Over the previous two decades, organic foods have risen in popularity. U.S. citizens anticipate spending more than $56 Billion in the next few years on organic food. This figure grew by over 13% from the previous year, indicating that their appeal is not waning.

A small percentage of the population believes that organic food is superior to conventionally cultivated food in safety, health, and taste. Many argue that it is more beneficial to the environment and animal welfare.

What Does Organic Food Imply?

The word “organic” refers to the method of production of specific foods. Organic foods are those that have not been cultivated or farmed using the following:

  • Synthetic chemicals
  • Hormones
  • Antibiotics
  • Organisms that have been Genetically Modified (GMOs)

Products that bear the organic label are devoid of synthetic ingredients. Artificial sweeteners, coloring, preservatives, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), and flavoring are included in this category.

Crops cultivated organically often make use of natural fertilizers such as manure to promote plant development. Antibiotics and hormones are not used in organically reared animals. Organic farming is often associated with improved soil quality and groundwater conservation. Additionally, it minimizes pollutants and may be more environmentally friendly. 

Fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy products, and meat are the most often purchased organic foods. Products like soda, sweets, and meal replacements are available processed organically.

Organic foods may include a higher concentration of nutrients.

Researchers for organic food benefits study have come up with conflicting conclusions in studies comparing the nutritional content of organic vs conventional foods. It is most certainly related to inherent variability in handling food and manufacturing. However, data suggests that organically cultivated foods may be more healthy.

The data, on the other hand, may be contradictory. Organically produced crops may have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants since they were not subjected to chemical fertilization, which is one of the best organic food benefits for the body. Organic dairy and meat products may contain a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chemical pesticide treatments do not protect organic plants. Rather than that, they increase the production of their defensive chemicals, specifically antioxidants. It may account for some of the increased antioxidant levels seen in these plants. The nutritional content of food is determined by various factors, including soil properties, weather patterns, and the harvesting of crops. 

Are Organic Foods Beneficial To One’s Health?

There may be some proof that organic foods are beneficial to one’s health.

Numerous laboratory investigations discovered that their greater antioxidant content aided in the protection of cells from harm. Furthermore, animal studies indicate that organic meals may promote development, reproduction, and a healthy immune system.

Additionally, one research found that organically fed hens gained less weight and had higher immune systems. Observational studies conducted in the past show that organic meals may reduce the incidence of allergic reactions and dermatitis in children and newborns.

A 2014 significant observational research of 623,080 women discovered no change in cancer incidence between those who rarely chose to eat organic produce and those who did. Unfortunately, there is not enough compelling data to demonstrate that organic foods are more beneficial to human health than conventional ones.

Additional high-quality human research is necessary. 

Conventional food vs Organic foods 

By way of comparison, let us examine the distinction between the two.

Organic ProduceConventionally-grown Produce
Natural fertilizers are used for cultivation (manure, compost).Chemical or artificial fertilizers are used for the cultivation
Weeds are managed organically through hand weeding, crop rotation, mulching or tilling. Authorised herbicides are used in organic farmingChemical herbicides are used to control weeds
Natural techniques such as insects, birds and traps and even insecticides derived from natural sources are used to manage pestsArtificial insecticides are used to control pests
Organic meat, dairy products, eggsConventionally produced meat, dairy, and eggs
All feed is organic hormone and GMO-freeAnimals are fed with growth hormones and a non-organic GMO diet to promote quicker development.
Diseases may be averted naturally by practices like rotational grazing, clean housing, and a balanced dietAntibiotics and other medicines are used to stave against illness in cattle
Animals must be having access to open spaceDepending upon the species, some animals may or may not have access to the outdoors.

Organic Food Benefits 

Organic food affects not only your physical and mental well-being, but the way your food is produced can also significantly influence the environment. People with sensitivities to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may discover that eating solely organic foods reduces or eliminates their symptoms. Have listed below are some of the organic food benefits for health:

  • Organic food is pesticide-free.
  • Organic food is comparatively fresh as it is devoid of preservatives.
  • Organic farming is better for the planet.
  • No antibiotics, growth promoters, or animal by-products are used in organic farming.
  • Organic meat and milk provide more nutrients and are GMO-free.

Conventional Foods Benefits

As previously said, traditional farmers use pesticides in food production, which quickly contaminates fruits and vegetables. Because when most fruits and vegetables are eaten raw from the farm, thus reducing chemical effects, watch what you eat. The long-term safety of conventional food systems is still being debated; however, try to buy organic when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

Despite pesticide, herbicide, and other chemical residues in traditional foods, they are deemed safe for eating. Apple, banana, and citrus grown using conventional farming practices are safe to eat. Standard meals are safe for children and adults. Many studies and evaluations of persons who ate ordinary animal meat indicate no potential health danger.

Diets high in fresh, natural components and low in processed meals are preferable for general well-being.

True, a plant-based diet does that. It promotes weight loss and better health by focusing on less processed meals, especially vegetables. 

What Is a Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet?

A Whole-Foods, Plant-Based diet is not well defined (WFPB diet). A whole food diet is a lifestyle, not a diet.

The number of animal products in a person’s diet may drastically affect their plant-based diets. Dietary recommendations for a plant-based diet include:

  •         Highlights whole, mildly processed foods.
  •         Restriction of animal products
  •         Emphasizes vegetation, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
  •         Incorporated sugar, white flour, and processed oils are excluded.

Emphasizing the quality of food, many WFPB advocates promoting locally produced natural products wherever feasible.

Defined as a diet that prioritizes plant-based meals while avoiding animal products and processed foods.

Both conventional and organic foods are safe to eat. When choosing fruits and vegetables, it is necessary to adhere to organic farms. It is essential to prevent eating toxic residues from farms that use traditional agricultural production and processing techniques.

We should combine routine checkups and a self-care diet with organic food. Suppose you want to know more about which food is safer from organic and conventional food. In that case, you can contact any of the gastro and liver clinics in Patna, Bihar. If you want to consult any gastroenterologist, you will find the best doctor in Patna for consultation in Hindi, or you can visit a gastro surgeon in Delhi. You can also see an NCR gastro liver clinic in Gurgaon, or you can consult gastroenterologists online free.

FAQs

  1. Is organic food superior to conventional?

As per research, there are no discernible variations in flavour or organoleptic quality. Organically cultivated fruits and vegetables seldom taste better or worse than conventionally grown or organic fruits and vegetables. 

  1. How to tell whether food is genuinely organic?

Identify organic produce by looking for the term “organic” on veggies or fruit. “Organic” may appear on meat packaging, milk or egg cartons, cheese, and other single-ingredient items. “100% organic” foods must include solely organic components.

  1. Are organic foods bad for you?

Cons of Organic Foods are as below:

  • Easily Bad. Organic vegetables can go bad faster than non-organic food.
  • Expensive
  • No Chemicals Allowed
  • No Health Gains.
  • No dietary proof.
  • Low-Level Pesticides Can Harm.
  • Pesticides.
  • Bacterial Overload

Overeating organic food may cause Abdominal distension due to constipation or Esophageal obstruction as per an Irritable bowel syndrome case report.