Organic foods are grown without synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides or preservatives. The food is also free of growth hormones, antibiotics and animal byproducts.
A new study shows that people who choose organic food are at lower risk of obesity than those who do not. This is the first prospective study to evaluate the effect of a diet high in organic produce over time.
Avoidance of Hormones and Antibiotics
Organic production methods do not use any synthetic hormones or antibiotics in animal feed. These practices help reduce the risk of exposure to potentially harmful hormones and bacteria in humans who consume these foods.
Research shows that organic fruits and vegetables generally have lower levels of pesticide residues than do conventionally grown produce. Organic crops also have higher levels of plant secondary metabolites, which include polyphenolic antioxidants and naturally occurring toxins such as glycoalkloids. Whether or not these differences in metabolite levels pose any health risks or nutritional benefits remains to be determined.
The prohibition of antibiotic use in organic animal production also helps explain why bacterial isolates from organically raised food animals appear to have less resistance to antimicrobial agents than do those from conventionally raised foods animals. However, CDC supports judicious antibiotic use for people and animals to slow the development of resistant infections. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about antibiotic use.
No Chemical Preservatives
The USDA defines organic foods as those that have been grown or processed without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or ionizing radiation. In addition, the soil used for growing these crops must be certified as organic or have been amended with organic matter such as compost. Additionally, any meat or dairy products sold as organic must have been raised without routine antibiotics.
Chemical preservatives found in non-organic packaged foods have been linked to a variety of health issues, including digestive dysfunctions, headaches, ADD/ADHD and even cancers. Ingesting these chemicals isn’t good for anyone, especially children and the elderly.
It’s important to note that organic food does contain some preservatives, but only those approved by the USDA for use in organic foods. Some examples include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and benzoic acid. It’s best to avoid all other chemical preservatives when shopping for packaged foods and to buy organic whenever possible. These chemicals have also been linked to hormonal problems and a decline in immune system strength.
No Genetically Modified Foods
The organic label is more than just a way to identify a healthier food. It also means that the food is free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
GMOs are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that could not occur naturally, most commonly to help them resist pesticides or produce an herbicide themselves. They are becoming increasingly common, but there is still a lack of long-term studies on their safety.
Organic foods are also free of GMOs and synthetic chemicals. However, the organic certification process isn’t fail-proof. In fact, there are some products that have the “organic” label that contain a small amount of GMO ingredients.
You can avoid these foods by checking out the Environmental Working Group’s Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists. Also, try to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, as they’re less likely to have been transported long distances. This will also reduce your exposure to pesticides. Plus, supporting local farmers will support your community.
No Animal Byproducts
Animal byproducts are materials left over from slaughterhouses and butcheries, which include items such as pig ears and feet. They're used in many things including leather and other textiles, pet food, biodiesel fuel and industrial lubricants. Organic foods don't contain any animal byproducts.
Nonorganic farms use growth hormones and antibiotics to help animals survive, thrive and produce more meat and milk. However, overuse of these substances can result in antibiotic resistance in bacteria that could eventually affect humans. Organic farmers don't use these substances in their treatment of animals.
In addition to avoiding hormones and antibiotics, organic farming methods are better for the environment. Chemicals used in conventional farming pollute soil and nearby waters. The chemicals can also be absorbed by plants and transferred to consumers. By choosing organic foods, you can avoid this danger to the environment and yourself. The Environmental Working Group provides lists such as the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen of produce with low and high levels of pesticides, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some organic skin products?
Organic skincare products do not contain synthetic chemicals like parabens,phthalates, mineral oils, petroleum jelly or petrolatum.
Organic skincare products can be free of artificial colours and fragrances as well as preservatives, emulsifiers GMOs, Petrochemicals, animal testing (except for cosmetics tested on animals), pesticides hormones, antibiotics, heavy metallics and other contaminants.
They can also be used to maintain healthy skin, protect against premature aging, promote healing from injuries, and improve overall well-being.
These are some terms that you might see when looking for organic products
- Paraben Free: These are chemicals that keep certain cosmetic products stable. However, they can be toxic if used in large quantities.
- Fragrance-Free: The product is free of essential oils or fragrances.
- Cruelty free - No animals were endangered during the manufacturing process.
- Natural Ingredients – The ingredient is naturally derived either from a plant or an animal.
- Vegan/Vegetarian - the ingredients are either vegan or vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free - this means that gluten was removed from the formulation.
- Non-Toxic – The product is free of toxins, carcinogens and other dangerous compounds that can harm your health.
- Biodegradable - the product will break down into harmless components when discarded.
- Pesticide-Free: No pesticides used during growing or harvesting.
- GMO-Free: This means that no product ingredient contains genetically engineered organisms.
- Certified Organic means that all of the ingredients in the formula were grown using methods that protect the soil, water, air, wildlife, and farmers.
Do organic foods offer health benefits?
Organic foods may not be healthy for everyone. But for those who eat them regularly, there are definite health benefits.
Organic food is grown without the use of pesticides herbicides fungicides hormones antibiotics or genetic engineering. Organic produce is free from harmful chemicals that could cause harm to human health.
The use of additives in the processing process is also less common. Organic products are more nutritious than those made from non-organic ingredients.
Studies have shown that organic foods are more nutritious and rich in antioxidants than fruits and veggies grown from conventional sources.
Even though organic farming methods can be more costly than conventional farming methods they are often more productive. Organic farming promotes soil fertility as well as biodiversity.
