Organic Fruits and Vegetables
You must have seen certain fruits and vegetables in the supermarket being labeled as "organic" and must have wondered how it differs from conventional produce. So what is organic food? Organic foods are those foods that are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and synthetic substances. In addition to this it also means, organic produce should not contain any genetically modified organisms. Organic food is not mass produced like conventional produce and hence its price is bit on the higher side. There are many health benefits of eating organic vegetables and fruits and many people believe that they taste a lot better than conventional produce. Organic food also contain more nutrients and minerals than conventional produce. The level of pesticides used in production of organic food is lower than that of conventional fruits and vegetables. Here we are going to discuss some of the benefits of eating organic food.
Benefits of Having Organic Produce
We all know that a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables is necessary to have a fit body. But did you know that most fruits and vegetables that are not organically grown are likely to contain high levels of pesticides. Washing them thoroughly will help in getting rid of only a certain amount of pesticide residue in fresh produce. Organic fruits and vegetables on the other hand contain very low levels of pesticides and insecticides, since chemical fertilizers and pesticides are not used during the farming process. When pesticides build up in our body, over a period of time, it might lead to various health complications like weakened immune system, birth defects, headaches and development delays and behavioral disorders in children.
Organic vegetables and fruits taste a lot better than conventional fruits and vegetables. The flavors and textures of organic vegetables and fruits is far superior to than that of conventional produce. This is one of the main reasons that high-end restaurants and hotels insist on using only organic produce for preparing their dishes, and attract more customers. While purchasing organic produce, make sure that the produce is seasonal and fresh. Just because the fruits look healthy and luscious does not mean that it is going to taste good or it is organically grown. Organic vegetables as well as fruits also contain more nutrients, minerals and vitamins than conventional fruits and vegetables. Organic vegetables as well as fruits contains higher amounts of antioxidants and micro nutrients that are required for proper functioning of the body. These produce contains more amounts of vitamins A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamins B and minerals such as zinc, potassium and magnesium that is essential for good health.
Perhaps one of the most important benefit of consuming organic produce is the effect it has on the environment. Organic method of farming used for growing these produce is less harmful to the environment than conventional farming methods. Organic farming uses sustainable farming methods for growing produce. This is done by using organic compost, avoiding use of chemical fertilizers and by the system of crop rotation that does not deplete the nutrients from soil. Unlike conventional farming methods that causes soil erosion, depletion of essential soil nutrients, increased pest resistance and increase in greenhouse gas emission, organic farming reduces greenhouse emission and keeps the nutrients locked in the soil. Most importantly, organic farming methods used for growing organic fruits and vegetables does not pose the hazard of contamination of water bodies and drinking water that is caused due to use of pesticides and chemical run-off.
Choosing to eat organic vegetables and fruits have many benefits; from health related ones to environmental ones. That is why more and more people are switching to organic produce. So next time you pass the vegetable aisle of the supermarket, choose fresh organic vegetables. Although they are a bit pricier than conventional fruits and vegetables, the benefits are well worth the price.
