Organic Living: What is organic food and is it better for you?
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental issues at play, social trends towards adopting more environmentally conscious behaviours are becoming increasingly popular. With the health of the planet in a state of emergency, working towards changing our consumer behaviours is vital in helping to prevent global warming. One of the easiest ways to change our behaviours is to change our eating habits to more organic options, this in turn will eventually change the level of demand for food produced in less nature-friendly farming practices. It is thought that by moving toward creating more organic food systems, this change could help to keep global warming below 2°C.
If you’re curious about organic food and looking to learn more about the ways it can benefit you and the planet, keep reading as we delve into the details of organic farming, the impacts it can have and what organic food options are available to you.
What is organic food?
Organic food refers to produce that has been grown and farmed without the presence of any artificial chemicals, hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic farmers aim to produce high-quality food from farming methods that benefit our whole food system, ensuring animals, people and the planet are treated with care.
For food to be certified organic, it must be free from any artificial additives including artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners and preservatives. The most commonly purchased organic foods are naturally grown fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products that are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, however, there are also a number of processed foods that can also be made organically so you can enjoy your favourite treats without fear.
What are the benefits of organic food on your health?
Organic farming systems are intended to sustain the health of ecosystems and people, working together with the natural cycles of nature to produce food in ways that cause little harm to the environment, making organic food better for the health of the planet and our people.
Contains less harmful chemicals
Organic crops use natural pesticides and therefore contain lower levels of nitrate, which is a compound that has the potential to cause health risks long term as it can affect the body’s ability to carry oxygen. Many people choose to buy organic food in order to avoid consuming artificial chemicals that are used in pesticides. Studies have found that consuming organic food may reduce your exposure to pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, it is important to note that although there are traces of these chemicals in non-organic food, exposure is unlikely to cause immediate harm and washing, scrubbing or peeling non-organic foods can help reduce potential exposure to these chemicals.
May contain more nutrients
Organically grown crops are said to contain a richer antioxidant and vitamin profile, with several studies finding that organic foods generally contain higher levels of antioxidants and important micronutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, and iron. One study in particular found that antioxidant levels can even be up to 69% higher in organic foods compared to conventionally grown foods. This is likely because organic plants produce their own protective antioxidant compounds when growing as opposed to relying on chemical pesticides.
More favourable fatty acid profile
Organic dairy and meat products have been found to contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, iron and vitamin E, compared to their non-organic counterparts. Studies have also found that organic meat contains lower levels of saturated fats than are usually found in conventional meat. It is thought that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with many positive health benefits, suggesting that consuming organic dairy and meat may be more beneficial for your overall health.
What are the benefits of organic food on the environment?
Organic farming means farming in a way that respects all areas involved in our food systems, helping us to ‘close the loop’ by using what we have to hand instead of relying on artificial fertilisers and imports from abroad. Adopting more organic farming practices can have a myriad of environmental benefits, including:
Uses less energy and lowers emissions
Organic farms encourage farmers to make use of the resources we have at hand, working together with nature to produce organic food. This helps in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as there is no need for chemical fertilisers to be imported from abroad, in turn preventing excessive burning of fossil fuels in transportation. Instead, farmers use locally sourced, natural fertilisers such as animal manure and crop rotation to keep the soil in the best natural condition.
Organic standards set out by the certified Soil Association also restrict the use of peat in composts and soil. Peat comes from natural peat bogs that are a valuable part of our ecosystem in capturing carbon, and by preventing its use in farming, we can help to combat climate change. These organic standards also ban the use of genetically modified animal feed which can have a negative impact on the environment as well as the health of the animals we consume.
Lowers the risk of pollution
One of the most essential elements in farming is the use of nitrogen fertilisers, however, when used in excess, nitrogen can become a dangerous pollutant in our air, water and soils. In organic farming, the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers on soil is banned to help lower the risk of environmental pollution that can impact the quality of water and deprive wildlife of vital oxygen. Promoting healthy soil not only helps to create better quality organic produce, but it can also help to protect water supplies by neutralising or filtering out potential pollutants.
Captures and stores carbon
Healthy, organic soil can also play a vital role in capturing and storing carbon and is one of our most powerful weapons in helping to combat climate change. Organic farming is largely based on taking care of the soil using natural fertilisers and rotating crops regularly, which in turn can help capture and sequester more carbon than conventional farming methods.
Kinder to wildlife
By working with the natural cycles of nature and practising environmentally sustainable land management, organic farming can be a great way to support wildlife. Conventional farming is one of the leading causes of habitat loss, and harmful pesticide use, therefore by adopting more organic farming methods, we can help to protect local wildlife by protecting sensitive habitats, using natural fertilisers and maintaining woodlands.
Is organic food actually better for you?
Although there are many potential benefits to switching to organic food from conventional products, it’s important to keep in mind that studies surrounding whether this food is “better for you” can vary in their results. The nutritional value of organic food depends on many factors such as soil quality, when crops are harvested, animal genetics and differences in breeds and the health benefits it can have on your body can vary depending on the individual.
However, if you are looking to be more mindful of your consumption practices and reduce your intake of potentially harmful chemicals, switching to more organic foods can be beneficial to you. Here at Planet Organic, we stock a wide range of organic food and drinks to help get you started on your organic-living journey.
Organic fruit and vegetables
All of our Planet Organic stores proudly stock a variety of organic fruits and vegetables that are free from pesticides and fertilisers and packed with nutrients. From organic root vegetables and salad leaves to everyday breakfast essentials like bananas and blueberries, we’ve got all of your must-have food items to stock up your fridge with.
If you’re curious about what fresh organic produce we have on offer in-store, you can browse through our full range of organic fruit and veg here on our website. This is a great way to start building your shopping list of organic essentials to make transitioning to a more eco-friendly lifestyle a breeze.
Organic pantry staples
The simplest way to start adapting a more organic approach to your diet is to ensure your kitchen is fully stocked with easily accessible organic pantry staples. Keep your cupboards filled with organic alternatives to your typical everyday food items, such as organic pasta and organic sauces, tins of organic vegetables, and organic cereals. We’ve got you covered with all of your everyday food essentials.
Biona Whole Spelt Spaghetti and Seggiano Basil Pasta Sauce
Organic snacks
If you’re an avid snacker, having tasty organic alternatives to your favourite treats will make opting for organic options hassle-free. Whether you’re looking for a tasty sweet treat or a salty snack for whilst you’re on the go, we’ve got a varied range of delicious and nutritious organic snacks that will quickly become your favourites. From organic chocolate to organic crisps, nuts and protein bars, we’ve got a varied range of organic snack options to keep you going.
Ombar 55% Coco Mylk and Trafo Olive Oil Fried Potato Chips
Adopt a more organic lifestyle with Planet Organic
If you’re interested in making the switch to a more organic diet, browse through our full range of food cupboard essentials and drinks to start filling your home with tasty organic foods that are not only good for you but the health of the planet too.
