They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products. How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods.
Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Chemicals such as synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on and in the food we eat. Organic produce is sometimes but not always, so watch where it is from produced on smaller farms nearer to where it is sold. Organic farming tends to be better for the environment. Organic farming practices may reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy.
Farming without synthetic pesticides is also better for nearby birds and animals as well as people who live close to farms. Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts. Feeding livestock animal byproducts increases the risk of mad cow disease BSE and the use of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
Organically-raised animals tend to be given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, which help to keep them healthy. Organic meat and milk can be richer in certain nutrients. Results of a European study show that levels of certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in conventionally raised versions. Organic food is GMO-free. Genetically Modified Organisms GMOs or genetically engineered GE foods are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, most commonly in order to be resistant to pesticides or produce an insecticide.
It could be grown in your local community, your state, your region, or your country. Financial: Money stays within the local economy. More money goes directly to the farmer, instead of to things like marketing and distribution. Transportation: In the U.
Or the food is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation, and other means to keep it stable for transport. Freshness: Local food is harvested when ripe and thus fresher and full of flavor.
Some small local farmers use organic methods but may not be able to afford to become certified organic. The ongoing debate about the effects of GMOs on health and the environment is a controversial one. For example, much of the sweet corn consumed in the U. GMOs are also commonly found in U. Organic plants do not rely on chemical pesticide sprays to protect themselves.
Instead, they produce more of their own protective compounds, namely antioxidants. Organically grown crops have also been shown to have lower levels of nitrate. High nitrate levels are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer 9 , Organic milk and dairy products may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and slightly higher amounts of iron, vitamin E, and some carotenoids 13 , 14 , However, organic milk may contain less selenium and iodine than non-organic milk.
These are two minerals that are essential for health A review of 67 studies found that organic meat contained higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and slightly lower levels of saturated fats than conventional meat A higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with many health benefits , including a reduced risk of heart disease.
While several studies find that organic foods can have significant positive outcomes, others have found insufficient evidence to recommend organic over conventional An observational study comparing the nutrient intakes of nearly 4, adults consuming either organic or conventional vegetables found conflicting results. Although a slightly higher intake of certain nutrients was seen in the organic group, this was most likely due to higher overall vegetable consumption Another review of studies found a lack of strong evidence to conclude that organic foods are more nutritious than regular foods This is because the nutrient content of food depends on many factors, such as soil quality, weather conditions, and when the crops are harvested.
The composition of dairy products and meat can be affected by differences in animal genetics and animal breed, what the animals eat, the time of year, and the type of farm.
The natural variations in the production and handling of foods make comparisons difficult. Organically grown crops may have less nitrate and more of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Organic dairy products and meat may have more omega-3 fatty acids. However, the evidence is mixed. Evidence suggests that consuming these foods may reduce your exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria In addition, pesticide residues were four times more likely to be found in non-organic crops 7.
It is important to note that the higher levels of cadmium and pesticide residue in conventionally grown produce were still well below safety limits It means more wildlife and biodiversity, the absence of veterinary medicines such as antibiotics in rearing livestock and the avoidance of genetic modification. Organic farming can also offer benefits for animal welfare, as animals are required to be kept in more natural, free range conditions.
EU-wide rules require organic foods to be approved by an organic certification body, which carries out regular inspections to ensure the food meets a strict set of detailed regulations, relating to production methods and labelling. Look for labels like the Soil Association. This is the gold standard of organic labelling. As some ingredients are not available organically, a list of non-organic food ingredients are allowed however, all artificial colourings and sweeteners are banned completely in foods labeled as organic.
Organic food is cheapest when bought directly from a farmer or producer, either via a box scheme, farmers market or farm shop. Buying local, organic food will often cost less than the non-organic equivalent.
Unfortunately, most of us cannot access organic food directly from the producer and therefore it tends to be more expensive than the basic non-organic equivalent in the supermarkets. It does pay to shop around. Some organic products cost less than premium non-organic products. You might be pleasantly surprised. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions.
Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition and healthy eating. Products and services. Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Products certified 95 percent or more organic may display this USDA seal.
Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Organic production and handling standards.
Department of Agriculture. Accessed Jan. Introduction to organic practices. Accessed Dec. Organic labeling at farmers markets.
Labeling organic products. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Feb. Baranski M, et al.
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