How Organic Food Works (2024)

FAQs

Does organic food really make a difference? ›

Organic foods have been shown to have lower levels of toxic metabolites, including heavy metals such as cadmium, and synthetic fertilizer and pesticide residues [10,17]. Consumption of organic foods may also reduce exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria [19].

Potential benefits include the following: Nutrients. Studies have shown small to moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce. Organic produce may have more of certain antioxidants and types of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.

"Organically grown" food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food.

Those created from natural sources are often called organic products. But no matter whether they are created in a test tube or are derived from a plant, if they are labeled as killing a pest, they are a pesticide. That is the law. The bottom line is, organically produced fruits and vegetables may not be pesticide-free.

In conclusion, preliminary evidence from human studies suggests that organic eggs may have nutritional advantages over conventional or non-organic eggs, possibly related to the higher levels of carotenoids and the reduction in the inflammatory potential of the diet.

“Going organic” is 100% a personal choice. For some, consuming only organic fruits, vegetables, meats, etc, means less chemicals ingested into the body, less strain on the environment, and a cleaner lifestyle. For others, organic eating means unnecessary increased cost of food and drinks.

Eating organic tends to cost a lot more. Technically, some chemicals are allowed to be used in organic food. Organic food spoils faster as there are no preservatives.

While organic foods reduce your exposure to pesticide residues, there is no conclusive evidence that they are better for your health. Traditional farms are also regulated, and only safe levels of pesticide residue are allowed in their products.

While there are many marketing claims that add value to foods, consumers can be assured that USDA organic products are verified organic at all steps between the farm and the store.

Organic food contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Minor non-organic ingredients used in processed organic food must come from a list of approved substances, known as the "National List", that have been evaluated for safety and their impact on both human and environmental health.

Why is organic food more expensive? ›

Prices of organic foods include not only the cost of the food production itself, but also a range of other factors that are not captured in the price of conventional food, such as: Environmental enhancement and protection (and avoidance of future expenses to mitigate pollution).

Contamination by microorganisms

The organic way of food production has also been suggested to present a higher risk of microbial contamination. Organic agriculture uses composted manures as fertilisers. The produce and nearby water may be contaminated with pathogen if the manures have not been properly composted.

Overall, is it better to eat organic? Organic diets we know lead to less pesticide and antibiotic exposure, but nutritionally, they are about the same. In addition, there's no evidence of clinically relevant differences between organic and conventional milk.

Nectarines, apples, bell and hot peppers, cherries, blueberries and green beans rounded out the list of the 12 most contaminated samples of produce. It's dubbed the “Dirty Dozen” by the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, an environmental and health advocacy organization that has produced the annual report since 2004.

While organic foods reduce your exposure to pesticide residues, there is no conclusive evidence that they are better for your health. Traditional farms are also regulated, and only safe levels of pesticide residue are allowed in their products.

Environmental impact: Non-organic farming practices can harm the environment. For example, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can contribute to soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Nutritional value: Some studies suggest that organic foods may have higher nutrient content than non-organic ones.

Many food experts and chefs actually do believe that organic foods tend to taste better. The food experts give credit to the soil care practiced by organic farmers. Strong nourishment of the soil leads to well-nourished plants, which in turns yields food with a high nutritional content and optimal flavor.

Organic foods don't contain any synthetic herbicides, harmful chemicals, antibiotics, pesticides, neurotoxins, GMOs, or drug residues. More care and maintenance to produce them is needed than with GMO foods, plus they require certification.