The Benefits of Eating Organic Foods Go Beyond Nutrition

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Have you ever wondered if the benefits of eating organic food are worth the extra cost?

With more people becoming health-conscious and environmentally aware, the conversation around organic foods is growing louder. Let's explore why preferring organic foods might be one of the best decisions for your health and your family.

Why organic foods?

Organic food is often puffed for its higher nutrient levels and lower pesticide residues than conventionally grown foods. Some studies suggest that organic produce may contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For instance, organic strawberries and milk have been found to have higher levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.

But is that all?

The absence of synthetic hormones and antibiotics in organic farming also adds to its benefits. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic foods can help reduce the risk of developmental disorders, hormone disruptions, and certain cancers linked to these chemicals.

There are many ways. If you pass by a field sprayed just earlier, the topmost is from the air. It can cause even death. Last year, I lost my close friend as he entered a morning field of cotton without taking precautions. After a couple of hours, he fainted and could not survive in the emergency of the local district hospital.

But suppose you live in cities and don't pass by such fields. In that case, you will still likely intake pesticide residues regularly, often daily. Our liver works hard to break down these chemicals but doesn't always succeed. Over time, these substances accumulate in different parts of our bodies, particularly the liver and kidneys.

A recent study found 16 pesticides and chemicals in the bodies of all participants. Conventional farmers are often exposed to more than 40 different pesticides, including the infamous glyphosate, organophosphates, and more. Glyphosate, in particular, has been linked to various health issues like kidney disease, shortened pregnancy, and endocrine disruption.

It has also been observed that most of the conventional farmers are being exposed to more than 40 different pesticides, including Glyphosate, organophosphates, pyrethroids, the neonicotinoid clothianidin, and the phenoxy herbicide 2,4-D.

Kendra Klein and Anna Lappé write:

“Research has linked Glyphosate to high rates of kidney disease in farming communities and to shortened pregnancy in a cohort of women in the midwest. Animal studies and bioassays link it to endocrine disruption, DNA damage, decreased sperm function, disruption of the gut microbiome, and fatty liver disease.”

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Despite some documented benefits of eating organic foods, some controversies are part of the conversation.

First, organic foods can be up to 47% more expensive than conventional ones. The increased cost is due to greater labor input, smaller-scale production, and higher post-harvest handling and shipping costs. Naturally, the farmers have to recover this cost, which results in a higher price tag with the organic labeled foods on the shelves. It is a valid objection, so only well-off customers can purchase organic foods and pay the premium for the perceived health benefits and reduced pesticide exposure.

Second, organic foods are still in limited availability. Some conventional agriculturists argue that if every field in the world is shifted to organic foods, it can't meet the demand of the increasing population, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. However, I have observed many experiments in government experimental farms and with futuristic farmers to harvest much better yields with organic cultivation and pest management methods.

Third, some studies show that organic foods' nutritional benefits are insignificant. The critics argue that organic foods may take years to help you to help you by providing these vitamins and nutrients. They also say that these benefits can be achieved quickly through the availability of vitamins and energy drinks at medical stores.