Organic foods have been the go-to option for many consumers in the past, as it was assumed to have a significantly higher level of nutritional values and less chemicals. The organic movement also gave rise to some mom-and-pop organic farms that fed families by producing nutritious, healthy food. Today, grocery stores now carry numerous products from many different sources that are considered “organic.” With so many competing claims on what is actually “good” and “original,” the amount of studies published recently gives more evidence to support the idea of the increased nutrients this time around.
What’s in Organic Food?
Organic foods are conventionally grown without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. They also go through a process called natural farming that prevents the soil from being contaminated with dangerous chemicals and elements. Organic produce has been shown to have a much higher concentration of nutrients because they are not exposed to harmful chemicals during growth. They also contain fewer calories than their non-organic counterparts because organically grown food is not altered by the techniques used in conventional growing
Is Organic Food More Nutritious than Conventionally-Grown Food?
When people start looking at organic food, they have an idea in the back of their mind that organic foods are healthier and contain more nutrients. Conducting nutrition tests, chefs and healthcare experts agree that organic foods often contain significantly more nutrients than conventionally grown plants. There is evidence to suggest that some conventional plants actually lose antioxidants when treated with synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. With conclusive data favoring organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, poultry, and dairy products over conventionally-grown options for increased nutritional value and safety
Why does Plant Nutrition Matter for Consumers?
In addition to being low in calories, most plant-based foods are also high in nutrients. These nutrients give the body many health benefits, as most are essential parts of human biology that play a role in many health conditions. Unfortunately, current levels of nutrition will not be sufficient for everyone by 2050.
Benefits of Organic Food:
Organic foods most likely contain a lot more nutrients compared to non-organic crops, but there’s no way to 100% verify these claims. The chemical fertilizers that are used in regular farming can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health, so choosing organic instead of conventional mostly for the health benefits is a choice many people make.
Guidelines for Buying and Eating Organic Foods on a Budget
Selecting organic foods can be a difficult process. There are many guidelines to help consumers make smart decisions when buying their food. One guideline is to shop at a farmers’ market so you’re paying more for the higher quality food there. Another strategy is to buy frozen or canned organic foods since they don’t spoil as easily like fresh prepared food does when left on the shelf. Organic alternatives are also available at grocery stores, but they’re typically more expensive than regular produce on a budget would allow
Conclusion
Conclusions were drawn based on the findings of many studies, papers, and reports conducted to determine which foods are truly better for you. Some of these sources include the World Health Organization, the FDA, and Consumer Reports. Because organic food is said to contain more nutrients, it is much healthier for your body than processed food that has been stripped of its originality.