We live in a dynamic age of industrialization and modernization, and the unfavorable factors around are becoming more and more every year. There are many examples that prove this - the increased pollution of air, water and even food products is no longer a secret. But each of us wants to be healthy and have healthy children, and for this we just need natural and clean food. Do they exist? Where can they be found and how to choose correctly? All this will be discussed below.
In recent years, the so-called "organic products" - fruits and vegetables - have begun to appear in large hypermarkets, which are less attractive in appearance, with a relatively short shelf life and at a price twice that of similar products on the market. Unquestionably, the question arises: "Is it worth paying two to three times the higher price for similar products and what do they give us?" The answer is mixed. But one thing is clear - this is really natural and pure food. And it's up to you to decide whether to buy or not.
What you need to know about organic food?
The conditions of organic, ecological or "bio" foods are similar in one: they are grown without the help of genetic engineering, pesticides, soil fertilizers and other synthetic substances that protect them from insects or low yields. Such products are packed and stored in a way that does not degrade their taste. It is clear that such natural and environmentally friendly food is extremely useful. They do not contain any hormonal supplements or genetic engineering interference. There is also no risk of negative effects on the body of all kinds of "chemistry" and synthetic additives.
Some studies show that organic foods contain more minerals, vitamins and biologically active substances than products made using chemicals and pesticides. This is important, because it is from the nutrition (plant or animal) that the body receives most of the necessary nutrients. And the composition of the consumed product is directly determined by the conditions under which it was produced. For example, if the potato was treated with poison against the Colorado potato beetle and received additional hormones to accelerate growth - this product will not be particularly useful for humans. After all, all harmful substances are stored in it.
Eco-friendly and natural products usually contain only natural ingredients. If there is a presence of inorganic substances, then at least a percentage of them from the total mass of products and ingredients should be organic. In the US and Australia, the percentage of "naturalness" of the product should be at least 95% standard. In Russia so far, 90% of natural and pure ingredients are allowed.
In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a study was published that includes an analysis of more than 160 studies conducted during the last 50 years. According to him, there is a significant difference in whether you consume organic food or genetically modified foods. There have been dozens of studies that did not show differences in the taste of foods, but found that organic food is up to 60% higher in nutritional value than other foods. A new study, conducted at the University of Newcastle, showed that organic fruits and vegetables contain up to 40% more antioxidants than conventional ones. In addition, organic apples are more sweet and have a good shelf life compared to traditional culture. Another example shows that organic tomatoes contain twice as many vitamins and trace elements than standard tomatoes. In fact, biologically pure foods have a high nutritional value. The absence of any additives is one of the main conditions for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Be careful when choosing fruits and vegetables
To achieve a longer shelf life and to improve the appearance and increase the profit from production, manufacturers are increasingly using more powerful chemicals (to accelerate growth), antibiotics (for a longer shelf life), and genetic engineering techniques (for growing fruits and vegetables in abnormal conditions for them). Many of these substances enter the body, causing irreparable harm to health. Medical research shows that the widespread use of synthetic substances leads to an increase in the number of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis. At the same time, the influence of polluted air, water and a sedentary lifestyle was added - as a result, the situation is clear and, unfortunately, it is depressing.
Many nutritionists are advised to be cautious in choosing fruits and vegetables. The lowest level of pesticides is observed in asparagus, avocado, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, kiwi, mango, onion, green peas, papaya and pineapple. Thus, the highest level of pesticides in apples, celery, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach and strawberries.
According to statistics ...
Organic foods represent 1-2% of the total world food sales and gradually increase their market turnover in developed countries and in countries with slower development. World sales of natural and pure food products increased from $ 23 billion in 2002 to $ 70 billion in 2010.
The global organic food market has increased by 50% since the beginning of the 1990s and sales volumes continue to grow. Ultimately, in 30 years almost every farm will produce environmentally friendly products - without the use of synthetic additives or genetic engineering. Yields may not be so high, but the taste, aroma, and most importantly the nutritional value of the finished product will be incomparably higher. Perhaps the demand for organic products is not an end in itself, it's just an expression of humanity's natural desire for health and longevity.