"Organic Food Strategy for Clean Eating and Sustainability"
Producing food without chemical pesticides has many benefits. Organic systems have been shown to produce 40% higher yields in times of drought, use 45% less energy, and release 40% fewer carbon emissions than conventional farming methods (Rodale Institute). Organic farming encourages soil health, supports natural ecosystems, and prevents pesticide toxins from contaminating waterways.
Still, environmental impact varies. In general, organic plants are affected by more weeds and insects than conventional crops, which means a lower yield at harvest time and a less efficient use of space. Non-organic modern farming methods help to maximize the use of land for agriculture, which reduces land-clearing and deforestation, both practices that are detrimental to ecosystems, biodiversity, and our carbon footprint. Because of this, scientists warn against switching entirely to organic farming as the global population grows and food crops become more in demand.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Organic Food
To enjoy the benefits of organic food fully, it's essential to make informed choices:
Prioritize Certain Foods: Some foods are more likely to contain pesticide residues, so consider buying organic for those items. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a "Dirty Dozen" list annually, highlighting the fruits and vegetables most contaminated by pesticides.
Support Local Farmers: Buying organic food from local farmers not only supports your local economy but also ensures that the food is fresher and has a smaller carbon footprint.
Look for Certifications: Ensure that the organic food you purchase is certified by a reputable organization. This guarantees that the food meets the standards set for organic farming and processing.
Nutritional Value of Organic Food
Another major selling point of organic food is its nutritional value. Organic food benefits often include higher nutrient levels than their conventionally grown counterparts. For instance, organic fruits and vegetables tend to have higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidants are crucial for neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Research has also found that organic dairy and meat products have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. Consuming organic food can help boost your nutrient intake and support overall health.
Epidemiological Studies Indicating the Benefits of Organic Foods
One of the most prominent benefits of an organic diet is minimal exposure to synthetic pesticides. Pesticides are extremely harmful to humans because of their carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting properties.
Researchers have found that exposure to pesticides during pregnancy would negatively affect the child in terms of their intelligence quotient and neuro-behavioral development, such as the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
On evaluating the structural brain growth using magnetic resonance imaging, scientists have found that the gray matter was thinner in children whose mothers had greater exposure to organophosphates, a constituent of most pesticides. Thereby, an organic food diet is highly beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Growth hormones or antibiotics used for raising livestock cause hormonal imbalances and drug resistance. Overuse of antibiotics in farm animals contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The resistance may be passed on from animal to human beings, which has significantly raised concern for public health. As stated earlier, organic farming does not use antibiotics, therefore, they are considered a safer food option.
Researchers have also indicated that consumption of organic food may reduce the risk of allergic disease and obesity. This may be because consumers of organic food tend to have overall healthier lifestyles.
In 2016, experts prepared a report (European Parliament) that outlines the health benefits of organic food and the advantages of practicing an organic agricultural system. This report was based on various scientific evidence regarding the impact of organic food on human health.
The report included the outcome of major animal and in vitro studies, analysis of agricultural produce grown in different systems (conventional and organic), and epidemiological studies. The report includes the concerns raised by the experts about the presence of pesticides in food products produced by the conventional system.
However, authorities in both the United States and the European Union insisted that the current limits on the allowable amount of pesticides in conventional farming are safe.
Where should I go organic?
Ultimately, incorporating more organic food into your diet is kinder to your body and the planet, but starting to go organic can seem overwhelming at first. To make it easier, the Environmental Working Group puts out a list of the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen each year. The Dirty Dozen are those fruits and vegetables that contain more pesticide residue, and it is best to buy these foods organic.
Whereas the Clean Fifteen are those that are less contaminated, so it is okay if you don't buy them organic. Choosing to buy the fruits and vegetables on the Dirty Dozen list and buying conventional for the Clean Fifteen will save you some money.
You can also look beyond the produce aisle for everything organic, from soups, sauces, to condiments, crackers, and cereal—the list goes on forever. The best part, you can stock up on these items when they are on sale and save yourself even more money.
Are they worth the cost?
Organic food costs more due to the expensive farming practices and tighter government regulations. Since farmers use manual labor to remove the weeds around their crops instead of using herbicides, this increases the price.
Therefore, when you buy organic food, you are actually paying for the reassurance and luxury of knowing that the food has been handled with care.
