Food that is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals is better for a person’s health, as well as the environment. In the past decade, more and more farmers have abandoned the synthetic hormones, fertilizers and pesticides, changing to organic methods of growing instead. The result that has been achieved is healthy and natural food that is better for consumers as well as the world around them.
The Definition of Organic or Natural Food
Organic, also referred to as natural, food is usually produced using types of ecological practices, which means no synthetic chemicals, irradiation, sewage sludge or genetically created materials. When products are labeled as “organic” they must meet specific requirements. In Australia, the AQIS, or Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service is the body that controls the certification of organic foods. There are six different bodies providing this certification, including:
- Tasmania Organic-dynamic Producers
- NASAA Certified Organic
- Bio-Dynamic Research Institute
- Organic Food Chain
- Australian Certified Organic
- AUS-QUAL Limited
There is no seal or logo used in Australia, but rather the logos of the certifying organisations are applied.
Why Organic is the Smarter Option
When agriculture is chemically dependent, it can harm the environment and put the health of humans at risk to developing a myriad of problems.
The fertilizer or pesticide laden runoff that comes from farms will wash in to surrounding streams, lakes and rivers, contaminating the waterways and destroying the surrounding habitats. There are a large number of pesticides that are also toxic to human health and have already been linked to issues such as respiratory problems, reproductive problems, types of cancer and neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Each year, there are farm workers, as well as those that live nearby to conventional farms that suffer from serious health problems and poisonings due to the use of pesticides.
Specific Benefits of Organic and Natural Foods
Some of the most worthwhile reasons that you should consider switching to organic foods are highlighted here.
- No GMOs: This is a genetically modified organisms, which are essentially a mutation of authentic food.
- Better Nutrition: There have been studies that show that naturally grown foods contain more nutrients, and more nutritious foods also usually taste much better.
- No herbicides or pesticides: The purpose of these items are to poison things; therefore you are essentially eating poison. Even washing off the foods prior to consumption cannot guarantee that all of these poisons are gone.
- Higher quality dairy and meat.
- Less chance of developing a food-borne illness.
The fact is that eating organic or natural foods is ultimately your decision and one that you should consider carefully. However, if you are seeking a more natural source of food for yourself and your family, switching to organic is definitely worth it. While the expense may be a bit more initially, it is well worth the investment in the long-run.