The term “organic” is a buzzword that has become synonymous with healthy. But what does it really mean?
You may see a variety of labels at the grocery store including organic, free-range, air-chilled and natural. While some of these claims may seem misleading, others are based on actual nutritional differences.
Deeper Flavor
As consumers become increasingly aware of how their food is produced, a growing number are seeking out products with organic labels. The USDA’s “organic” label guarantees that chicken is fed a 100% organic diet, has access to the outdoors, and does not receive growth-promoting antibiotics.
But it’s hard to tell whether organic chicken actually tastes better. “You would need one outrageous palate to really discern the difference,” says Dallas-based chef Otto Borsich.
He points out that chickens raised to the organic standard tend to look plumper, and their meat has a more consistent texture than conventional chicken. But if you cook your chicken properly and thoroughly, the flavors of both will be similar.
The best way to experience the richness of organic chicken is to roast a whole bird. Getting it right takes some practice, but once you do, the results are delicious. This simple technique is a great way to create dinners that are both healthy and impressive.
More Tenderness
Chicken is easy to make tender by cooking slowly and adding liquid such as broth or stock. This makes for a flavorful meal without all the fat and calories.
Organic chicken is also more tender, and the flavors are more pronounced. This is especially noticeable when used in soup recipes or to prepare poultry for a salad.
Another benefit of choosing organic is the animal welfare standards. Although the USDA’s own organic standards advisory board has indicated that there are significant loopholes in the animal welfare aspect of the regulations, many consumers believe that avoiding antibiotics and pesticide residue is worth the higher price tag on organic chicken.
As for nutritional value, both regular and organic chicken are low in saturated fat and sodium. Organic chicken is slightly more nutritious than regular, providing more Vitamins B6 and B12, potassium, magnesium and zinc per 100 g serving. However, the difference is small. Both are free of trans fats.
Less Fat
As health-conscious consumers look to reduce their exposure to junk food and other unhealthy fats, many are turning toward organic chicken. While it may sound like a health-fad, there may be some truth to the benefits of organic poultry.
Organic chicken is typically lower in saturated fat than conventional chicken breasts and has more of the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In blind taste tests, people have also reported that organic chicken tastes better than regular chicken.
The difference in taste can be attributed to the fact that organic chicken is raised in a way that is more natural and less processed. In order to be certified organic, a chicken must have access to the outdoors, eat a diet that does not contain GMOs or antibiotics and not be fed any waste products (traditional production allows producers to feed leftover meat and organs from slaughtered non-organic chickens). The birds must also be raised without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers and must be humanely treated.
More Nutrients
As consumers become more conscious of the foods they eat, more and more people are looking for healthier alternatives. Organic chicken is one of these options. Chicken labeled organic must follow specific standards, including being raised without antibiotics or hormones, fed a certified-organic diet, and having access to the outdoors.
The fact that the chickens are allowed to roam outside also helps them build muscle and reduce fat content. According to registered dietician Nancy Goodwin, this means that the chicken is more nutrient-dense when you buy it.
Even though organic chicken has more protein than regular chicken, both cuts are low in saturated fat and provide a good source of vitamin B6 and B12, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and folate. And, both skinless organic chicken legs and regular chicken legs have similar calorie counts. They are also both low in saturated fat and trans fat free. Both are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do organic foods have health benefits?
Organic foods may not be healthy for everyone. But for those who eat them regularly, there are definite health benefits.
Organic food does not contain artificial fertilizers or pesticides. It also doesn't contain fungicides. Organic produce does not contain harmful chemicals that could be harmful to the human body.
Organic products also have fewer additives. Organic products are healthier than those that use additives during processing.
Studies have shown organic foods have more nutrients and antioxidants that conventionally grown fruits, vegetables.
Even though organic farming methods can be more costly than conventional farming methods they are often more productive. Organic farming encourages soil fertility and biodiversity.
This helps prevent erosion and conserve water. Organic farms also require less energy and fuel, as they aren't treated using toxic chemicals.
People worry that organic foods will be more expensive than those made from conventional food. However, prices vary depending on where you live. For example, organic apples can be more costly than conventional apples.
However, organic fruit is more affordable if you compare the price of a basket of both types.
Should you buy organic?
It all depends on your personality. If organic food doesn't appeal to you, you shouldn't bother.
Organic food can be purchased if you like good-tasting food. Organic foods are safer as most commercial growers use chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified species (GMOs) to produce their crops.
Organic agriculture conserves the environment and promotes biodiversity.
Why is organic food so important?
Organic produce is important for our health. It is the best option to ensure that we eat nutritious food. It is healthier for us than any pesticides or fertilizers and it is also more eco-friendly.
Organic farming uses natural methods for growing crops without using harmful chemicals. This means fewer environmental pollutants, making it safer for humans and animals. By choosing organic food, you are protecting the planet as well as yourself.
However, organic food is good for our health. We all know how toxic processed food can make you feel. However, organic fruits & vegetables aren’t treated with chemical sprays. That means that they taste fresher, look brighter and last longer too.
Because of this, organic foods are so important. Organic food is not only healthier for you but also for the whole world.
What is organic food?
Organic produce is free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sewage sludge and confinement feeding. No growth hormones are used, and there is no animal testing. These crops are allowed to grow naturally, so farmers do not use chemicals to prevent weeds or pests.
