Is Organic Food Better For You? Understanding The Nutritional Differences
Many of us go above and beyond to embrace good health, from eating well to exercising to drinking plenty of water and getting enough sunlight. After all, we only have one body. To ensure it runs well, it needs the right fuel!
One factor playing a big part in our bodies’ wellness is organic food. But is organic produce better than conventional food?
In this handy guide, we discuss the ins and outs of this topic and address some of the questions you may have. Read on to discover more.
What is Organic Food?
Before we delve into this article, let’s discuss what determines organic produce over conventionally grown produce.
In a nutshell, organic food undergoes a different growing process. One void of artificial pesticides or fertilizers. Additionally, instead of investing in insecticides to lessen the likelihood of diseases and pests, organic farmers adopt the help of birds, insects, or traps to reduce pests. But is organic food better for you?
Why Choose Organic?
When you invest in organic food, you’re investing in a product that has been nurtured and grown naturally.
Although vegetables and fruits look similar and feature the same nutrients and vitamins, inorganic can be pumped full of artificial sprays. It’s these sprays that the health-conscious are intent on avoiding.
On the contrary, organic is grown how nature intended.
Pesticides dramatically increase crop production, which is why many farmers use them today, particularly as they ensure a higher quality of produce. However, they can be toxic to humans when consumed in large amounts.
Is Organic Food Worth the Cost?
The costs surrounding organic produce are down to tight government regulations. These are combined with costly farming practices.
Organic farmers often employ manual laborers rather than machines and herbicides to remove the weeds around their crops. This method of farming is more expensive, yet this price tag is an investment. Why? You’re paying for the luxury and reassurance of knowing where your food has come from. In addition, you will know it has been handled with care.
Should We All Be Investing In Organic Food?
When deliberating whether to buy organic food over other offerings in the store, there are many considerations to factor in. We’ve listed some of these below:
1. Health Reasons
Conscious of what you’re putting into your body? Organic food is an ideal option.
Investing in organic produce is also a great way to support your local farms or shop small. You’re more likely to find organic produce in your local deli than in larger stores.
2. Gut Health
Embracing a mix of carbon-rich, fertile soil and an absence of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers boasts a winning combination. This is especially the case if you’re looking to adopt a healthy diet without compromising on flavorful produce.
In addition, quality food influences the composition and function of your human gut microbiome. A healthy gut equates to a healthy body.
Organic produce boasts multiple health benefits for you and your family. Why? Organic systems rely on rich soil brimming with nutritional organic matter and microbial life. This allows farmers to yield robust produce that is safe and nutritious without the need to use harmful chemicals
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3. Taste Quality
If you’ve ever grown your vegetables at home or caught your fish, you’ll know the taste is second to none. It’s how your food is supposed to taste before the additives! Organic food is designed to be picked and eaten straight away. This is when it is at its freshest!
4. Nutrition Values
Research suggests moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce. In addition, organic food may have more antioxidants and flavonoids. In terms of meat, dairy, and eggs, you’ll often find more omega-3 fatty acids in organic produce. This is down to the feeding requirements.
Other factors that affect nutrients in both organic and conventional food? How you store them, their freshness, and how you cook them. For example, leaner cuts of meat are healthier than fatty cuts. Similarly, body-friendly nutrients stay intact when you cook food using low-fat methods such as stir-frying, steaming, and roasting instead of deep-frying. This is true whether the produce is organic or not.
5. Quality and Appearance
Organic produce goes through the strict safety and quality processes and standards set by USDA.
In terms of appearance, however, organic food often boasts various odd shapes and smaller sizes. This is because they’re left to grow naturally, rather than being pumped with preservatives. In addition, organic food is not treated with edible preservatives and waxes and are designed to be devoured shortly after being plucked from the earth.
How Do You Know If Your Food Is Organic or Not?
Products containing 95 percent or more organic produce will often display the USDA seal. Those with at least 70% organic ingredients may show a ‘Made with Organic’ label. For example, a cereal may state ‘Made with Organic Oats’. A product can’t be labeled organic if it contains less than 70% certified organic ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Eating organic produce may lessen exposure to added hormones, artificial chemicals, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It’s also a great way to support local farms and shop small.
Those who consume more organic food tend to follow a healthier diet. One filled with wholesome fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with less meat. This diet plan is associated with a lower risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and lessens your carbon footprint.
Whatever diet choices you embrace, ensure you’re giving your body all the nutrients it needs to function efficiently.
