Why organic food is better

We’ve all heard eating organic is better, but do we know why? Organic is a term which refers to the way farmers grow and process fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and grains. Organic farming bypasses chemical fertilizers and pesticides for natural solutions which not only benefits the consumer but the environment. At a time when the overuse of pesticides is leading to an increase in the weeds and bugs they are trying to control, it is essential we return to natural methods to control pests and weeds.

Apart from the obvious benefits of eating food with no harmful chemicals, it has been proven that organic food contains more nutrients, enzymes and antioxidants, called flavonoids, than non-organic, which is why we need to eat these foods in the first place. There are many studies which have been looking at the nutritional benefits of eating organic. Dr Brandt from the University of Newcastle, says that "This research shows there are benefits. The reason why it's such a grey area is because it's extremely difficult to measure the health benefit in any food, but we can say that if you eat 400g of fruit and vegetables per day you would get 20 per cent more nutrients in organic food."

Researchers have found that organic fruits and vegetables are higher in natural anti-oxidants than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

Organic farming of animals means a better life and humane treatment for those animals as they are fed only natural foods, no antibiotics and are allowed to live a low stress life out in the fields where they’re happiest. So whilst we may feel guilty for eating meat (well I do but I can’t seem to stop), we can at least know that the animal was happy while it was here.

Organic farming is better for sustainability (a popular concept for this century) as it doesn’t strip all the nutrients or poison the soil and surrounding areas with spraying and is safer for farm workers who risk being poisoned. Crop rotation is used for nutrient retention and weed management and natural predators are brought in to combat pests.

There is a draw-back to organic farming at this point and that is that it cannot produce the volume of food required to feed a growing world population and due to the increased expense in producing it compared to conventional methods, the end product is more expensive. Despite this, it is better for us and the environment and if you can afford it you’ll be doing yourself and the Earth a favour.

Find out  more:

• A systemic review of organic versus conventions food consumption.

• Visit the Organic Federation of Australia website to read valuable articles and reports.