Organic farming does not use any synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This does not put pressure on the soil and the environment at large. Organic farming makes extensive use of natural fertilizers like manure and biofertilizers composed of helpful microorganisms which are capable of providing nutrients to the plants. These include nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers and potassium mobilizers. They do the same job as NPK fertilizers, just better. These microorganisms provide sustainable fertility to the soil, always enriching its quality.
Are You eating Pesticides?
The most famous argument in favor of organic food and against conventionally grown food is that since conventional foods are sprayed with pesticides, residues accumulate inside the foods to levels which pose health hazards to consumers. The website of the Pesticide Action Network uses data collected by United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) Pesticide Data Program (PDP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on pesticide residues found in various common foods grown using conventional farming methods. The data shows alarming concentrations of pesticides in foods that are carcinogenic or hormone disruptors or neurotoxins or developmental or reproductive toxicants.
Are Organic Foods More Nutritious?
Proponents and consumers of organic food argue that organic food is tastier and more nutritious than conventional food. Experiments have confirmed that organic foods have more amounts of vitamin C and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron than their conventional counterparts. Organic foods are also rich in phenolic compounds and other antioxidants which play a protective role in heart diseases and cancers. Organic milk is, on an average, 68% higher in omega-3 fatty acids. Organic animal products are found to be richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids which help protect against heart diseases.
Animals reared for meat production are given high amounts of antibiotics to prevent diseases in them. This excessive use of antibiotics has created antibiotic-resistance in many dangerous bacteria, like methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic resistant E. coli, which have been linked to many deaths worldwide. Organic farming practices do not make use of antibiotics, hormones or other animal drugs in animal feed for stimulating the growth of animals and animals are reared in conditions very similar to natural conditions.
Future of Organic Foods
Organic foods are also free from genetically modified products and ingredients. Organic fruits have been found to be richer in fructose, glucose and many antioxidants. Although more research is required to unambiguously confirm the health benefits of organic foods, the one thing in favor of organic foods is the absence of fertilizer and pesticide residues which itself can be a moving stimulus to convert to the food of the future.
References:
1. iloveindia.com Organic Food Facts (Accessed 16th June 2010)
2. organicfoodinfo.net The Advantages of Organic Food You Are What You Eat (Accessed 16th June 2010)
3. medindia.net Organic Foods Why Become Organic? (Accessed 16th June 2010)
4. ota.com Antibiotics in Agriculture (Accessed 16th June 2010)
5. ota.com Nutritional Considerations (Accessed 16th June 2010)
6. soilassociation.org Five Reasons to Choose Organic (Accessed 16th June 2010)
7. soilassociation.org Health (Accessed 16th June 2010)
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