Days, when people didn’t care much about where their food is coming from, are long gone. Modern customers tend to pay attention to labels more often than in the past. It’s because more chemicals and additives are used, and people fearing that everything they eat or drink will cause cancer.
“Organic” label has become the magic word for many, and it’s fundamental criteria when people buy their food. As long as it’s organic, it almost doesn’t matter the nutrition fact or the ingredient list on the food. But it’s essential to comprehend what “organic” truly means so that next time you’re buying organic food, it’s tasty and healthy.
How does the USDA regulate organic foods?
According to the USDA, organic foods are considered a food that was grown and processed by the federal guidelines. Soil quality, practices on raising animals, control for pest and weed, and utilization of additives are some of the many aspects considered when emitting the “organic” label.
Only natural substances, and natural mechanical, physical, and biologically based farming methods will be used by an organic producer.
For instance, produce is considered to be organic if it’s certified to have grown on the soil where no illegal substances were applied for at least three years before the harvest. The list of unlawful contents includes the majority of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. If the grower had to utilize synthetic substance for obtaining a particular result, the substances must be admitted based on criteria that identify the effects on the environment and human health.
In the case of organic meat, the regulations state that animals must be raised in conditions matching their natural behaviors (the possibility to graze on pasture is one to name). The animals must be fed 100% organically, and it’s prohibited to give any hormones or antibiotics to the animals.
There are specific rules about the processing too. The USDA established organic standards for the foods with numerous ingredients. The rules forbid for organically processed food to contain any colors, flavors, or artificial preservatives. The ingredients must be organic, and the exceptions aren’t many. For example, some processed organic foods may include lawful non-agricultural ingredients. It’s the case of pectin in fruit jams, enzymes in yogurt, and baking soda in baked goods.
What does “organic” mean for packaged products?
Anyone interested in buying an organic packaged product should know that “organic” would mean that it’s made with natural ingredients/food groups. It should contain no less than 70% of ingredients that are organically produced. The other non-organic ingredients may be provided with no illegal methods, such as genetic engineering. They can contain substances that aren’t typically allowed in products labeled as 100% organic.
It would help if you also read about the difference between GMO and non-GMO foods, especially when you’re worried about your health. The use of non-GMO and organic food is fundamental in alternative healing therapies, as it’s considered to be the most efficient in healing the body and eliminating the toxins from one’s body. The founder of the Pouyan Method and Johnnytheahealer.com, which helps people with addiction, PTSD, or depression, Johnny Tabaie highlights that “The power of organic and non-GMO food in healing, no matter the illness we’re referring to, cannot be denied. It has been proved over and over again that people trying to heal anything from mild depression to cancer have a better shot to healing when switching to organic and non-GMO food”.
Keep in mind that “Made with organic” doesn’t come with USDA organic label. However, it should still meet the USDA regulations on organic food. Try to find out the certifier on your packaged product to make sure that the natural product was made according to USDA’s organic regulations and standards.
Should you be determined to switch to organic food, it’s a good idea to recognize the USDA organic label. Always gather all the information on the food you’re about to buy and consume. Don’t mind the marketing claims; if the product is certified as USDA natural, it means that it was checked as organic at every single step between the farm and the shelf in the store.
Should you switch to organic food or not?
Some people still sit on the fence about they should switch to organic food or not. There are plenty of voices out there, highlighting that an organic diet will raise the consumption of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
It’s important not to get confused about safety and nutrition. Even if the research is still undergoing, the general opinion is that organic food is more nutritious and safer, improving one’s health and ability to take in the healthy nutrients.
Typically, non-organic food contains a lot of pesticides and dangerous hormones. For those of you who still don’t know, pesticides are poisonous, and they can even kill one. Pesticides cause cancer, neurological issues, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and allergies. They can also lead to skin problems, rashes, wheezing, or asthma. It’s in our instincts to stay safe, and eating organic food is one way to do it.
Unfortunately, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that pesticides and chemicals from non-organic food cross the placenta, harming the unborn babies. Protecting the future generation is fundamental, and keeping them safe during pregnancy is necessary for future development.
The risks for pesticides and toxins for the health of newborns is significant. Numerous studies connect pesticides to congenital disabilities, low birth weight, behavioral and neurological problems, cancer, autism, and disrupted hormone function.
Keep in mind that pesticides and chemicals in non-organic food lead to infertility issues in females and males.
Organic food is good for the animals, the soils, and everyone on this planet. On top of everything else, it tastes better, so why not choose it?
