13 Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Organic Food |

13 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Organic Food
Traditional farming is still dominating the food industry, and it causes a lot of damage to the environment and soil. In comparison, organic farming is very sustainable as it removes CO2 from the atmosphere and maintains soil fertility without harmful chemicals. The only downside of organic food can be higher costs for consumers. However, it is worth it as you can feel assured that your food is not genetically modified.
Since many people opt for organic produce, the natural way of life is gaining popularity. But you should pay attention to companies that brand their products as ‘natural’ because it is not the same as organic. For example, cacao is something that is often marketed as organic but it usually is not. If you want truly organic cacao, Click here to get the best cacao paste. Make sure to read the labels and support local organic businesses. If you want to learn surprising facts about organic food you haven’t heard before, keep reading this article.
Organic Food is Not Always Healthy
The term ‘organic’ is often connected with the word ‘healthy’, but it is not always true. For example, organic cookies and candy bars are still unhealthy because they contain high amounts of sugar and fat. When the label says ‘organic food’, it means that the food was produced in a sustainable way and doesn’t include any harmful chemicals. It doesn’t mean that the foodis nutritious. Plus, even if you buy organic meat, it can still be loaded with saturated fats. Some people also argue that organic food is overpriced and that the only difference is that it contains fewer additives.
The Expiration Date Does Not Mean That the Food Goes Bad
The expiration date on the package of food does not mean that the product will go bad at this exact moment. It is just a guideline to tell you when it is likely to expire. To learn if an item is still good or not, you should follow these simple steps. First, check the sell-by date and then look for a best-by date. If it has neither of these dates on it, you should also examine the condition of the packaging and contents. If there are no visible signs of spoilage, it is probably safe to consume.
Organic Food Costs More Than Conventional Produce
Compared to traditional farming, organic produce is considered to be more expensive than non-organic crops. However, buying organic food is more than just about money, it is about making a conscious decision to support sustainable farming. In fact, on average, organic produce costs 25%-50% more than conventional food. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy organic food as some of the farmers offer affordable prices. There are also some ways to save money, such as buying in bulk and shopping at farmers’ markets.
Organic Food Is Not Only Produced in The U.S.
Although many people think that organic food is produced only in the U.S., this is not true. There are countries around the world that produce organic products, including Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, and Turkey.
Organic Farming Is Not About Raising Animals in Fields
Many people assume that organic animals live on grassy fields and graze in green pastures from sunrise to sunset every day. In fact, many of them live in small houses or barns and don’t have as much freedom as their non-organic counterparts because they are not allowed to roam freely outside of their paddocks.
Organic Food Can Be Grown Anywhere in The World
People who live in areas with poor soil quality or little water can grow organic crops under a strict set of guidelines. One of the most important rules is that organic farmers should use no synthetic chemicals or fertilizers when growing plants or raising animals.
Organic Food Can Help Save The Planet
There are many benefits of choosing organic over conventional farming including that it reduces carbon emissions by 50%, takes up less energy use due to the lack of machinery, and reduces pollution levels by 50%. Moreover, organic farming can be beneficial for the climate as it removes CO2 from the atmosphere. Organic agriculture is not only great for the environment but also for human health.
Organic Food is More Nutritious
There is a significant difference in the nutritional value between organic and conventional foods. Studies show that organic crops contain higher levels of nutrients, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which are essential for our immune system and overall health. They also have higher levels of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which fight against the harmful effects of free radicals in our body.
It is Better for Your Health
The risk of cancer and other chronic diseases is lower when you consume organic food. A study showed that consumers who ate non-organic food had a 62% higher chance of developing cancer than people who ate organic food.
Sulforaphane, a chemical that is abundant in organic broccoli was shown to improve the survival rate of breast cancer patients. Another study found out that eating organic food reduces the risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Organic tomatoes were found to be more nutritious than conventionally grown ones, so they can help reduce the symptoms of asthma.
Organic Food is Better for the Environment
Organic farming uses pesticide-free methods that don’t harm the environment, wildlife, or humans. Conventional farming is often blamed for increasing greenhouse gas emissions, using 80% of the world’s water supply, and destroying habitats of wildlife. Pesticides in conventional farming can pollute lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
Organic Food is Better for Farmers
Many farmers decide to go organic because they want to produce better food but also because they want to care for the land, animals, and their families. Organic farmers use organic seeds and don’t use synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. They are also paid fairly by companies that sell their products. Organic farmers get at least 30% more for their products than those workers who work on conventional farms. This is why many people decide to switch to organic farming.
It has a Positive Impact on Your Local Economy
More people choose to buy local food instead of imported products because it is better for their health and cheaper. The money goes back into the local community, and it helps producers and farmers live well and raise their families with dignity. Buying local organic food allows producers to offer their products directly to you. This leads to a lot more opportunities for small businesses to flourish in your area.
Many Companies Use Organic Food as a Marketing Strategy
Big companies are taking advantage of customers who want to eat healthier foods by using words like ‘natural’ or ’organic’ on their labels. While ‘natural’ is not regulated by law, it refers to any mixture of ingredients that don’t include artificial flavors or ingredients. ‘Organic’ means that the product doesn’t contain GMOs or hormones and it is produced using sustainable agriculture practices. So if you see an ingredient or a label that says ‘natural’ on your food package, don’t think that it is healthy! You should always read the ingredient list and look for the label ‘USDA Certified Organic’ to make sure that your food is really organic.
Conclusion
There is a reason why many people choose organic produce over conventional crops as you can see from the list above. Organic food is healthier, more nutritious, helps support local farmers, and overall better for the planet. In fact, eating organic food is one of the most simple and effective ways you can take to help the environment and lower your carbon footprint. The key is to read the labels carefully, make sure that it is truly organic, and buy local products from local farmers markets. Do not forget that the organic label is not a guarantee of quality, so be sure to do your research before buying. An easy way to do this is to research what farmers are providing in your local area, by getting to know them you can guarantee that it is organic.
If you are looking for a way to support sustainable farming and reduce carbon emissions, choose organic food. Keep in mind that it is not about the money but about making a conscious decision to support the environment and help the planet.