Selecting organic ingredients means forgoing chemical pesticides, GMOs and artificial fertilizers, while at the same time enjoying higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in organic produce, dairy and meat products.
At your local farmers’ market or CSA, organic ingredients can also be found and explored further. Read on to gain more insight into their benefits!
Superior Flavor and Taste
Many consumers find organic ingredients have superior flavor and taste when compared to their non-organic counterparts, and often attribute this distinction to organic food and beverage being grown on soil rich with essential nutrients that is free from potentially health damaging chemical residues, while supporting farming practices which encourage biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
“100% organic” means that all ingredients used must be certified organic; products labeled as “organic,” but without carrying the USDA organic seal, must contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients; multi-ingredient products claiming “organic” must only include components produced organically; however, non-organic ingredients permitted under National List guidelines can still be included, but without making organic claims or bearing the USDA seal.
To be certain a product contains only organic natural flavors, the best way to do so is to look out for its USDA or EU Organic seal. In addition, its ingredient list should indicate where these natural flavors were derived.
Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Organic farming avoids using chemical pesticides and herbicides that pollute water supplies, harm animals and reduce biodiversity. Organic farmers also employ techniques designed to prevent erosion and preserve soil while decreasing their need for petroleum-based fertilizers.
Organic ingredients are less likely to contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) due to stricter standards governing how crops can be grown and handled, and third party laboratories that ensure purity and effectiveness.
Products labeled “organic” or “100 percent organic” must contain only certified-organic ingredients, while multi-ingredient products labelled as “Made with organic ***” must contain at least 70 percent certified organic ingredients, but cannot display the USDA organic seal or the word “organic”. Instead, their ingredient panels must display this percentage.
Studies have indicated that those who eat organic foods may be at a reduced risk for certain cancers due to reduced exposure to pesticides; however, more research needs to be conducted in order to verify these results on a larger scale.
Healthier for You and the Environment
Organic food is produced without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic produce is beneficial to both farmers and employees who work alongside it as it reduces soil erosion, conserves water use and uses less energy – plus is better for the environment!
Organic farming practices are designed to be eco-friendly and ethical, supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems while conventional agriculture often results in the destruction of these natural resources.
The USDA organic label indicates that a product contains at least 95% certified organic ingredients and may include up to 5% non-organic components as allowed on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances; any remaining non-organic elements must not exceed 5% by weight of total product weight. Furthermore, meat used in organic products must meet Animal Welfare Approved or American Grassfed Association certification as well as be raised unconfined on pasture and fed 100% forage without antibiotics or hormones being given; this ensures that produce and meat used is free from harmful chemicals as well as antibiotics or growth hormones that could potentially harm produce and meat used conventional products. These standards ensure produce and meat used organic products are free from harmful chemicals as well as antibiotics or growth hormones given during production processes ensuring no harmful chemical contamination takes place when producing or producing organic products are being produced and consumed by their producers and users alike.
Less Expensive
Organic products offer you a great way to limit exposure to synthetic pesticides and herbicides as well as chemical preservatives that could harm both you and the environment. Organic certification standards often stipulate the humane treatment of animals when making their selections.
Organic products often cost more than their conventional counterparts due to more labor and energy input required for organic farming practices; consequently, the products often command a premium price tag.
If the expense of organic foods is becoming prohibitive for you, prioritize your purchases accordingly. For instance, purchase organic versions of fruits and vegetables on the “Dirty Dozen,” a list that tends to contain higher levels of pesticide residues; purchase any additional produce at local farmers markets or community-supported agriculture programs.
Check for products with the USDA organic seal and identification of an accredited certifier on their labels to make sure that they comply with stringent standards.
