Switching to Organic Food? 7 Benefits that will Convince you to Make the Switch Right Away!

We consume different kinds of food every day without really being conscious of its long term effects on our health. While most of us eat to satisfy our hunger and experience eating-derived pleasure, the kind of food we eat can affect our health in more ways than one. With options aplenty, knowing what’s genuinely healthy and what isn’t might be a bit tricky. You may get lured towards fancy food packages and labels but these might not always be the best choice for your physical health. The techniques used to grow the food play a vital role in determining its quality and benefits.

Most foods today are grown with heavy use of pesticides. Pesticides are used to control pests and increase yields. However, the downside is that such foods when consumed regularly can negatively affect our health. The residues of pesticides on foods don’t go away completely even after washing. This is why food free from pesticides and artificial additives are considered safer and healthier. You might have heard about organic food products several times. For the uninitiated, organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals. This article will acquaint you with the multiple benefits of switching to organic foods.

What are the Benefits of Eating Organic?

Several studies have shown that organic foods have comparatively more nutrients and are beneficial for overall health. Listed below are seven excellent reasons to prefer organic over conventionally produced foods:

1.     Organic Foods are Free From Chemicals

Conventional farming techniques utilize herbicides, fungicides, insecticides among other chemicals to grow food. Foods produced with such farming techniques are harmful for health given the fact these pesticides leave their traces on the food. Fruits and vegetables are sometimes also injected with harmful chemicals to increase their size. A gigantic vegetable or fruit may look tempting to you but know that they are full of chemicals with potential to cause harmful side effects like cancers and tumors. Moreover, kids and pregnant women tend to eat fruits and vegetables often to derive health benefits but the pesticides present in them can in turn deteriorate their health. Organic foods are free from pesticide residues. Given that they are produced with natural fertilizers, they have no harmful effects on health.

2.     You will Enjoy Freshness and Better Quality

Being free from chemicals and toxins isn’t the only advantage you will gain by switching to organic. Organic produce is fresher and more nutritious. One of the major reasons for this is the use of sustainable farming techniques that nourish the soil. As the soil is better managed with minimal pesticides, fruits and vegetables grown organically are of better quality. You will see that most fruits today are treated with wax and preservatives for longer shelf life. But organic fruits and vegetables are free from such artificial substances which makes them naturally fresh. Plus, it also tastes better.

3.     Organic Foods means Food Free from GMOs

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. Genetically modified foods are foods derived from GMOs. The structural DNA of plants and animals are changed through genetic engineering sometimes to achieve improved levels of nutrition. But these GMOs may have higher amounts of chemicals capable of causing undesirable effects. Organic foods are not genetically modified in any way. These are natural foods with no intervention made to modify its original composition. Consuming organic foods helps avoid any side effects or risks that may arise from genetically modified foods.

4.     Abstain from Foods Containing Hormones

Fruits, vegetables and dairy products are rich sources of nutrients and are consumed by almost everyone. Yet they can prove harmful to your health.  Meat and dairy products nowadays are treated with growth hormones. Animals such as cows are given hormones so as to increase the amount of milk they produce. The dairy products are hence laden with artificial chemicals which are directly passed on to our diet.

The end result is faster growth in kids and early onset of puberty. These hormones are a major contributor to health issues. But products derived from animals that are grown organically are free of hormones. Regularly consuming foods with hormones and harmful substances also weaken your immunity. Organic foods on the other hand are free from such hormones and contain more nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and Omega fatty acids.

5.     Avoid Antibiotics in your Food

Antibiotics are generally used to protect animals from diseases. But they are now used excessively in livestock and poultry to speed up their growth process. The rampant use of antibiotics has given rise to a number of health issues among individuals. By switching to organic, you can eliminate antibiotics from your diet. Animals raised organically are fed a natural diet so the products derived are fresh and free of artificial substances.

6.     Choosing Organic Contributes to Ecological Sustenance

The quality of soil gradually deteriorates with the constant use of pesticides while farming. By choosing organic foods, you are indirectly contributing to preserving the ecosystem. Organic farming techniques include natural cultivation practices which support eco-sustenance. The soil is not robbed of its inherent qualities with excess use of chemicals, thus helping to retain soil vitality. Insects and other organisms in the soil are not disturbed which means the soil’s nutrients stay intact.

7.     It Supports Agricultural Diversity

Switching to organic food also indirectly promotes agricultural diversity. Organic farms are known to grow an assorted range of foods. It relies on crop rotation techniques to keep the soil healthy and reduce the need for pesticides. As a result, there is more diversity in the crops grown. Conventional farming practices are mostly centered on cultivating large, attractive specimens that are heavily dependent on pesticides whereas organic farming promotes the cultivation of indigenous crops that grow well in natural soil conditions.

Conclusion

Organic vegetables and fruits are indeed safer and nutrient dense. According to studies, organic foods have 30% lower nitrate levels which is known to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Organic produce is also free from hydrogenated fat responsible for heart diseases. Especially for pregnant women and children who are more susceptible to diseases, consuming organic foods is extremely important. Switching to organic foods also results in environmental benefits in addition to health benefits.

Pesticides used in conventional farming kill living organisms in the soil that are responsible for keeping the soil nutrient-rich. It promotes long-term sustainability and contributes to reduced soil and water pollution while also conserving groundwater. From avoiding intake of pesticides through foods to contributing to ecological balance, the perks of switching to organic food are many.