Organic farming practices can also preserve soil quality by reducing erosion, and conserving water resources. In addition, organics are better for our health because they contain more nutrients than conventional food. Organic foods are often higher in fiber, lower in fat, and less calories than those produced conventionally.
How can I tell if my produce has been certified organic?
These labels will help you ensure that organic produce is purchased.
USDA Organic Certified- This product has been certified organic by the USDA.
Certified Naturally Grown – Produce that meets strict organic standards but has not received USDA certification.
Pastured/Free range - These are animals that live outside and graze freely on grasses and herbs.
These labels signify that the product meets a specific set of criteria.
- No synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- There are no genetically modified organisms
- No antibiotics are ever given to the animal
- The animal is never given any hormones
- There are no growth-promoting drugs
- No feed additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No irradiation
- There's no sewage waste sludge
- GMOs banned
- Never was an antibiotic given
- No hormones ever given
- No growth-promoting drugs
- No feed additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No sewage sludge, if it's not a GMO
- No irradiation
I hope you found the article useful.
Why should you buy organic?
Conventional agriculture has been linked to several health problems, including asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, cancer, birth defects, hormone imbalances, and other diseases. It is important to make informed choices about food purchases.
Here are some tips from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
As much as possible, purchase organic fruits or vegetables
USDA organic labels should be used on meat, poultry and eggs as well as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, honey, and other dairy products.
Avoid processed foods that claim to be "natural" and "no additives."
Carefully review ingredient lists. It is possible to add an ingredient during processing if it isn't already listed.
Choose fresh meats over frozen or canned ones. Many frozen and canned foods contain less nutrients, like high fructose Corn Syrup.
Organic meat is better
You probably know the answer if you have been paying attention for a while. The problem is that organic food is increasingly popular, but conventional food continues its decline.
Organic foods continue to be popular because they offer a healthier alternative. Organic foods are also safer for our overall health and reduce pollution.
But there are two sides to this coin. Organic produce is more difficult to grow and takes more resources. Organic food is more expensive than non-organic.
Organic meats are typically higher priced than conventionally raised animals. However, it is possible to reduce costs without compromising on quality.
One way to save money is to buy locally. Locally grown fruits and veggies help to lower prices because farmers get incentives to grow good crops.
You can also look for deals to reduce costs. You may be able to get discounts when you buy organics.
Consuming less meat is another way to save cash. Due to the cost of raising livestock, meat production can be expensive.
Organic food is healthier for the planet and our bodies than conventional food, but it's important to not overlook its cost.
Statistics
- When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
- Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (usda.gov)
- Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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- PubMed: Assessment of the micronutrients found in plant foods that are produced using organic and conventional agricultural techniques - PubMed
- Comparison of the total amount of phenolic and/or ascorbic acids in freeze-dried and dried marionberry, strawberry, or corn grown using conventional and organic agricultural practices - PubMed
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How To
What you need to know about organic foods
Organic foods are made from animals and plants without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They are produced without genetic engineering or the application of ionizing radiation. The food must not contain artificial flavours, colours, flavour enhancements, or preservatives. It must not contain genetically altered organisms (GMOs).
In 1845, Justus Von Liebig, an aspiring chemist and entrepreneur, created the term "organic" to describe the properties found in manure. Most people associate organic production with food. Organic means the product has only natural substances like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are found in nature.
Globally, organic product consumption has increased significantly over the last decade. Recent statistics show that around half of the world's population consumes at most one organic product per day. This figure is on the rise and it is predicted to grow to 70%, 88%, and 90% in 2020.
There are many factors that consumers choose organic produce. Some prefer the flavor, while others prefer them because they are healthier. Others also believe organic farming makes it more sustainable. Some consumers choose non-organic products because of ethical concerns about farm workers' and animal treatment.
Organic foods are usually more expensive than conventional ones, although prices vary depending on countries and regions. There are many factors that affect the cost of organic food. One factor is the availability land suitable for organic agricultural. Another factor is the price of inputs as well as labour for organic farming. Transportation costs, marketing expenses, and taxes are all factors. For example, in Europe, the average price of organic food is 10% higher than the regular price.
Below is a summary of the major differences between organic food and conventional food.
- Organic produce is naturally free of synthetic fertilizers and growth regulators as well as hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals.
- Organic livestock are fed grasses, grains and legumes rather than corn or soybean meals.
- Organic milk comes from cows fed only grasses and hay.
- All raw materials used to make organic products are organically certified.
- Organic fruits and veggies are grown and processed without pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- No irradiation is used in organic meat, poultry, or seafood.
- Before using raw nuts or seeds, they must be soaked.
- Organic cooking is made with only healthy oils.
- Organic eggs were laid by hens. They can also be used in outdoor areas.
- Traditional methods are used to extract organic honey.
- Organic chocolate uses beans and sugar that have been organically farmed and processed.
- Organic wines don't contain chemical additives.
- Organic tea leaves are made from hand-picked plants.
- Organic cotton can be grown without pesticides or herbicides.
- Organic flours and cereals are free from artificial colours, preservatives, or flavors.
- All-natural shampoos and soaps don't contain harsh chemicals.
- All-natural cosmetics are safe and gentle for your skin.
- All natural cleaning agents are biodegradable.
- All natural body products are dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic.
- All-natural, fragrance-free personal hygiene products can be safely used by babies.
- All-natural baby formula contains no bovine serum or animal protein.
Resources:
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