Eating healthy food plays an important role in living a long and vibrant life, and the quality of food we consume also plays a significant role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The food we eat has a lot of benefits, but the benefits of eating organic foods hits different. For many years, the trend of choosing organic foods has gained a lot of attention. In this blog, we discuss the benefits of eating organic foods, we cover all the aspects related to health, environment, and lifestyle. Not only that but we also explain why organic option is the best option for you.
What is organic food?
Before discussing the benefits of eating organic foods, it’s essential to understand what organic food actually means? Organic foods are produced through farming particles that do not use any kind of artificial additives.
Actually, organic farmers avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers, instead they use natural methods to grow crops and raise livestock. For example: organic meats come from animals that are raised to organic feed without using any artificial things like antibiotics or growth hormones.
Health benefits of eating organic foods
1. Fewer pesticides and chemicals
One of the main and most important benefits of eating organic foods is to avoid synthetic chemicals. Non-organic farming uses a variety of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to protect the field or crops from the insects and weeds, but unfortunately when these chemicals were used it left some residues on the food we eat which was very harmful for human beings.
On the other hand, organic farming uses natural alternatives like compost and beneficial insects to control pests and weeds, which means organic foods lower the risk of harmful residues so, are beneficial for human health.
2. Higher nutritional value
Organic foods often provide more nutrition with respect to non-organic foods. Latest studies also show that organic foods and vegetables have higher concentration of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are very beneficial for human health. Higher nutritional values comes among the best health benefits of eating organic foods.
For example: Organic tomato have higher level of vitamin C and lycopene, and both these things are vital for immune system and skin health.
3. No GMOs
Genetically modified organism (GMOs) are those plants or animals who’s some of the traits are not naturally found in them. The DNA of these organisms have been altered to create traits that are not naturally found in them. This step is often taken to make crops resistant to certain pests or herbicides.
On the other hand, organic farming strictly prohibits the use of GMOs. So, if you use organic foods you are assured that the food does not been genetically modified and the food you eat are natural. Most of the people prefer to avoid GMOs due to over long-term heating effects.
4. Better for children and pregnant women
Children and pregnant women are often at the high risk of potential harmful effects by using foods that contain pesticides or fertilizers which was commonly found in conventional food.
On the other hand, organic foods does not contain any kind of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers and thus, it is the right food and provide extra protection to those with more sensitive system including babies, toddlers, and pregnant women. Organic foods are the best option for children and pregnant women and it is among the best health benefits of eating organic foods. When women eat organic foods during their pregnancy it can help reduce exposure to toxins that could affect fatal development.
5. Lower risk of allergies and food sensitivities
Some studies suggest that the people who eat non-organic foods often have a high risk of food allergies. On the other hand, people who eat organic foods have fewer problems with food allergies and sensitivities. The main reason behind this is the lack of synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients that often present in non-organic foods, which are very difficult to digest and thus cause allergic reactions. Thus, prevention from food allergies also come among the health benefits of eating organic foods.
6. Improve heart health
Organic foods have a high level of healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids which are very important in supporting heart health. These healthy fats are really known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and even improve brain function. Hence, improving heart health also comes among the best benefits of eating organic foods.
Environmental benefits of organic farming
Less soil pollution: Conventional farming use harmful chemicals often involve using synthetic fertilizers and chemicals that can leach into the soil, depleting its natural nutrients over time. On the other hand, organic foods does not contain any kind of harmful chemicals and fertilizer thus helps in maintaining natural soil fertility.
Reduce water contamination: As you already known that Conventional foods contain harmful substances that when run off into water bodies cause water contamination. These harmful substances not only affects aquatic life but also are very bad for humans as well. It not only harm aquatic life but also reduce the quality of drinking water.
On the other hand, organic farming does not have any use of these harmful chemicals so reduce the risk water pollution and promotes clean and clear water for both the humans and animals. Preventing water pollution is among the best benefits of eating organic foods.
Supports climate change mitigation: Organic farming plays a positive and important role in fighting climate change. Organic farming produce fewer amount of greenhouse gases as compared to non-organic farming, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy climate. In addition, organic practices like no-till farming and cover cropping can significantly increase the content of carbon in the soils, which can helps in trapping carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas.
How to transition to eating organic foods
Start with dirty dozen: If you face difficulty in switching to all organic such as it may be overwhelmed or too expensive, you can start small by focusing on the dirty dozen lists. The list means the fruits and vegetables that tend to have the highest levels of pesticides residues such as strawberries, spinach and apples. These items can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Lack for organic labels: When you do shopping looks at the labels like “USA organic” or similar certification in your country. These labels help you in ensuring that this food has been grown and processed according to the organic standards.
Buy in bulk: If you buy organic foods in bulk then it has the ability to save your money. Most of the stores offer bulk bins for organic grains, beans, and nuts which can be a cost-effective way to buy organic staples.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to say that there are a lot of health benefits of eating organic foods. From better nutrition and lower pesticides to supporting the environment and promoting animal welfare, choosing organic foods provides a lot of benefits. If you want a healthy lifestyle then organic foods plays an important role in this for you. While organic foods are may be very expensive, but this expensiveness is not as much as the benefits of eating organic foods.
By making small and consistent changes to your shopping habits, like buying organic foods, you can enjoy cleaner, healthier and more flavorful meals. Moreover, if you switch to organic foods it is the best choice for you as well as your generations.
Whenever, you think about reducing your exposure to chemicals, or simply wants to enjoy better tasting foods, eating organic is the best choice for a happy and healthier life.
Eating organic is the best choice for a happy and healthier life.