Is organic food really the healthier alternative? Is it worth all that money? Is it safe to buy organic food products online? Let’s find out the answers to the questions that come to your mind after hearing about organic food products.
What does ‘organic’ mean?
The word organic refers to the way crops are grown and processed. Standards of organic farming vary worldwide but organic farming supports practices that promote ecological balance and takes place without the use of pesticides, bioengineered genes, or any other harmful chemicals.
Some differences between organic and non-organic produce:
| Organic produce | Non-organic produce |
| Produced by using natural fertilizers. | Produced by using synthetic fertilizers. |
| Unwanted plants are removed using crop rotation or hand weeding. | Unwanted plants are removed using chemical herbicides |
| Pests are removed using natural methods such as traps. | Pests are killed using synthetic pesticides. |
Benefits of organic food:
The way your food is produced or grown can have a major impact on mental and physical health as well as on the environment. Organic foods have more beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants more than that found in non-organic produce. People with allergies to foods because of chemicals or preservatives used in non-organic food might also find their symptoms to go away when they choose organic food. Plus the best part of it all is that you can buy organic food products online easily. So just think how one click can change your whole eating habits and make your life healthier. Now let’s talk about some more benefits of organic foods:
Organic food is often fresher – Organic foods don’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is mostly (but not always) produced at small scale farms nearer to where it’s being sold. You can just go online and search for farms near your area selling organic food. It’s so easy to buy organic food online and get fresh food delivered at your home.
Organic foods contain less chemicals – Non-organic farming uses pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and various other chemicals while growing crops and their residue remains on the food we eat. Organic farming on the other hand uses very few (organic) or no chemicals while growing the produce which makes it a better option for our health.
Organic farming is better for the environment – Organic farming uses practices that reduces the pollution, soil erosion, use of energy and increases the soil fertility, conserves water. Organic farming is also good for animals and people near the farms as it uses no synthetic pesticides.
Organic food does not have GMO – GMO(s) pr Genetically Modified Organisms foods are crops whose DNA has been altered in such a manner that isn’t natural.
Organic food is economical – Organic food is usually bought from local markets or farms near you which assure that the money stays in the local market. More money directly goes to the farmer than things like marketing and distribution.
Is organic food totally pesticide free?
As we have mentioned above, one of the most important benefits of organic food is that it has lower contents of pesticides. However, there is a common disbelief that organic farming doesn’t use pesticides which is not true. But the thing about organic farming using pesticides is that it uses natural pesticides rather than the synthetic pesticides used in non-organic farming. Natural pesticides are less toxic and harmful in nature and your exposure to harmful pesticides is much less when you opt for organic eating.
Foods and Vegetables which are best if eaten organic:
The following food and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels when grown non-organically so its best to buy them organic –
- Apple
- Bell peppers
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Spinach
Foods and vegetables that are okay even if they are non-organic:
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Sweet Corn
- Brinjal
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Onion
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Cantaloupe
Tips for buying organic food:
- Buy seasonal foods – Fruits and vegetables are cheapest when they are in season. Find out what when the foods are delivered to your market and then buy them fresh at a cheap rate accordingly.
- Shop around and online – Always compare the price of the foods in stores, farmers market and online. Buy organic food product online to get it freshly delivered at your home in no time and at a minimal price.
Now that you know all about organic food and its benefits you can easily go for it if it suits your health and lifestyle needs. People consider organic food to be costlier than non-organic food but that’s not always true. Local markets and grocery stores always sell fresh and seasonal organic produce at a cheap rate. And if you’re too busy to go out and browse for it just buy organic food online because what’s better than health and freshness being delivered at your doorstep!