Benefits of Organic Food

Introduction – Benefits of Organic Food
In recent times there has been an influx of organic products onto the market, which in most part has been propelled by public fears surrounding issues such as BSE, GM foods, artificial fertilisers and pesticides; as well as scaremongering by various watchdogs. Such has been the demand for organic foods by the consumer, that supermarkets are now dedicating large areas of valuable shop-floor space to these products. In the major cities you’ll even have noticed ‘organic-only’ supermarkets popping up everywhere, as well as the health food stores doing a roaring trade. It looks like organic produce is here to stay.

What is Organic Food?
Although many of us associate the word ‘organic’ with the words healthy, nutritious and nourishing, most, actually don’t fully understand the concept or definition of it?

Where plant based food is concerned ‘organic’ means the product in question has not been treated with pesticides, fertilizers or sewage sludge. Pests are controlled by introducing natural predators into the environment, crop rotation and timing of crops. In addition organic farmers encourage the use of renewable (or sustainable) resources in the conservation of water and soil, in order to safeguard the environment for future generations.

Organic products, such as, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products are produced from animals which have not been treated with growth hormones, antibiotics or feed containing animal protein.

Is Organic Food Better for Us?
Although we are told on a regular basis by various government bodies, that fruit and veg treated with pesticides and fertilisers are harmless, and that Genetically Modified products are safe, nobody truly knows the long term health implications of such goods. Therefore, the only real way of knowing whether or not, what we are eating is going to damage us, is by opting for the organic route.

Despite no real evidence to back it up, people who eat organic food claim that they feel better within themselves, but is this really true? Or is it the placebo effect rearing its head, by virtue of the protagonist feeling a sense of well-being by taking positive steps to safe-guard their future, as well as being safe in the knowledge that organic farming is better for the environment?

Advocates will indeed argue the benefits of organic food, when challenged, and back their stance up by referring to the several studies, which have shown that higher levels of calcium, protein, potassium, iron and vitamin C have been found in some organic vegetables. However, this optimism should be tempered by the fact that nutrient levels are not only dependent on the type of fruit or vegetable, but other variables such as ripeness, time of harvesting and last but not least, environmental conditions.

Does Organic Food Taste Better?
This is a difficult question to answer because blind tastings conducted by food critics, chefs and other various groups have failed to prove on a consistent level that organic food tastes any better than conventional food. But on the other hand fruit and vegetables which have been produced organically do very well in taste testing trials, however it must be noted that taste will also come down to the skill and expertise of the grower, whether that be by organic means or otherwise.

On a final note it can also be said that where baking is concerned significant improvements in both taste and texture can be achieved when organic flour, eggs and butter are used.

Why is Organic Food Expensive?
The expense of organic food is down to simple economics. Basically, because production is heavily labour intensive, due to the use of traditional farming methods and manual labour, smaller quantities are produced, therefore increasing the price of each unit.

In addition further monetary costs are incurred by the use of cold storage after harvest as opposed to being treated with preservation techniques. Because organic food is not preserved in such a way, farmers will lose a higher percentage of their produce. Other factors such as transportation, packaging and sorting can also be more expensive due to the small quantities involved.Thanks for reading our article on the Benefits of Organic Food. I hope you found it useful. While you’re here why not check out our other related articles.

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