Organic Foods Basics

Organic foods have become very popular. However, knowing the maze of benefits, labels as well claims can be confusing. Many people asked if organic foods are healthier or not. But, why you should consider organic foods? Are they beneficial to your health? Well, whatever your questions are, it is important to know about organic foods.

Organic Foods Defined

Organic refers to the process of how products are produced and grown. Particular requirements should be maintained and met so that products will be labeled as organic. Organic crops should be grown in safe soil. They should have no modifications and should remain separate from conventional products. 

When it comes to producing organic foods, farmers are forbidden to use bioengineered genes or GMOs, synthetic pesticides, sewage fertilizers, and petroleum-based fertilizers. In terms of organic livestock, they should have access to the outdoors and must be given organic feed. They will not be given growth hormones, antibiotics, or any by-products.

What are GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms?

GMOs or GE foods are animals or plants in whose DNA has been changed. Such products have undergone tests to know their effects on the environment and humans. In several countries, organic products don’t intentionally contain GMOs.

The Perks of Organic Foods

They offer a wide range of benefits. Several studies show that these foods have more beneficial nutrients than conventionally grown foods. Moreover, people who have allergies to preservatives, chemicals, or foods often see their symptoms reduced when they only eat organic foods.

Aside from that, the best thing about organic foods is that they contain lesser pesticides. These pesticides are chemicals including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Such chemicals are used in the conventional agriculture and the residues remain in or on the food you eat.

Understanding the Organic Food Labels

Once you have considered organic foods, there are several terms that you should understand for you to make the most of these foods. 

When shopping around, keep in mind that natural foods are not equivalent to organic foods.

Natural foods don’t have any production standards that must be met.

Organic foods, on the other hand, have certification that they have met the set of production standards. Such standards may vary from one country to another. For instance, in the US, organic foods have USDA Organic labels. This indicates that the food is hundred percent organic. 

There are also other labels offered on organic foods in other countries like Canada and Australia. So, depending on your residency, make sure that you know the organic food labels for you to ensure that you are getting the right foods.

Buy In Season

Seasonal foods are much fresher, more nutritious, and much tastier compared to foods that are out of season. Out-of-season foods are those foods, which are forced to grow. Farmers typically use some chemicals for them to grow the foods even if they are not in season.

In-season foods or seasonal foods mean that seeds germinate in the soil at the perfect time. This just means that plants grow naturally and much stronger, which maximizes their nutritional benefits for everyone.

The best thing about in-season foods is that they are to ripen. Farmers don’t use anything to make them grow faster. Instead, they are harvested at the right time. With this, you can be assured that your plants don’t have any disease and can offer your needed nutrients.

Although you will get food in the supermarket anytime you want, out-of-season foods may come at a pricey rate. Plus, this comes with reduced nutritional quality and can be a burden on the environment.

Benefits of Buying in Season

There are many benefits of buying in season and they are:

* Allows You to Save Money

The best thing about buying in season is that you can save money. Foods that are in season are usually cheap because of the supply. Therefore, if you are on a budget, this is the right time for you to buy foods that would offer you more nutrients.

* Lets You Enjoy the Most Organic Foods

Buying in season can also let you enjoy the most organic foods because this is the time when foods are still fresh and contain more nutrients. Through this, you will be able to avoid taking chemicals from the foods you eat. So, if you pay importance to your health, then start buying in season. You have to take note that pesticides can be easily removed from plants. But, once you consider buying in season, you will enjoy the best of what these foods can offer.

* Enjoy Quality and Fresh Foods

If you chose to buy in season, you will also enjoy quality and fresh foods. With this, you can be assured that you will get all the nutrients you to have a healthier lifestyle no matter what your goals in life are.

You will only experience those mentioned benefits once you bought in season. So, always consider buying in the season because this can make a difference.