During this time, the organic food industry saw a sudden boom of interest and
popularity, with a lot of customers who are really promoting the apparent advantages of
organic food over conventional produce and products. Is this just a new fad hyped-up or
is the organic movement a real trend? Let’s first of all analyze the situation.
The Organic Crisis
The advocates for organic food say that it’s safe because it doesn’t contain artificial
pesticides, hormones, and other toxic substances that are typically found in
conventionally grown and processed foods.
These organic supporters also mention that in general, the organic food production
methods are more nutrient-rich, and organic foods are more beneficial to human health
and the environment.
On the opposition side, they propose that healthier food benefits from organic are blown
out of proportion and it is not clear due to the high cost of organic produce that a slightly
different nutrition level is worth that. They claim that the use of pesticides in regular
agriculture is no great threat to human health, provided that it is applied responsibly.
The Nutritional Issue
A number of studies have tried to compare the nutritional values of organic and
conventional foods. A meta-analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in
2012 showed that organic fruits and vegetables had slightly more antioxidants such as
phenols and carotenoids compared to the ones that were conventionally produced.
However, the scientists’ assessment was that the variations were small and not really
clear on the medical significance.
In 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a review that
confirmed the earlier findings. The authors confirmed that the idea that organic foods
are more nutritious comes with a condition. They did, however, found that organic
produce is less likely to be contaminated by pesticides.
Environmental Impacts
One of the most compelling arguments for organic farming is the possibility of reducing
the harm done to the environment in relation to conventional farming. Organic
production the synthesis of man-made fertilizers and pesticides, which are agents of
land erosion, water pollution, and species extinction.
Various studies demonstrated that organic agriculture methods can improve soil quality,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster more biodiversity. However, the
environmental advantages of organic farming are not so black and white, for they are
highly variable and depend on environmental, farming, and particular crop
circumstances.
The Bottom Line
The debate concerning the advantages of organic food for health and the environment
is still ongoing, with relevant points in favor and against each side. Some trials show
slight nutritional benefits and less pesticide use, but the whole evidence does not seem
consistent. In the end, the matter of whether to buy organic or non-organic produce may
very well come down to personal taste, economics, and individual health worries.
Conclusion
In sum, one may refute the view that an organic diet is a panacea for the risk — the
reality is by far now simple, but rather ambiguous. Although it is true that organic food
can provide a slightly higher amount of some vitamins and minerals and be free of
pesticide residues, it is not clear whether these nutritional differences are clinically
important.
Buyers must respect the given data and be judicious in their dietary selections that do
not personally tackle their needs. On the other hand, by researching organic solutions,
those who visit the online organic food store will find a wide range of quality organic
items that only a few may think of the online store to stay external.
