Natural Health Foods

You should realize the actual difference between organic foods in natural health food stores compared to products grown traditionally in farms. This is important because of the aspects of nourishment and safety of consumers as well as cost factors. The benefit for users is that organic food can now be purchased in big supermarkets. What should be your basis in selecting the above-mentioned products?

Organic versus Conventional Goods

The first difference is produce grown in the traditional procedure is more affordable than their organic counterparts. Is it safer or more wholesome? Check the facts before you buy. The terminology "organic" refers to the technique used by farmers in raising and processing agricultural commodities like fruits, veggies, grains, dairy goods and meat. Organic farming practices are becoming more popular to promote soil and water conservation as well as reduce pollution. Farmers, who cultivate organic crop and meat, refrain from using standard methodologies to fertilize, manage weeds or avert livestock disease. These organic employ advanced crop rotations and apply manure to keep weeds from harming plants.

Consumers are urged to check labels and read instructions before making purchases. The Department of Agriculture has institutionalized an organic certification system that mandates all organic foods to adhere to stringent government standards. These benchmarks regulate the growth, processing and handling of such products.

Certification of the DA is Important

All products classified as organic must be certified by the Department of Agriculture. However, producers who sell below the prescribed amount of $5,000 annually are considered exempt from this certification but required to follow the standards for organic commodities. If an item carries the organic seal, it indicates that the same has been produced and processed according to the department's standards.

Products that are entirely organic like fruits, vegetables and eggs or other goodies with just one ingredient are marked 100 percent organic and sport the USDA seal. On the other hand, those with several ingredients such as cereals can use the organic seal together with the description; depending on the number of organic ingredients.

Is organic food being sold in natural health food stores more nutritious? Previous studies analyzed scientific articles that came out in the last 50 years. The goal was to study the nutrient content of both organic and conventional products. The researchers concluded that these foodstuffs are analogous in their nutrient content although research is still continuing. Many factors affect the decision of consumers to opt for organic food. These are the flavor and presence of pesticides. Traditional farmers use insect killers to shield their crops from molds, diseases and insects. When farmers spray chemicals, this can leave dregs on produce. Organic crops have lesser residue and thereby regarded as less hazardous.

There are also no food preservatives in this kind of food. Organic policies control the use of additives, processing implements not added directly to food and fortifying chemicals often used in nonorganic foods. These are preservatives, non-natural sweeteners, colorings and monosodium glutamate. Some consumers pick out organic food for environmental reasons. These farming practices are meant to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and saving water.