We have heard tremendously about the importance of nutrition in our diets. Having healthy food has been one of the things which our parents have been most conscious about. We have also heard of adulteration in food items. Today Nutritionist Ms. Shreya Gupta will help us know about the difference between organic and non-organic food. So what are the ways to know if the food is not adulterated and is safe for us. Well, in these times nothing can be guaranteed for sure but then you must have heard of organic food and non-organic food. In supermarkets and many stores you have these food items with label of organic on them, let us know what does that means and how different these are from our classic non-organic food items.
Organic Food Vs Non-Organic Food
Those food items which have been grown naturally without help of any pesticides or chemicals are considered organic. Organic food is different from other general food items because of the way they are grown. Today Nutritionist Ms. Shreya Gupta will help us know about the difference between organic and non-organic food. She is from Children Care Unit at Sahara Hospital, Lucknow.
She says that major difference between the two is the process in which they are kept. Organic food items are kept away from any type of chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, or modification. Farmers sometimes spread harmful chemicals in their crops through injections or pesticides to make them grow fast and healthier. It is the normal people who intake those chemicals and fall ill. Organic products are kept away from these chemicals and are grown naturally with the help of natural fertilizers to improve growth in plants.
Adulteration is also one factor which is addressed in organic food items. Organic items do not have any artificial sweetness, preservatives, colors, flavor, or monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate is used to grow them bigger in shape. Non- Organic food products may be injected with some of the above chemicals, making it unhealthy for the person to eat and cause stomach infection.
Why Is Organic Food Better Than Non-Organic Food?
Organic Foods Are More Nutritious
The food which is grown organically is comparatively more nutritious than that of non-organic food items. This is majorly because the organic fields are kept away from any type of chemical or synthetic material. However even though there could be natural variation in food handling methods, organic food is considered healthier for your diet.
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Nitrate Levels are Lower
Nitrate levels are responsible for the increase in rate of diseases such as cancer. Organically grown food items have significantly lower nitrate levels and hence are healthier than other ones. Organically grown products have 30% lower nitrates. Nitrates are also connected to the condition of methemoglobinemia. It is a condition which is related to infants where they have a shortage of breath.
Abundance Of Antioxidants And Vitamins
Crops that are grown in the natural atmosphere tend to have a higher value to antioxidants and micronutrients which are very helpful in growth. Organically grown crops have 69% more antioxidants than usual. Apart from this they also contain a good amount of vitamin C, zinc and iron which is not the case with non-organic crops. This is because organic plants produce their own protective compounds which are actually anti-oxidants.
Organic Dairy and Meat Are Rich in Fatty Acids
Dairy products and Meat are consumed in high amounts. Dairy farming and cattle farming is also done both ways- organically and non-organically. Organic milk and dairy products may contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are valuable to our health. Organic meat contains higher omega-3 fatty acids and slightly lower amounts of saturated fats than non-organic meat. Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids result in many health benefits which causes decrease in heart related diseases and metabolism.
Organic Crops Keep Soil Healthy
One of the benefits of growing organic crops than usual ones is also related to soil health. Most of the food we eat comes from plants and soils. To keep the soil lively for long, one must choose organic farming over the conventional method of farming. In not only improves the yield but also gives better monitory benefits to farmers. Organic crops also improve the quality of soil.
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Risk Of Adulteration
Adulteration has increased over the years, people prefer to add chemicals to the food items such as fruits and vegetables so that they look better and grow early. Most of the crops and non-organic food we consume has some kind of adulteration in form of pesticides, chemicals, preservatives, etc. which is harmful to our health. Hence organic food becomes a much safer and healthier option to have.
Conclusion
Organic food is considerably more nutritious than the conventional food which we consume. It has better antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids that are far more beneficial for our health. Not only this, organic farming helps the soil stay healthy which is favorable in the longer run. Even organic dairy farming and cattle farming has a difference in their nutritious value. Organic food is adulteration free which is essential to keep our body healthy too. Hence one should opt for Organic products over Non-organic ones.
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