Organic food has become increasingly popular over recent years. However, there are still some misconceptions about what exactly makes up "organics."
What does '100% Organic' mean? "100 percent organic" means that all agricultural inputs have been approved by government regulators.
Why should you buy organic food? There's no doubt that buying organic food is healthier for both humans and animals. But why do so many people choose this option? The main reason is that organic food contains significantly more nutrients and minerals than its non-organic counterpart. For example, one cup of strawberries may only contain 10 calories, but if they were grown without synthetic fertilizers, then they would contain around 50 calories.
What are the benefits of organic food? The benefits of organic food include:
- Better quality – Because organic crops aren’t exposed to toxic substances like artificial fertilizer, fungicide, insecticide, etc., they offer much greater nutrient content. This includes increased amounts of vitamin K, beta carotene, folic acid, lutein, lycopene, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, ascorbic acid, biotin, and selenium.
- Lower risk of cancer – Studies show that organic fruits and veggies contain higher levels of antioxidants which help prevent cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals cause DNA mutations, which could lead to certain types of cancers such as colon cancer.
- Reduced environmental impact – When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, organic farms use far less energy and water compared to conventional farms. In fact, according to the USDA, organic farms require just 1/3rd of the energy required by conventional farms.
- Improved health – Eating organic produce helps reduce the risks associated with pesticides and other chemical contaminants found on conventional products. It also reduces the chances of getting sick due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Increased nutrition – According to the Environmental Working Group, organically produced fruit and vegetables typically contain 30%-50% more vitamins and minerals than their conventional counterparts.
To learn more about organic food and its benefits, check out this article on organic vs non-organic food. Also, if you want to learn how to grow your own organic garden, read this post.