Organic food Products

ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTS & BENEFITS

Organic food products have grown more popular in recent times, with increased concerns over one’s health and environment. Growing health concerns during Covid pandemic further raised consumer awareness on healthy diet to prevent various diseases. Studies indicate that organically grown food has high amounts of vitamins, magnesium and iron.

Traditionally India followed organic methods of farming until the introduction of fertilisers and pesticides. Though the main purpose behind using chemical based fertilisers is for faster growth of plants and higher crop yield, the danger from fertilisers is that they seep into the soil and contaminate waterbodies. Several studies suggest that cancer is linked to pesticides and fertilisers. Punjab faced adverse consequences due to harmful effects of fertilisers that resulted in major health issues like cancer, renal failure and birth defects.

Difference between organic food products and non-organic food products

While organic food products are grown using natural methods without the use of pesticides, fertilisers, non-organic food is produced using artificial chemicals which can be harmful for health. Here are key differences between organic and non-organic food products:

Organic food

Fertiliser- free

Not harmful to environment

No health risk to farmers

Clean and fresh

Non-organic food

Grown using fertilisers/pesticides

Harmful to environment

Farmers vulnerable to diseases due to exposure to toxic chemicals

Toxic residues likely

Low nutrition

Since organic food is grown in sync with nature, it is not available throughout the year unlike non-organic food which is grown using artificial growth stimulating GMO seeds.

Soil is the key factor

Healthy soil is the key component of organic farming. When soil is constantly sprayed with fertilisers, insecticides and other chemicals, the soil fails to retain healthy minerals and nutrients from the earth. Since organic cultivation forbids the use of fertilisers and pesticides, the antioxidants and vitamins remain intact in organic food products.

Wondering why organic food is priced high?

Organic farming demands more labour for maintenance of farmlands and extreme care is taken to let the crop grow safe and free from chemicals. Production cost is usually high and post-harvest results in limited quantity. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) believes that when the demand for organic food increases, technological innovations will reduce the cost of production.

Health benefits of organic food products

Organic farming has several benefits from preventing diseases to promoting good health and reducing environmental hazards. The high levels of antioxidants help boost immunity. The main benefits of organic food include:

Rich in vitamins

Helps prevent heart diseases, premature aging and vision problems.

The use of natural manure preserves the nutrients and ensures better taste

Is organic farming different from natural farming?

Though organic and natural farming methods have common features, they are two different approaches. Natural farming does not encourage ploughing, tilling. While organic natural farming uses compost and vermicompost, natural farming relies on natural bio inputs prepared from indigenous cow dung, cow urine and plant-based ingredients. Organic food products require guidelines to be followed and certification to be sold in the market. Natural farming is a low-cost technique but organic farming is slightly expensive due to requirement of bulk manure. Both the methods of farming emphasise on better soil quality and retention of innate nutritional properties of the produce.

How to choose the best organic food products

When you want to purchase the best organic food products, look for organic certification labels like FSSAI, USFDA or equivalent certifications in your country. This label ensures that the product meets organic guidelines and is produced without using synthetic chemicals. It is always better to check the credibility of the company that sells organic food. Customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights about the quality of food products. You can also check if the company is socially responsible with activities focussed on supporting farmers. Food companies like Nature’s Box promote a healthy approach to agriculture, with dedicated efforts that go beyond organic standards to grow and deliver pure and natural food products that preserve nutritional integrity.