In addition to considering the nutrition, quality, taste, and cost of any food, there are facts on organic foods that you have not come across.
A major percentage of these facts help to determine and identify the quality of organic foods that are consumed or distributed.
Let’s consider these facts.
What are organic foods?
Organic foods are foods produced using natural methods of making food unlike using either enhanced fertilizers or pest control facilities.
The words “organic foods” and “natural foods” are synonymous but not the same. When food is called natural it simply means it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
However, when food is referred to as organic, it means it was grown on a field that was not artificially treated with synthetic fertilizers.
The USDA describes foods as organic when their formative processes contribute to ecological balance. For a consumer, it is keen to know that before you are sure to call a food organic, it must satisfy the basic conditions of the USDA.
Methods of regulating organic foods
- The organic foods must have been grown using natural fertilizers within a space of at least three years before harvest season.
- The crops must defy and not contain the GMOs known as Genetically Modified Organisms.
- Animals must be fed with natural enhancers, not with laboratory-produced antibiotics or drugs to boost their hormones of the animals.
- For mixed farm products, they must be completely free from artificial preservatives.
However, there are facts on organic foods that the USDA will not reveal that you should know. You do not always need to wait for the USDA certification on food for you to be sure of how organic the foods are.
1. Organic foods are always healthy
Growing food in the best natural form is the safest pathway to a healthy and prosperous life for consumers and farmers.
Farmers who grow crops organically do not use pesticides that can directly penetrate the farm product. Consequently, it can alter the chemical modification of the food in the long run and make the food harmful to human health.
On the other hand, organic food does not mean a nutritious or balanced diet. Your food is a balanced diet when it has all classes of organic food.
You definitely must avoid mixing things up and describing your meal as balanced when you consume organic food.
2. Organic foods are cheap or rather expensive
It all depends on the season of the organic food in question. As you know, scarcity brings value. So when organic food is scarce, its price will increase.
But generally, they are always affordable because you can find them at any store be it online or otherwise.
An irony is that some of the inorganic foods rely on the existence of organic foods to fully become a source of nutrition and survival.
3. You can grow organic foods anywhere in the world
Organic food is not only produced in the U.S. but also many other countries around the world.
It is a growing trend that has been happening for years, and it is becoming more popular as it becomes easier to find and buy organic foods in most supermarkets and grocery stores.
4. Organic foods can affect your psychology
Organic foods have been found to have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of people who consume them.
They contain more phenolic compounds than conventional foods, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
5. The planet can be saved with organic foods
Organic farming has numerous advantages over conventional farming. This includes a 50% reduction in carbon emissions, a 50% reduction in energy consumption owing to the lack of machinery, and a 50% reduction in pollution levels.
Furthermore, organic farming may help the environment by removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Organic agriculture is beneficial to both the environment and human health.
6. The penalty for defaulting is $11,000
In an attempt to regulate organic produce, defaulters who deceitfully claim to name their foods or products organic are charged with the crime and a penalty of $11,000. That’s a whole lot of money.
7. Organic foods started in the 1940s
This does not mean foods were not produced using natural forms before the 1940s. The early years of the 1940s witnessed a new type of mild change known as the Green Revolution.
This change brought about the zeal among all nations far and wide to adopt the idea of planting crops and embracing agriculture full-time.
To ensure trust between farmers and consumers, the Green Revolution seems to be the only solution available.
8. The Organic Foods Act
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was established on the Act called the Organic Food Production Act.
This Act was the wheel through which the USDA worked to fish out defaulters of organic food production.
It also helped the USDA to create standards that farmers and producers must meet to receive the organic food label of certification on all foods brought for inspection.
9. Organic animal products must come from livestock raised in a natural habitat
The USDA regulates organic animal products by prohibiting them from being raised on antibiotics or growth hormones. They require that they be fed 100% certified organic feed that does not contain animal by-products or waste.
Organic animal products must come from livestock raised in a natural habitat. This means they have access to pasture grazing during daylight hours, with no confinement in cages or feedlots.
Organic meats and other animal products are free from antibiotics and growth hormones, which may be used on conventionally raised animals to promote faster growth rates and larger yields for less feed cost.
10. Organic food can help safeguard the environment
Pesticide-free practices are used in organic farming, which is safe for the environment, wildlife, and humans.
Conventional agriculture is frequently responsible for increasing greenhouse gas emissions, using 80% of the world’s water supply, and destroying wildlife habitats.
Pesticides used in traditional agriculture can damage lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
11. Organic food is more nutritious
Organic foods have less pesticide residue than non-organic foods, but they are also more nutritious because they come from plants that you grow with fewer chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Studies show that organic produce contains up to 40% more antioxidants than conventional fruits and vegetables.
Why should you always buy organic foods?
1. They are chemical-free
Organic foods do not contain chemicals of any kind. Organic foods are naturally grown and preserved.
However, in rare cases, the chemicals added to its preservation are harmless and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
2. They have a natural taste
Organic foods retain their natural taste which is the best and recommended for human health. They taste far better than chemically enhanced foods which are always less nutritious compared to organic foods.
3. Organic foods are eco-friendly
The production process of organic foods has a major requirement which is the preservation of environmental factors.
The USDA banned fertilizers and chemicals that will pollute the environment to keep the standard of organic products as it is.
The absence of harmful chemical substances is the sole reason why the title ‘organic’ was given to foods produced using harmless chemicals.
4. Organic foods protect the future of natural foods
Natural foods are born out of the organic production of food crops. The production process of organic food production is the safest and easiest means to preserve the future of natural foods.
It will cause a shift in the consumption of inorganic foods. This shift will cause a huge price reduction for inorganic foods that will later go off the market.
On the other hand, the multiplication of organic foods in the market will help make the consumption of natural foods a reality.
FAQs
Is it compulsory to make organic food part of your diet?
Yes. Organic foods are healthy and should be a part of everyone’s diet. Moreover, organic farming protects the environment in a way industrial farms do not.
How can you source organic foods?
Growing your food or shopping at local farmers’ markets are good ways to ensure you’re eating fresh foods grown without using pesticides, chemicals, or other artificial additives.
Organic or conventional foods, which is better?
In the end, the health benefits of both organic and conventional foods are highly debated. Some people believe that conventional foods are better for you, but many experts agree that eating organic is healthier.
Conclusion: Hidden facts on organic foods
These hidden facts on organic foods are not to discredit inorganic foods but to let you know that organic is the best choice for a better food future.
Inorganic foods do not support the use of natural fertilizers and preservative methods nor do they protect the environment from pollution. Wherever you stand on the organic foods debate, remember that you have the right to choose.
Choosing organic foods is choosing to protect our environment and the future of the next generations.
For more facts, tips, and guides on food, feel free to explore Millenora.