“Organic” is the new favorite word in the world of food, cosmetics, dresses, and many other products. It brings such natural appeal which attracts people a lot. But is organic food any better than farmed food? The answer is obviously yes! But how big of a difference does that make? What are the actual benefits of organic food for a healthier lifestyle? How much extra is worth paying for organic food? Those are some of the questions we all have, but few are addressing them in a reader-friendly way. So we took the responsibility.
Hi, we are Team MyOrganicBody & Diet ( MyOrganicBD). We are a team of nutritionists, doctors, microbiologists, and writers working together to create the most helpful contents on organic food, wellness and healthy lifestyle. With our simple language and detailed research, you have an easy time getting the most out of the article!
In this article, we discuss what organic food is, what criteria organic food must have, what’s special about it, what the benefits of going organic are, etc. We will also discuss environmental sustainability and other facts about organic food.
Let’s start.
What is Organic Food?
Organic food refers to the food that is produced in an organic method, minimizing the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms, overuse of antibiotics, etc. Contrary to popular belief, organic farming does not eliminate the use of fertilizers or antibiotics and pesticides. A non-GMO crop requires less of those naturally. Farmers can also use organic fertilizers, pesticides, and some types of antibiotics. Organic food contains less chemical and heavy metal residue. Many studies show that organic foods contain some specific nutrients more than regular food. They are also quite friendly to the soil, water, and environment around us.
How did organic become a thing?
In the early 20th century, organic farming emerged as a response to the heavy use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful components in farming. Albert Howard, F.H. King, and Rodolf Steiner are some of the pioneers of organic food and farming.
The earth is feeding 8 billion people, which involves heavy mass food production. This form of farming prioritizes efficiency and production volume. Nowadays, everything, including food, is produced on a massive scale. As we all became dependent on those forms of food production, funnily, organic foods became exclusive and more popular to many people. Those foods are tastier, contain more nutrients, and are environmentally sustainable.
But can there be organic food for everyone? Organic meat and foods usually take more land. Organic fertilizers and biological methods are used for sustainable farming. Often, farmers get less crop due to following a natural method. It increases the price of the product. Organic foods can be sustainable for the planet but not very efficient for sustaining humans. The translation may not be that simple. However, the organic industry is still growing, and methods of organic farming are still being invented.
Organic is not just the foods you can buy from a superstore; it’s a lifestyle, an expanding movement, and a form of aligning with nature. Let’s explore everything about organic food.
Why Choose Organic Food?
Organic food is worth choosing for several reasons, such as health benefits, low risk of some diseases, taste and flavor, sustainability, and many more. Let’s break them down in the following points :
Better nutrition
Organic foods are generally non-GMO. In GMO technology, many times, nutrition is a bit compromised to increase the production and size of a crop. In organic food, there are higher levels of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. More research is required to confirm this topic. The fact is, there is a lot of food that is unexplored and under-researched. Whereas organic food is an emerging industry. With time, we will learn more about the benefits of organic foods.
Minimizing the risks of disease
Organic food can minimize the risk of many diseases. Improve health conditions due to less chemical and metal residue. Organically farmed food contains no harmful pesticides. Pesticide residue is one of the most significant causes of children’s cancer; a study from International Journal of Molecular Science shows that. There are possibilities of many more critical conditions such as neurodegenerative disease, metabolic issues etc. Heavy metal in food can cause metal poisoning. Organic foods are free from those issues.
No Microplastic
Microplastics are detected in various food products, even animal and fish bodies. The impact of microplastic on our health is still under research. Organic food usually does not contain microplastic.
Antibiotic residue
Organic farming does not include antibiotics as an essential item. There is very minimal use of antibiotics, often when it’s absolutely required. So there will be less chance of antibiotic residue in your food. This is crucial because the use of antibiotics in farming and their residue increase the chance of forming antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We only have limited antibiotic options for curing bacterial infections. If bacteria become resistant to all of them, the whole of humanity will be in great trouble.
Sustainability
Organic farming is many times more sustainable than regular farming practices. It is better for soil nutrition, better for water conditions in water sources, significantly better for biodiversity & the environment. Although organic is better for the earth, it’s still a form of luxury.
Better taste
Organic non-GMO foods are usually old species that were bred naturally. Those types of food usually have potent and natural tastes. But it’s not always the case. In many cases, GMO foods are sweeter and have a better taste than natural ones. But generally, organic foods taste better due to organic farming practices and proper natural conditions. On the other hand, regular farming focuses on the highest production using growth hormones, fertilizers, and any technique that improves the harvest.
How does organic food support health?
