If food contains no chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides at any stage of production, including the soil where it’s grown, it is considered to be organic. For the food to be organic, livestock that is raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must have access to the outdoors, and its growth should only be stimulated by healthy actions, not including hormonal injections, antibiotics or animal byproducts. All livestock should be feed with is organic food. One of the biggest benefits of organic food is a smaller concentration of chemical residues or none whatsoever. However, there are a few other health benefits for which you should consider embracing organic food instead of the GMO one.
Doesn’t contain harmful chemicals
Unlike their conventionally grown counterparts, organic foods are richer in beneficial nutrients. One of the reasons people should consider opting for organic food is that they will be less prone to food allergies. The chemicals and preservatives used to produce non-organic food are often the reasons behind allergy symptoms. Switching to organic food will likely make the allergies subside or completely go away. Fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are some of the main parts of conventional agriculture. Because of the residues that remain on (and in) the food that we eat, allergies and various intolerances to food occur. What’s more, according to certain studies, even a small dose of pesticides can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. When organic livestock is raised, they are being fed grass and spend more time in nature, which is much healthier than when they’re fed antibiotics and hormones through injections. Experts believe that switching from conventional to organic products would raise consumers’ omega-3 intake without increasing overall calories or saturated fat.
Better taste
Organic food has a more satisfying taste. The lack of pesticides enables the produce to maintain its natural, richer and better overall taste, which in return makes for a more gratifying meal. Organic is the way that food has been produced many centuries ago, and all the food that we consume should be pesticide-free in order for our bodies to stay healthy.
Richer in nutrients
According to a study conducted in 2016, levels of certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in conventionally raised versions. When livestock is fed animal byproducts, it becomes much more susceptible to mad cow disease (BSE). What’s more, the use of antibiotics also put livestock at risk of creating antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. When livestock spends time outdoors, feeding on grass and breathing in fresh air instead of being fed antibiotics and animal byproducts, it stays healthy and produces much better food for the people.
Contains more antioxidants
Another benefit of organic food includes a higher content of antioxidants. A study has shown that conventionally grown onions contain 20% less antioxidants than organically grown onions. Eating organically grown fruits and vegetables in general could increase your antioxidant intake by 20-40%. Organic strawberries, for example, have been found to have more antioxidants than conventionally grown ones.
Final thoughts
Organic food reaps an array of health benefits, which is why it should become yours and everyone else’s practice. Whether you decide to grow your own food or shop for organic products, it is a much healthier choice than the conventionally grown produce. Not only will you be safe from various allergies, but you’ll also save yourself the trouble of worrying whether you’re at a higher risk of various cancers and other vicious diseases. Feed your body with more antioxidants and start eating food that actually tastes delicious by switching to organic foods.