Benefits of Organic Foods

The health benefits of organic foods have become more apparent to anyone concerned with the downside of the highly processed foods. When we refer to the difference between organic and conventional food, we don’t necessarily imply the one between an apple grown organically and another average one. What needs to be insisted is on consists in the real health of organic foods is first and foremost.

Lots of consumers suffering from some form of chronic disease or even cancer, studies have discover choosing certified organic grown foods are safer and more health oriented than conventional products. Even if the nutritional value is not that different between the two trends, the use of chemicals, hormones and pesticides in the production of non-organic foods has an impact on the positive qualities of the product in the first place. Lots of consumer analyses do not insist on the difference in nutritional value, there are studies however that indicate superior characteristics and healthier advantages of organic foods in the first place.

There are more trace minerals, superior amounts of vitamin C and considerably more antioxidant substances, and this is to count just a few of the benefits of organic foods contain. Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that there has been a significant decline in the minerals levels of meat, dairy and vegetables since 1940 in terms of regular non organic crops. The fact that nowadays we store food extensively and we treat and process the products so much contributes to an alteration of the nutritional value.

The higher content of dry matter is one other of the health benefits of organic foods. To make this clear, we have to consider the fact that the use of the artificial fertilizers causes the fruits or vegetables to retain more water and thus swell. Thus, there is less food in the form of dry matter in a non-organic apple than in an organic one. Nevertheless, besides the different amounts of nutrients, more advantages of organic food levels can be better identified.

First of all, there are almost no pesticide residues in organic products. Even if conventional food producers say that no health threat can be identified for pesticides, one doesn’t have to be all knowledgeable to realize that the ingestion of any harmful chemicals can’t be healthy and positive for the body in terms of effects. The benefits of organic foods are over-emphasized at present, with more and more people choosing them over conventional foods. Gradually this high popularity will definitely trigger a reorientation of the market and even a redefinition of the standards that characterize organic food in this country and around the world.

What are the benefits of organic foods?

1. Lower pesticide levels. Despite stringent regulations for organic farming, the foods produced are not always pesticide-free. Cross contamination from surrounding fields via air and water can occur. But overall, organic produce has much lower pesticide residues than conventionally grown. Always wash organic produce anyway, just to be safe.

2. More nutrients…maybe. Proponents of organic foods claim that organic fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than conventionally grown produce. Many studies confirm this position, but other studies show conflicting results. Improved research designs are needed before we can be sure that organic produce is more nutritious.

3. No antibiotics. On industrial livestock farms, antibiotics are routinely administered to enhance growth or prevent disease. Overuse of antibiotics leads to resistant strains of bacteria – a grave concern for everyone.

4. No added growth hormones. Experts say the majority of U.S. beef cattle are injected with extra growth hormones to make them grow faster. Many dairy cows are given a synthetic hormone to increase milk production. Scientists question whether hormone residues in meat will alter hormone function in people, leading to all kinds of health problems. The manure from hormone-treated animals is a problem, too, because it contaminates groundwater.

5. Environmental responsibility. Ideally, organic farming uses less energy. It also minimizes pollution of air and groundwater and helps maintain long-term soil fertility.

Source: CBN-Health & Nutrition