Now let’s look at the health factors in more detail. How organic food can be more healthy than regular foods :
More nutrients
Organic food usually contains more nutrients than regular food. For instance, it has better antioxidants, vitamins, and micronutrients than regular food. However, there are no certain rules and widely accepted levels for them. Organic foods contain better vitamin C, Zinc, and Iron suggested by a study by K. Brandt, C. Leifert, R. Sanderson & C.J. Seal . Another study on antioxidants concludes that organic foods may contain up to 69% more antioxidants ( as per PubMed). There is another old study from PubMed concludes organically grown berries contain 58% more antioxidants and 52% more vitamin C. Organically produced meat, egg, and milk also contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids research published from wiley online.
Reducing risk of disease
Regular farming includes a high use of nitrate fertilizers. Nitrate may be linked to several health conditions. It can cause a condition named methemoglobinemia, which affects the ability to carry oxygen in the body. Organic food contains 30% less nitrate than regular food. Regular plant food may contain residues of pesticides, which may cause chronic diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
The health of planets is the health of humans
Finally, if something disturbs the ecological balance of our environment, ultimately, it will impact our health and living conditions. The ecosystem is a complex net of interaction between different animals and plants. If something gets disturbed, the whole process can be disturbed. Farming is one of the main causes of the water crisis, soil pollution, air pollution, and many more issues. And we are the ones who will have to face the consequences with a lot of other organisms in nature. The earlier we understand this, the better chance we have to fight and survive those global issues.
What makes organic food different from non-organic?
There are quite a lot of differences that make organic food different from non-organic food. Let’s make a list.
| Point | Organic Food | Regular Food |
| Production Method | Organic foods are produced organically with minimum use of pesticides, fertilizers, growth hormones, and antibiotics. | Regular foods are produced with a priority on maximizing production and efficiency. |
| Nutrition | Organic foods contain more nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. | Regular food has lower nutrients and antioxidants. |
| GMO | Organic foods are usually made with non-GMO. | Made with hybrid organisms. |
| Pesticide and antibiotic | Organic food contains lower pesticide and antibiotic residue. | Usually contains higher residue of pesticide and antibiotic. |
| Environment | More sustainable, good for soil health, and biodiversity. Reduces pollution. | It can contribute to different types of environmental pollution. |
| Expanse | Costs 40-50% more than regular food farming. | The cost is low due to mass production. |
| Storage | Organic foods have a shorter shelf life due to a lack of preservatives. | Regular foods have more shelf life due to higher preservative and artificial ripening techniques. |
What are the best organic fruits and vegetables for nutrition?
Today, you can get almost anything organic. Most times organic fruits and vegetables are better than regular ones. But you have the choice to buy something organic or not. Fruit and vegetables that come with peels have less risk of pesticide or chemical residues. So, you may choose not to buy organic bananas. But food that does not come with peels, like cauliflower, is better to buy organic.
Here are some of the organic foods with high nutritional benefits :
- Curry Leaf
- Beetroot
- Avocado
- Berries
- Yogurt
- Pumpkin seeds
- Oatmeal
- Deep green vegetables
- Fermented foods
- Eggs
- Almond
- Banana
- Sweet potato
- Edamame
- Beef Liver
Are leafy greens a top choice for health?
Yes, organic leafy greens are one of the best vegetable choices for good health. It contains vitamins A, C, and K and folate, which are crucial for several metabolic processes & overall wellbeing. They also contain a great amount of antioxidants. Incorporating leafy greens in your diet can help with a healthy brain, vision, heart, and protection from different diseases.
Do organic berries support overall wellness?
Yes, berries are an excellent choice for overall wellness. By that, we mean that berries can play a vital role in wellness in several ways. But, not only berries are enough for overall wellbeing. They contain numerous healthy nutrients like vitamins C and B and minerals like manganese. If you want a natural source of antioxidants, very few foods can be better than berries. They contain some of the powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, resveratrol, and anthocyanins. Berries can support cardiovascular health, improve brain function, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. It comes with healthy fiber and polyphenol, which come with gut health benefits.
What Are the Best Organic Protein Sources?
There are many different options to get healthy organic protein. You can easily get organic eggs in supermarkets. If you have some space in your house, raising a few chickens can be a fun and organic way to get animal-based protein. Choose organically raised chicken, turkey, and duck. Those can be a good source of meat protein without growth hormones and antibiotics. Grass-fed beef is also a great option with less risk compared to farm-grown beef. You can also find organic dairy products like yogurt. If you like fish, any wild-caught fish is organic. There are also many choices of organic plant-based food. Organic Lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, tofu, edamame, and flaxseeds are some of the healthy organic protein sources. There is no single best protein source. Eating different protein sources is the best way to get all the amino acids and nutrients.
