What is organic food

Organic food

Organic foods are defined as foods that have been grown or produced without the use of genetically modified hormones or chemicals, such as preservatives and flavorings, as farmers resort to using natural fertilizers in their production of crops In order to strengthen and increase plant growth so that it is classified within organic food, and animals raised to be a source of organic meat are not given any hormones or antibiotics, and organic agriculture is one of the most helpful factors in reducing environmental pollution, preserving soil, and one of the most important food products Organic fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains are consumed, in addition to various dairy products. ^[1]

Foundations of organic production

There are several rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to obtain organic food, including the following: ^[2]

• Use of animal manure and green manure; In order to fertilize the soil, and increase its richness in the necessary elements for plant growth as required.
• Use of biological control; To get rid of pests, weeds, and harmful insects.
• Refrain from using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics.
• Using renewable resources, conserving soil and water, and paying attention to and preserving the environmental balance.
• Use of mixed feed pastures to feed animals used in organic meat and dairy production.
• Pay attention to the health care of animals.

Benefits of organic food

There are many health benefits of organic food , including the following: ^[3]

• Organic food contains more nutrients than other foods, such as: flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.
• Organic animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which contain fats that are more beneficial to heart health than other fats.
• Studies have found low levels of the toxic metal cadmium in organic grains, which is a mineral found naturally in the soil, as the absorption of this mineral is reduced by grains under conditions that do not use industrial fertilizers.

References

1. ↑ "What is Organic Food, and is it Better Than Non-Organic?" , www.healthline.com , Retrieved 14-3-2018. Edited.
2. ↑ Mary V. Gold, "Organic Production / Organic Food: Information Access Tools" , www.nal.usda.gov , Retrieved 14-3-2018. Edited.
3. ↑ "Nutrition and healthy eating" , www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 14-3-2018. Edited.