The Honest-to-Goodness Truth About Organic Foods
Organic foods are becoming more and more popular these days as people are increasingly becoming more health and environmentally conscious. After all, what could be safer and more natural than organic foods? Researchers say that organic foods are more healthful because they are free from chemical pesticides. However, there are some who argue that organic foods are just like any other types of foods and that eating them won’t make any difference at all. So what’s the real deal?
Why Organic Foods are Good
Organic foods offer benefits that nobody can refute. Farmers who grow organic fruits and vegetables steer clear of harsh and possibly toxic chemicals. Instead, they find other ways to control weeds, insects, and diseases. They use natural fertilisers rather than synthetic chemical fertilisers.
As for organic meats, there’s a whole lot of difference there, too. For instance, it is common for farmers who raise livestock for food to inject these animals with hormones, antibiotics, and other types of medication to make them grow faster and larger. This is a no-no for organic farmers. Instead, they feed their animals organic foods, allow them to roam freely, and take measures to prevent their livestock from getting sick. Overall, organic farming is better for the animals, the environment, and you.
The Trouble with Organic Foods
Just like anything, organic foods have their disadvantages. Price is the first thing that comes to mind for most people. Organic foods are more expensive because the costs to produce them are high. The consumer bears the production costs. If you are living on a tight budget, you may want to pass up buying too much organic produce.
Organic foods are not easy to find. While many supermarkets now sell organic foods, quite a number of them, especially those located in smaller cities, have very limited choices. You may have to look for a specialty store to buy what you want.
Other Things to Consider When Buying Organic Foods
You must keep in mind that not all organic foods are created equal. the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) must follow certain EU guidelines which must be implemented by certifying bodies such as The Soil Association when certifying organic produce and foods. Interestingly, when you buy food that is labeled “organic,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that all of the ingredients in the product are organic. For The Soil Association to certify a food product as organic, at least 95 percent of the ingredients should be organic.
When you are at the supermarket trying to decide whether to go organic or not, remember a few things. Studies have not conclusively shown that organic foods are more nutritious than other types of foods.
Organic foods may look different from their non-organic counterparts. That’s because no wax or preservatives have been used to improve their appearance and prolong their shelf lives. They spoil faster, too.
When considering whether to buy organic or non-organic produce, one thing to remember is that the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals from fertilisers and pesticides is virtually zero with organic food products.
Would you agree that when it comes to all food, safety should come first, and money should be secondary? We would. This makes it very easy to decide whether to go organic or not.
