Why is there so much demand for organic food?

There is a growing demand for organic food around the world. This demand is due to concerns about health, the environment, and animal well-being.

Organic food is essentially a product of crops grown from soil that has not been treated with any prohibited substance for at least three years prior to the crops being planted. A prohibited substance includes any synthetic pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer. These are very harmful to crops and also a detriment to our health as well. It is also apparent that non-organic foods have very high nitrate levels. Too much nitrate in the blood affects how it transports oxygen within the body. If levels make it to 20 to 50 ppm, this is too high and oxygen levels will drop, making it difficult to breathe.

WHY SOME PEOPLE PREFER ORGANIC FOOD

People prefer organic food for a variety of reasons:

Rich in vitamins and nutrients
Lower pesticide levels
Better for our ecosystem
Tastes better
Reduces pollution
Does not contain any hormones
Organic crops are also better for the soil

There is still some debate and ongoing research on whether organic foods have more vitamins and nutrients than non-organic foods. Some studies have found that organic crops may contain higher levels of certain nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus compared to conventionally grown crops. However, other studies have not found significant differences in nutrient content between organic and non-organic foods.

A study done by Harvard University found that “Organic produce did have the slight edge in food safety, with 30% lower pesticide residues than conventional foods. In general, pesticide levels in both organic and non-organic foods were within allowable safety limits. It’s still not clear, though, just what that means to consumers’ health.” As you can see, while organic food may win over consumers as far as pesticide levels go, there is still no definitive answer on how this implicates our health.

The main difference between organic and non-organic foods lies in the way they are produced. Organic farming practices involve the use of natural fertilizers, crop rotation, and biological pest control methods instead of synthetic chemicals. This can result in healthier soil, which may lead to better nutrient uptake by plants.

ARE ORGANIC FOODS HEALTHIER?

A common misconception is that organic equals healthy, however, this is not always the case. There are some organic foods that have high levels of fat, sugar, and calories. If you are a soda drinker, these are still not good for you, despite the label saying it is organic.

Common organic substitutes for soda are liquid cane syrup and brown rice syrup. These are still very high in sugar and should not be consumed in large amounts.

Other products that offer organic substitutes that aren’t very healthy include ice cream, french fries (in moderation they are fine), potato chips (high fat, moderation is key), and macaroni and cheese (low in vitamins).

Organic ice creams are still high in calories. Some frozen yogurt as a substitute is a much healthier choice and can still satisfy your sweet tooth, just be mindful of the brand and read any labels carefully.

IMPACT OF ORGANIC FOOD ON OUR HEALTH

The validity of the “organic is healthier” argument is still up in the air since we still are unsure of the effect that non-organic food has on our health.

A Harvard study concluded that organic and non-organic foods both had pesticide levels that were “within allowable safety limits.” Some scientist disagree with this, arguing that humans should not be ingesting any pesticides.

In general, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats has been linked to numerous health benefits including reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Whether or not these foods are grown organically may be less important than simply consuming a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-dense food.

IMPACT OF ORGANIC FOOD ON OUR ENVIRONMENT

Organic farming is definitely beneficial for our environment. Firstly, organic farming practices typically rely on natural methods to fertilize crops and control pests, rather than synthetic chemicals. This reduces the amount of harmful chemicals released into the environment, which can have negative impacts on soil health, water quality, and wildlife populations.

Secondly, organic farming often involves crop rotation and other practices that promote healthy soil. This can increase soil fertility over time and reduce erosion, thus improving long-term sustainability of farmland.

Increasing market

The market for organic foods is definitely increasing. 84% of consumers in the U.S purchase organic food, and 45% of them purchase it on a regular basis (monthly or more). Overall, the organic food market is growing in sales each day. Despite any inconclusiveness, the vast majority of consumers prefer to purchase organic food because of the preconceived value surrounding its name. Clearly, many people believe organic foods are better than non-organic.