This helps prevent erosion and conserve water. Organic farms also require less energy and fuel, as they aren't treated using toxic chemicals.
Many people are concerned that organic food is more expensive than regular foods. Prices can vary depending on where you live. Organic apples, for example, are more expensive than regular apples.
However, organic fruit is more affordable if you compare the price of a basket of both types.
Do you want to go organic?
It all depends on who you are. It doesn't matter if organic food isn't for you.
You can purchase organic food if it is delicious. Organic food is safer than traditional commercial produce, as they are not subject to chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic agriculture protects our environment by conserving natural resources and promoting biodiversity.
What are organic food products?
Organic produce does not contain synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and sewage sludge. It is also grown without irradiation or genetic engineering. No growth hormones are used. Animal testing is also not done. These crops are allowed to grow naturally, so farmers do not use chemicals to prevent weeds or pests.
Organic farming practices also maintain soil quality by reducing erosion and conserving water resources. Organic foods are healthier than conventional foods because they have more nutrients. Organic products are typically higher in fiber and lower in fat and calories than conventionally produced ones.
Why should I choose organic?
Conventional agriculture has been linked to several health problems, including asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, cancer, birth defects, hormone imbalances, and other diseases. Healthy choices must be made when purchasing food.
The Environmental Working Group offers these tips:
As much as possible, purchase organic fruits or vegetables
USDA organic labels are required for meat, poultry, eggs and milk.
Avoid processed foods that claim to be "natural" and "no additives."
Check ingredient lists carefully. It is possible to add an ingredient during processing if it isn't already listed.
Choose fresh meats over frozen or canned ones. Cans and frozen foods are often less nutritious than fresh meats, such as high fructose corn syrup.
What are organic products for beauty?
Organic Beauty Products don't contain synthetic chemicals such as parabens. These ingredients are common in cosmetics such as shampoos, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Organic beauty products don't contain genetically modified organisms and are therefore free from animal testing.
The USDA defines organic food as "a system which fosters cycle of resources"; it has been used for decades by the USDA to describe foods that are grown without pesticides.
The harmful effects of chemical compounds on our bodies have led to an increase in the demand for ecofriendly beauty products.
These include allergies, cancer, skin irritation, hormonal imbalance, early aging, and skin irritation.
Organic beauty businesses are committed to providing safe, healthy products that consumers can use while protecting the environment.
What are some of the benefits of organic agriculture?
Organic farming is a way for farmers to grow food naturally without the use chemicals. Farmers don't have worry about whether harmful pesticides are affecting their crops or animals.
Organic farming also permits for the use of natural fertilizers. These fertilizers help to grow healthy plants and help to reduce the amount of chemical waste produced.
Organic farming is also beneficial for the environment. Many farmers use composting methods to replenish soil nutrients. This reduces the risk of pollution and helps conserve precious resources.
Organic farming can increase crop yields and help the environment. This is because there is much less water used during the growing season.
Organic production methods also mean that farmers receive higher prices for their produce. Consumers who become more aware of the dangers of pesticides and chemical fertilizers demand healthier foods.
This drives up the demand for organic products. Organic farming is growing in popularity.
How can you tell if your produce is organic?
These three labels can help you make sure you're buying organic produce.
USDA Organic Certified – This certification is issued by USDA to ensure that the product is 100% organic.
Certified Naturally-Grown - Produce which has passed strict organic practices requirements, but not yet received USDA certification.
Pastured/Freerange - Products made from animals who graze freely and are outdoors.
These labels are used to indicate that the product meets specified criteria.
- No synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- No genetically altered organisms
- No antibiotics are ever given to the animal
- The animal is never given any hormones
- No growth-promoting drugs
- No feed additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No irradiation
- No sewage sludge
- GMOs prohibited
- There have never been any antibiotics given.
- No hormones ever given
- No growth-promoting drugs
- No feed-additives
- No artificial ingredients
- No sewage sludge (if it's a non-GMO)
- No irradiation
I hope that this article was useful!
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)
- 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)
- Popular clothing brands, like Patagonia, are labelled as organic by using 100 percent organic cotton for many of their styles. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Cosmetic brands such as Laurel and Rose Mira are 100 percent organic and have a wide array of skincare products. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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- The link between occupational pesticide exposure and cancer risk: A review: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part B. Vol 15, No 4.
- Genetically modified foods: Safety, Risks and Public Concerns - A Review - Journal of Food Science and Technology
How To
What happens when you switch from conventional products to organic?
Organic products are produced without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. They are free-range and come from clean water sources. Organic products are those that do not contain chemicals or other additives. This product was produced by nature and therefore contains no harmful substances.
The term "natural" refers to how food is grown. It's usually used to describe foods not processed into their final form (such as fruits). Natural foods are often fresher because they're not subject to heat radiation, chemical preservatives or any other treatment. But, not everyone believes that natural foods are healthy. Many experts say there isn't much difference between conventional and organic foods. Both types have been tested for quality and safety. But organic produce has fewer pollutants and pesticide residues than conventionally grown produce.
In general, most grocery stores now offer organic options. Organic meat, poultry or eggs can be found at most local markets. Some companies offer only organic products while others have separate sections. Look for USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Biodynamic Association Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, etc.
If you are pregnant, or nursing, these products should not be eaten. Unborn babies and infants can be exposed to pesticides.
Resources:
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