Organic foods - Natural Foods

Organic food

Organic food is food that is produced using methods that avoid the use of man-made chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. There are also standards and regulations as to how foods are determined organic. In many developed countries, the term “organic” has a specific legal definition. In the United States for example, all organic certified products must be regulated by an independent agency such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). To be certified organic, food should not contain any antibiotics or hormones, no irradiation, no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and no other prohibited materials. Prohibited materials may include, but are not limited to synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and even sewage. When it comes to organic food, regulations and definitions vary from country to country.

Organic food can be classified into two groups: processed food and fresh food. Processed food needs to contain a minimum percentage of organic ingredients and contain no artificial ingredients. More than likely you will find in your local food store genetically modified products. In fact, studies have shown that almost 70% of the food we find in a grocery store are genetically modified to look more appealing. Though disputed, evidence has surface which indicates poor health associated from inorganic food consumption. There is a growing concern about inorganic foods and the unhealthy after effects.

The benefits of organic foods are quite evident. For one, the taste is better. You can perform a comparison taste test with an organic tomato and a inorganic tomato. The taste will be different. Organic food is believed to contain 2-3 times the nutrients that inorganic produce has. According to a new study of corn, strawberries and berries, these fruits and vegetables grown organically show higher levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants than their inorganically grown counterparts. The research also suggests that pesticides and herbicides actually thwart the production of phenolics chemicals that act as a plant's natural defense and also happen to be good for our health.

There are many more benefits of organic food. Once you decide to buy organic food you will notice the difference between genetically modified foods and organic foods. By consuming organically grown natural foods you and your family will enjoy a healthier, happier well-balanced lifestyle.

organic food