The debate on Organic food keeps on rolling. Whether it is healthy or fit for humans is the question everyone keeps asking. And now a study by American scientists has revealed that organic food is there to stay.
Organic food is produced without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. It is produced without the use of genetically modified organisms. The American researchers at the University of California Davies, discovered that organically grown kiwis had significantly higher levels of vitamin C and polyphenols (compounds associated with health benefits including reducing cholesterol, improving circulation and preventing cancer. The organic kiwi fruit developed thicker and darker skin in part of its defence against pests in the absence of pesticides. One more study has found that a pint of organic milk has 68 per cent more omega 3 fatty acids – important for normal brain functioning – than other milk. Such studies have helped rate organic food higher in the eyes of the consumers. Thus, Consumer demand for organic foods continues to increase, and high volume sales through mass outlets, like supermarkets, is rapidly replacing the direct farmer connection.
Organic farms do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment-some of which have the potential to harm local wildlife. This makes organic farms more sustainable and environmentally sound. Organic farms are better than conventional farms at sustaining diverse ecosystems, i.e., populations of plants and insects, as well as animals. Supporters claim that organically managed soil has higher quality and more water retention. This may help increase yields for organic farms in drought years. When calculated either per unit area or per unit of yield, organic farms use less energy and produce less waste, e.g., waste such as packaging materials for chemicals. Even organic food tastes better. Organically grown foods have about one-third the residues of that of conventionally grown. The evidence shows that a variety of organic foods contain more favorable nutrients and vitamins and less have a less detrimental health effect.
On the contrary, growing of organic foods is quite expensive both in economic as well as installation terms. Organic foods require a longer gestation period. In the era of consumerism, the status of organic food is unknown, as there are certain developing countries, the norms and standards are not clear cut. How will the consumer know that the food they are eating is organic or non organic? Anyone and everyone can make hay at the expanse of the consumers. Moreover, in countries such as china and India, it will require immense potential to shift from fast food to organic food as the people are not that health conscious. And what about marginal farmers?
Despite all this, as the scientists propel, organic food has made a market of its own and is there to stay for a longer time.
Via: Telegraph