Are organic meat and poultry healthier?
Yes, organic meat and poultry are healthier than regular farmed meat. Organic meat, eggs, and milk contain a significantly higher level of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fats have many benefits for the brain, heart, and overall wellness. Some studies suggest that organic meat also contains a significantly high amount of antioxidants. There is not enough research on organic vs regular food, but in general, organic meats contain more nutrients, protect from many chronic diseases.
How to add organic food to your daily diet?
Going all organic is not very practical in the beginning. But every small step is important and can lead to bigger and bigger actions. First, start small. Choose some organic fruits and vegetables. Get eggs and milk from organic sources. Those are relatively cheaper than other organic foods. Start eating more wild-caught fish like salmon, sardines, and so on. Those can be excellent sources of natural protein and nutrients. If you really love the idea of going organic, have the time and space, the best thing to do is to make an organic farm. You will grow your own foods like vegetables, chickens , and meats by organic farming . This will not only be a healthy source of organic food, but also allow you to do some peaceful physical work. Those activities are also very soothing for the mind. To learn more, check out our organic farming guide here.
What are the best ways to transition to an organic diet?
The best way to transition to an organic diet is to have a clear mindset first. It’s important to understand why you are doing it, how you will do it, and what good you are doing to yourself and your surroundings. With a good understanding, it will be easy to maintain an organic mindset. Start slow. Get some organic vegetables, maybe compare them with regular ones. Prioritize organic animal products. Make an organic garden if you can. Observe the changes in your body by eating fresh, organic food. Enjoy the taste. Remember, it’s not the outcome; it’s the process you are following. Enjoying the process is the easy and sustainable way to transition to an organic diet.
Frequently Asked Questions: Organic Food
We have already addressed the core questions about organic foods. But there is no end of questions people ask about organic food all over the internet. Here are some of those questions and their answers :
What is meant by certified organic food?
Certified organic food means that it is produced while maintaining organic regulation provided by organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National organic program (NOP). Those foods are usually made with traditional breeds or species (non-GMO)।
What are 100% organic foods?
100 percent organic foods are produced with only certified organic components. In organic farming, there might be minimum tolerable uses of fertilizers and chemicals when it’s necessary. A 100% organic food is produced with more strict regulations.
What is organic fruit?
Organic fruit means the fruit that is produced naturally, maintaining all the organic regulations. Wild fruit is also organic.
How to make organic food?
To farm organic food, you must follow the organic farming regulations. It includes avoiding synthetic preservatives and fertilizers. Typically, non-GMO species are used for organic food.
What is organic super food?
Organic means foods produced comply with organic regulations. Superfood, in general, means foods that are more nutritious than others. Organic superfood refers to superfoods that are produced organically.
What is organic meat?
Organic meat refers to meat that is produced organically. The meat comes from grass-fed cows, chickens, and other animals in a natural way. Antibiotics, growth hormones, and synthetic medicines are also minimized. Organic meat contains better flavor and nutrients. It has less risk of disease.
Is organic food tasty?
Organic foods are usually tasty and fresh. Because it is produced naturally & Non-GMO.
Is organic milk better?
Yes, organic milk, especially from grass-fed cows, contains higher omega-3 fatty acids and some antioxidants compared to conventional milk. Organic milk is also tastier than regular milk.
How to go organic?
Going organic is not a shopping practice; it’s a lifestyle. Choose organic foods, grow organic gardens, take environment-friendly choices in different aspects of your life. Hopefully, an organic lifestyle will grow organically within you!
Why is organic food more expensive?
Organic Foods are 40-50% more expensive than regular food due to their low production. Organic farming is sustainable, but it’s not the most efficient. It takes a lot of effort to grow food organically. This increases the price of organic food significantly.
What is in organic foods?
Organic foods contain more vitamins and antioxidants. As it is produced in high quality soil, it may contain more bioactive compounds that you may not find in the regular type of food.
Why is it called organic food?
The term organic comes from the natural production process; something that does not require human manipulation is organic. Food that is made with organic methods is known as organic food.
Final Thoughts
Organic foods should not be premium foods. It’s the natural and original self of the food. We are moving fast and focusing too much on efficiency. Organic food and farming is the evidence; more efficiency and profit is not always the best option. Sometimes, the natural way is the most sustainable way of living. Hope this article helped you understand all the detailed aspects of organic food. Live organic.
Want to know about the health benefits of organic food? Check out Health Benefits of Organic Food.
Mr. Shariful Alam Pavel believes in natural living. To live a healthy conscious living, we need to eat green, live green. MyOrganic Bd is a green wellbeing brand, educating millions to live a better life with mother nature.
