enhanced Taste
Generally, organic foods have a better taste owing to the absence of artificial flavour enhancers and attention to the natural growth processes.
No GMOs
Organic foods are GMO-free, appealing to consumers worried about genetically modified organisms' potential health hazards and environmental risks.
Are Organic Foods Worth the Hype?
Organic foods have gained a lot of recognition, but whether they are worth the hype depends on individual preferences.
Organic foods can lessen exposure to hazardous chemicals and support a wholesome diet.
Preferring this agricultural method supports eco-friendly farming, supporting sustainability goals.
As organic foods are more costly than conventional ones, they serve as a luxury for a few people.
The health incentive of having organic foods is very evident, while its impact may not always justify the expense for all, specifically when non-organic food choices also meet safety standards.
Pros and Cons of Organic Foods
Pros
Minimal pesticide residues and absence of synthetic additives.
Optimises biodiversity and eases carbon footprint.
Organic farming promotes animal welfare and good labour practices.
Organic produce renders the natural, fresh and intense taste of the foods.
Cons
Organic foods are usually 20–100% more expensive than their conventional ones.
Not all areas have easy accessibility to a variety of organic products.
Without the use of synthetic preservatives, organic foods have a lesser shelf-life.
Irregularities in certification criteria may raise concerns about authenticity.
Conclusion
The evidence is varied on whether organic foods contain more nutrients and antioxidants than conventionally grown products. In a nutshell, having organic food may lessen exposure to artificial chemicals, hormones and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, it is more expensive and may not be easily accessible to all. In addition, it’s not evident that going organic has additional health incentives.
Whether to buy organic foods is your choice you should make based on your likings.
(This article is article reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?
Vanessa Vigar 1,2,3,4, Stephen Myers 1,3,4,*, Christopher Oliver 1,3,4,5, Jacinta Arellano 3, Shelley Robinson 1,3,4, Carlo Leifert
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019963/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361267165_Is_Organic_Food_Good_for_Health_and_the_Environment
