Organic food is big business in the US
The Organic Trade Association in April reported that organic food sales in the US in 2014 rose to $ 35.9 billion -. 11.3 percent jump from the previous year and nearly 5 percent of the total food market
As the organic food sector is growing, more organic food varieties will start doing to local grocers.
The American Cancer Society said additives in non-organic foods are not known to cause cancer directly, but they can increase the risk of developing cancer by acting as a hormone-like substances in the body.
Many studies show that plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables reduce our risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and many other diseases. organic diets herbal are often recommended for patients with cancer.
What is the difference between organic food and non-organic foods?
For food to show the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal, farmers and producers must ensure that :.
- irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides and genetically modified organisms has not been used wellness
- producers gathered for animal health standards, do not use antibiotics or growth hormones, used organic food animals and provided 100 percent with access to the outdoors.
- The product has 95 percent or more certified organic content. If the label says it was made with specific biological ingredients, you can be sure that these specific ingredients are certified organic
Organic food is marked in different ways, including :.
- 100 Percent Organic: These agricultural products contain ingredients that are certified organic, including processing aids
- Organic :. These products must contain no less than 95 percent certified organic ingredients. The remaining five percent of the ingredients must be organically produced, unless commercially unavailable or allowed on the national list (a list of authorized substances and prohibited USDA)
- "made with" Organic: . These multi-ingredient agricultural products contain at least 70 percent certified organic ingredients (may not include the organic seal anywhere on the product).
Why organic food is so popular?
organic food is popular because people are drawn to its many healthy process, and consumers and pets.
For example, those who produce organic food use better farming practices, farmers and their crops less pesticides. The producers also demonstrate better quality control and stricter production standards that producers of conventional foods.
These foods usually employ a reduction of pollutants and conserve water and soil. the organic producers also follow stricter standards for chemicals in processed foods than non-organic.
Are there concerns about organic foods?
For many consumers, the biggest drawback to organic food is cost.
Organic foods can cost up to three times more than conventional foods. These costs come from limited supplies and stricter production, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture. Furthermore, harvesting small amounts is more expensive than conventional products.
marketing and distribution of organic food is more expensive than conventional foods because of small volumes.
Organic products also tends to spoil faster because it is not coated with waxes or pumped with preservatives that increase its lifespan. Consumer Reports recently published the results of an ongoing study of 12 years on the amount of pesticide residues found on fruits and vegetables.
The researchers found some conventional foods contained high levels of residues and recommend these should be purchased organic. These foods include:
- Peaches
- Carrots
- Strawberry
- sweet peppers
- Beans
- apples (US)
- Tangerines
- Nectarines
- Cranberries
- chili
- sweet potatoes
food low risk showed less pesticide residue and can be purchased conventional. These foods include:
- Raspberry
- Blueberries
- Broccoli (US / Mexico)
- Oranges (without crust)
- lettuce
- Onions
- red / green grapes
- apples (New Zealand)
- Watermelons (Mexico / USA)
- bananas
- Cherries
the Bottom Line About Organic Foods
most of us could certainly benefit from the increase of our daily consumption herbal like fruits and vegetables food.
.For those comfortable to eat conventional fruits and vegetables, remember their benefits far outweigh the potential risks of pesticides on food
some helpful tips include:
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, not just the privileged few. By doing this, you are also vary your sources of nutrients as well as potential exposure to pesticides.
- Look for local farms where you can pick your own product. Often these small farms use fewer chemicals in their production, and it is much more fun than going to your local supermarket.
- organic frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper and, of course, may be kept longer than their counterparts fees. Buy in bulk when they go on sale.
- Wash and scrub all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Do not waste your time buying special cleaning food. Studies show proved no more effective than using cold water.
