Organic food started to gain popularity in the late 1990’s, and people have been skeptical about its superiority. Many claimed that benefits couldn’t be proven because there hadn’t been enough testing done on organic versus traditional products; this simply isn’t true!
There are many rigorous studies out now proving just how beneficial an organics lifestyle is for both our health as well as environment – and we’re still waiting with bated breath until more of these exciting advances come along so you can feel confident knowing what foods will keep those pearly whites coming back every time.
There have been various studies done to show the improved nutritional value of organic agriculture by analyzing the vitamin, nutrient, and mineral content of both organically and traditionally grown produce. There are significantly higher levels of various components in organic products, including:
- Chromium, prevents hardening of the arteries and type 2 diabetes
- Calcium and Boron, build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis
- Lithium, a common chemical in antidepressants and mood stabilizers
- Salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory which can prevent heart disease
- Antioxidants, protect cells from damage
- Magnesium, helps prevent death during a heart attack
- Selenium, helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers
- Vitamin C, builds the immune system
While this list seems rather long, it’s not complete. While these nutrients have been found organic produce, they aren’t the only ones. From fruit and vegetables in a farmers’ market or organic produce at home with pesticides-free fruits; from cooked breakfast foods that provide you essential fuel throughout all day long such as oatmeal (a great source for potassium)and whole grains which also offer fiber along with protein, this list could also get longer as more research is done about the nutrient benefits of organic food.
What’s the deal with organic food?
A lot of people are switching to it because they think that organically grown produce has better nutritional properties than conventionally produced ones. But do you know what else is preferable in your diet? Safe and healthy foods without any harmful chemicals or pesticides!
The only way for this to happen though, would be if we took into account all factors involved such as environmental damage caused by conventional farming practices which often require use of heavy machinery like tractors.
Research has since found that most of these chemicals have negative effects on humans. Non-organic foods have been analyzed and have been found to contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, and various hormones. Some of the conditions linked with these substances include:
- cancer
- heart disease
- osteoporosis
- migraines
- hyperactivity
- decreased intelligence
- impaired hearing
- less growth in childhood
- anemia
- Alzheimer’s
- multiple sclerosis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- early puberty
- increase in antibiotic-resistant disease strains
Again, this list is just part of the harmful side effects of these chemicals. There are likely many more conditions to be added to this list after more research is done. Also, most of the research has been done on the affects of single chemicals, and not multiple offenders as are normally found on conventional food.
While banned chemicals are still present in organic food, this may be due to the lingering effect they have on soil. Some of these same substances have been identified and found by scientists for over 20 years after being used as pesticides or fertilizers which means some might not ever go away completely no matter what type your farm uses.
While there are obviously many benefits to organic agriculture, it is not without its faults. First of all, organic products cost more than their conventional counterparts – sometimes as much as twice the price! There are also concerns about fertilizers made from natural plant materials and manure which may contain harmful organisms like E-coli bacteria if they weren’t raised properly or heated for sterilization before use in your garden. Although this can be rare it can also make consumers very sick.
Even with the drawbacks, organic food production is yet proving to be much safer for consumption than other foods available. Along with the health benefits, this type of agricultural practice also provides environmental sustainability and can keep a region viable in years ahead.
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