Organic health foods have become an increasingly popular option among many consumers, as these produce are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Studies suggest that organic foods may boast more nutritional value than their conventionally produced counterparts, and one recent research article highlighted this finding by finding that organic milk contained significantly higher concentrations of heart-protecting omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally produced milk.
Reduced Pesticide Residues
People tend to choose organic health foods because they believe they are safer and healthier than non-organic counterparts; however, most studies have not discovered any discernable difference in human health between those consuming organic versus non-organic products.
Still, some individuals opt for organic products in order to limit their exposure to pesticide residues and their effects. This is especially important for young children whose developing brains and nervous systems may be particularly susceptible to chemicals like pesticides.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies establish safety rules regarding residue levels that are acceptable on organically produced food, and organic foods must comply with these standards.
As part of its efforts to help shoppers reduce exposure to pesticides, EWG offers lists of fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest residue levels, commonly referred to as the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists respectively. Beyond opting for organic versions of produce from these lists, shoppers can minimize exposure by washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly prior to consumption.
More Nutrients
Organic health foods have grown increasingly popular as people become aware of potential negative side effects from pesticides and herbicides used on crops, which have been linked to autism and ADHD as well as raising risks of Parkinson’s disease, respiratory problems and cancer.
Studies have demonstrated that organic foods generally provide higher concentrations of certain essential vitamins and nutrients, such as C and A vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants than regular food items do. However, differences may vary considerably depending on both type of product being grown as well as farming method employed to grow them.
Whenever purchasing organic foods, look out for items displaying the “100% organic” label. This indicates that all ingredients except salt and water have been certified organic according to USDA National Organic Program’s inspection process; though this program may not be as stringent as EU’s certification process. Furthermore, USDA also regulates synthetic fertilizers and herbicides to help ensure quality assurance of each product purchased.
Better Taste
Organic food means purchasing fruits, vegetables and other products produced according to stringent government standards, which prevent the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides (with some exceptions), antibiotics, irradiation or genetic engineering techniques in their growth or production.
Foods containing organic certification must also be free from artificial flavors, preservatives and monosodium glutamate (MSG). They may include organic sugar or honey but should avoid corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup found commonly in processed food products.
Some consumers opt for organic health foods because they believe it will benefit both the environment and themselves, while others consider them healthier and tastier. Although there’s not enough scientific proof supporting either claim, eating more whole fruits and vegetables has been associated with lower risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity compared with conventionally grown food sources. Though organic options tend to cost more, organic is an excellent way to include essential vitamins and minerals into your daily diet.
Less Chemicals
The organic labeling system was designed to assist shoppers in understanding nutrition facts, ingredients lists, and dietary claims. Farms who follow organic standards may not use synthetic fertilizers or any pesticides; instead they must use natural substances and physical or mechanical controls against weeds, insects and diseases.
Environmental Working Group’s Clean Fifteen list for fruits and vegetables offers guidance to consumers when it comes to pesticide exposure; organic foods should be purchased to minimize exposure. If cost prohibits purchasing organic versions, keep eating higher-risk food sources! But avoid eliminating higher-risk options from your diet altogether!
Organic foods often cost more than their nonorganic counterparts, but buying organic fruit and veggies that present moderate to high pesticide risks could be worth your extra money to lower exposure levels. Also keep in mind that eating an array of healthy foods every day will do more good than any hype about one form being better than another.
