What is organic food and why it’s better for you.

By Sreelatha Krishnan

Visit ORGANIC SHOP by Pure & Eco India

What qualifies as Organic Food?

Organic food is food that is grown and processed in an entirely natural way. Organic crops must be cultivated without the usage of bioengineered genes, petroleum based fertilisers, synthetic pesticides, and sludge-based fertilisers.

Organic livestock (for meat, eggs, and dairy products) must have access to the outdoors (free range) and be fed on organic feed. The animals should not be administered antibiotics, growth hormones or any animal byproducts.

The Myriad Benefits

How your food is grown can have a massive impact on your mental and emotional health, as well as, on the environment. Organic foods have more beneficial nutrients than their conventionally grown counterparts.

Organic produce contains no pesticides.

Organic food is often fresher because it is devoid of preservatives that would make it last longer.

Organic farming is better for the environment as it reduces pollution, conserves water, reduces soil erosion, increases soil fertility and exhausts less energy.

Organic meat and milk are richer in certain nutrients. The results of a 2016 study revealed levels of nutrients, including omega 3 fatty acids, to be up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in other livestock.

Organic food is GMO free. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants whose DNA has been altered in such a way that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, in order to be  pesticides resistant or produce an insecticide.

Organic food contains more antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and vitamins. Antioxidants are good for health and help reduce heart disease, as well as, limit chances of developing cancer. They also contribute towards a better immune system.

Fitness through Superfoods

Besides the abovementioned health benefits, organic foods can aid your fitness, as diet and fitness go hand in hand. With a poor diet it would be next to impossible to reach one’s fitness goals. Healthy foods can help you achieve fitness by improving strength, endurance and recovery. Some of the most popular superfoods and health foods that help optimise fitness are:

Quinoa: This versatile food and can be used in a variety of meals. It has one of the largest concentrations of protein for a grain, and is also a good source of fibre and B vitamins.

Chia Seeds: Chia Seeds were a staple food of the Mexican civilisation. Now popular the world over, they help gain stamina and endurance. Chia seeds have more calcium than milk, more iron than is present in spinach and more antioxidants than blueberries. They also help reduce weight, regulate blood sugar and provide essential bone nutrients. Chia seeds work remarkably to lessen hunger, cut cravings and support intestinal and joint health.

Wheat Grass: Wheat Grass serves as an energiser and antioxidant. It increases haemoglobin and acts as a blood purifier.It is good for cancer patients during chemotherapy and increases red bloodcell count; cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract; stimulates metabolism and stimulates the thyroid gland. It also helps in reducing over acidity in the blood.

Dried Fruit & Berries: Dried fruits and berries are healthy and delicious, making for a rich source of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

The author is a corporate customer service professional.