Are you already buying organic food, but concerned about the higher cost? Are you still trying to decide on whether you should buy organic food at such ‘high prices’? Whatever be your situation, the most common argument against organic foods is that it is costlier compared to its non-organic counterpart.
It sure sounds like something you need to consider when you choose what you and your family eat. And to make an informed decision, you need to think things over. Organic produce usually costs significantly higher than general food items.
Is it really worth the cost? Let us take a closer look at why it may merit the extra bucks.
Organic food is food produced by methods complying with the standards of organic farming. Standards vary worldwide, but organic farming features practices that cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Organizations regulating organic products may restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in the farming methods used to produce such products. Organic foods typically are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or synthetic food additives.
In the 21st century, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many other countries require producers to obtain special certification to market their food as organic. Although the produce of kitchen gardens may actually be organic, selling food with an organic label is regulated by governmental food safety authorities, such as the National Organic Program of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or European Commission (EC).
From an environmental perspective, fertilizing, overproduction, and the use of pesticides in conventional farming may negatively affect ecosystems, biodiversity, groundwater, and drinking water supplies. These environmental and health issues are intended to be minimized or avoided in organic farming.
Demand for organic foods is primarily driven by consumer concerns for personal health and the environment. Nevertheless, from the perspective of science and consumers, there is insufficient evidence in the scientific and medical literature to support claims that organic food is either safer or healthier to eat than conventional food. While there may be some differences in the nutrient and antinutrient contents of organically and conventionally produced food, the variable nature of food production, shipping, storage, and handling makes it difficult to generalize results. Claims that “organic food tastes better” are generally not supported by tests.
Organic agriculture has a higher production costs and lower yields, higher labor costs, and higher consumer prices as compared to conventional farming methods.
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food
Is organic food healthier?
Recent studies have found that there may not be any noteworthy difference in the nutritional value of organic and non-organic food products. But other studies showcase that the nutrients present in organically farmed products are in higher concentration, and therefore, better. Maybe looking at it from a nutritional value point of view may not be right. After all, organic food is being purchased to avoid contaminants not for better nutritional value
Is it free from dangerous chemicals?
This is a sure thing if you go for organic options. Undoubtedly organic food is better and free from dangerous chemicals. Whether organic food is plant-based or resourced from animals, it does not involve chemical substances. That means no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides for plants and no growth hormones for animals.
Is it eco-friendly?
Indeed, if you choose organic food for your table, you can be assured of the fact that it won’t harm the environment. Be it the plant or animal-based manures used or the rotation of crops technique, it is guaranteed that organic farming would not involve anything that would harm your planet. Opt for locally grown produce. After all, one of the chief reasons to buy organic is to reduce the impact on the environment and if you choose items that have been transported from the other end of the world, it won’t have much positive effect on the carbon footprint.
Is it tastier?
Well, this is a personal decision! It is after all your palate that you need to cater to. However, you need to realize that the moment you go for organic produce, you are choosing items grown the way nature intends it to. Be it fresh berries for fruit compote or a selection of veggies for a summer salad, it is more likely to be delicious when it’s organic. Maybe it is got to be because, for thousands of years, our ancestors have valued seeds of fruits and vegetables that are tastier. Not just focused on the quantity produced per hectare.
Is it worth it?
Now the most important question – is it worth? If you think of the immediate cost alone, you may not be inclined to opt for organic food products. However, there are other factors to consider as well as the cost of healthcare in case you develop a disease like cancer due to industrial agriculture products. We have limited time to enjoy our life and if we are spending a lot of time falling ill and not being energetic. It has an impact on your quality of life. Looking holistically, you cannot disregard the fact that organic food is almost always a better choice.
In conclusion – moving to organic food is an excellent choice
Maybe because of the higher cost, when we buy organic food, we make more responsible choices. Think of utilizing every organic food item to its fullest. Be it the green portions of the watermelon or the rinds of lemons and limes, you can easily make something of these in different ways instead of throwing them away, maximizing their usage.
Sometimes, we see organic food and not sure of its certification. So we are a little reluctant to buy. But once you have purchased organic foods you will learn how to judge organic food better. The fruits and vegetables a bit smaller. They are not that perfect. These are naturally grown without excessive use of harmful chemicals and chemicals to make them grow super fast. Even if it is not 100% certified, it is better than industrially raised food – which uses so many harmful chemicals in their production.
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