With fitness and healthy lifestyle taking the world by a storm, Organic Food has become a common phrase associated with this storm. Everyone is talking about buying and consuming organic food over processed food but what exactly constitutes organic food?
Basically, organic food is the usual edible food but is produced, processed and packaged in a different way without using chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, non-organic fertilizers, antibiotics or any artificial hormones which are used otherwise. Organic food meets strict standards and is thus, safe to eat.
Advantages of Organic Food
- Retains at least 50% more natural nutrients like vitamins and minerals than artificially grown food
- Not hazardous for health as they contain no chemicals
- Tastes more natural and delicious as there are no added sweeteners, coloring, flavors and preservatives
- Organic food protects one from cancer and other diseases
- Organic agriculture keeps our oceans, lakes, rivers and water supplies clean
Disadvantages of Organic Food
- It is an expensive proposition
- Not easily available everywhere
- Lack in variety
- Short shelf life because of no added preservatives
What Types of Foods Are Available as Organic?
Most consumers think of fruits and vegetables when they think of organic food but there are many other organic foods which include pastas, sauces, frozen juices, cereals, soups, chocolate, cookies, meat, poultry, dairy and even wine.
Not only the vegetarian food items but even poultry and meat have gone organic. Isn’t that interesting for non-vegetarians? But how does it work? It is because poultry and animals are fed only organic feeds and that puts them in the category of organic non-vegetarian food. Also, the animal and birds are not given any growth hormones for their mass production.
Tips to Buy Organic Food
- Look for the label or logo that has approved the production of the food as “organic”
- Remain informed about the organization that is an authorized seller of organic food
- Pay attention on the expiry date. As no preservatives are added to the food, their natural shelf life is less
People may mistake Natural Food as Organic Food as it has not reached many areas in the world due to support from the government, proper authentication, etc. So there is a difference between Natural Food and Organic Food
What is the Difference Between “Organic” and “Natural”?
“Natural” is often misrepresented in product labeling as “healthy” but “natural” only means that the product has undergone minimal processing, no certification or inspection system. Also, “natural” does not necessarily relate to growing methods or the use of preservatives.
As we all know, eating unhealthy creates health issues whereas eating healthy and organic not only helps you get healthier and live better but most importantly, it develops the good habit of eating right.
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“Why are you eating a coconut? It’s so fattening!” This comment was directed at me once and I couldn’t hold myself back and burst into laughter. But, at the same time, I was not surprised at this question. Most people consider it to be a fatty fruit. If that is the case then all those who include it in their daily food intake should be fat. This should be the case not only in India but in many other countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Philippines where coconut is one of the main ingredients used for cooking.
I was with friends recently and during our conversation I realized that my friends had erratic eating habits and moreover, they were all addicted to aerated drinks or what is commonly called as ‘Soft Drinks’. While they were not bothered about what an aerated drink could possibly do to their health, most of them were under the impression that it’s good for health or rather nothing can happen if they consumed aerated drinks. When I realised this, I told them how soft drinks aren’t good for health. And that was it… in the next few minutes I was flooded with questions like why one should not have aerated drinks? What does it contain?
