Organic foods are grown or produced without the use of modern synthetic processes or products. For instance, produce that has been grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides are considered as organic produce. Foods that are not genetically modified are considered organic, as are foods that have not been processed using industrial solvents, irradiation or artificial food additives.
The Impact of Organic Foods to the Environment
A number of surveys and studies have been made to compare organic farming and conventional farming. These conclusions were made after conducting those studies:
1. Organic farms neither consume nor releases synthetic pesticides to the environment.
2. Organic farms are better than conventional ones when it comes to sustaining a wide variety of ecosystems.
3. Organic farms consume less energy, as well as produce less waste.
One disadvantage that critics have pointed out is that because organic farms need increased land, this might lead to the destruction of some rainforests, which may also lead to the destruction of a number of ecosystems.
Organic Food and Animal Welfare
– Part of organic farming is not to make animals produce more than they usually would. A standard of organic farming is not to push for factory farming. On an organic farm, animals are provided with lots of fresh air and outdoor space, encouraging normal animal behavior. Animals are also not given antibiotics, genetically modified feed or growth hormones. This environment results in animals that are less stressed and in better condition.
Food Safety
It is a common belief that organic food or produce is safer for consumers because it does not contain any pesticide residues. This does not automatically conclude that conventionally grown produce has pesticide residue. Studies have shown that there are conventionally grown produce that have no pesticide residue. It is also believed by many that organic foods are safer to eat because they have relatively lower nitrogen content. However, there has not been proof that consumption of foods that have lower nitrogen content improves one’s health condition. According to the USDA, chicken raised the organic way possibly have lower levels of arsenic.
Nutritional Value
According to a 12-month review that was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency, there has not been any good evidence that consuming organic foods benefits a person’s health more than conventional foods in terms of nutrient content. This conclusion was based on 50 years’ worth of evidence. However, it is a common belief that eating organic foods has better nutritional value.
Eating organic foods is the secret for a healthier life.
armers who grow organic produce and meat don’t use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers may conduct more sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.