Organic agriculture refers to the production of crops without using synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. There are various benefits associated with organic food consumption such as improved health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. These benefits vary from country to country depending on the availability of water, soil quality, climate, etc.
Improve Health
The benefits of consuming organic food include a lower risk of allergies, less exposure to pesticide residues, and healthier nutrition. According to Asianpokerlive.com, When people consume organic produce they also reduce their intake of antibiotics and hormones.
Environmental Sustainability
Eating organic food is better for our environment because it reduces pollution since it does not involve the application of chemical-based products primarily made up of hydrocarbons (petrochemicals).
Animal Welfare
Animals raised in an organic farm environment experience better living conditions compared to animals kept on conventional farms. They have easy access to fresh air, ample space, and safe shelter. Their diet consists of nutritious feed which contains essential vitamins and minerals that help meet their daily nutritional needs.
Quality Food Supply
Many organic farmers around the world grow high-yielding varieties of fruits, vegetables, and grains for consumers. As a result, there is plenty of choices available for everyone at affordable prices.
Local Agriculture
Many people prefer to buy locally grown organic products due to their convenience and low cost. Also when you purchase local produce, you can be assured about its safety by looking at the country of origin.
Healthy Farms
Consumers are choosing to support local farms instead of large-scale farms through online purchases. This is evident from the fact that sales of local organic items increased by 30 percent in 2014.
Healthy Environment
Because there is no usage of harmful substances, like chemical fertilizers or pesticides in organic farming, the land remains fertile for longer periods, thus reducing reliance on natural resources.
Economic Growth
According to research studies, every dollar spent on organic food results in two dollars of economic growth. One of the reasons behind this is that organic farming is beneficial to the soil’s biology and improves nutrient recycling. It helps increase crop yields while lowering the demand for irrigation.
Positive Impacts
A survey reports that organic food has positive impacts on human health and well-being. For instance, organic food increases the supply of antioxidants and vitamin B6. Antioxidants protect the body against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, etc.
Better Nutrition
Studies show that organic food is more nutritionally sound than non-organic food. It has higher levels of iron, calcium, protein, fiber, and other micronutrients.
Safe Food
Pesticides used in conventional farming may cause adverse effects in humans. However, organic pesticides do not contain any hazardous materials. Therefore, eating organically grown food is considered safer for children, pregnant women, or people suffering from allergies.
Safety
Organic foods are less likely to make consumers sick than conventionally grown foods. An international study showed that the risks of contracting transmissible infections like salmonella or E Coli were lower for those who eat organic food.
Healthier Lifestyle
The use of organic food promotes a healthy lifestyle. In addition to having fewer negative side effects and being healthier, consuming organic food also makes people aware of how their food is produced.
Social Equity
Organics provide opportunities for disadvantaged communities to break into the market thereby helping them become economically self-sufficient.
Conservation
Organic farming does not require the use of energy-intensive methods or machines that contribute to environmental degradation. Thus, it contributes toward sustainable development.
Climate Change
Organic farming decreases the carbon footprint of agriculture as organic farms conserve natural resources such as water, nutrients, and biodiversity. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
The life cycle assessment considers all aspects of an item throughout its entire life cycle. Based on the LCAs done by various organizations, organic products have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional ones.
Quality of Produce
Organic produce tastes better than its conventional counterpart because they possess higher concentrations of flavor compounds.
Sustainable Farming
Organic farming requires lower input than conventional farming. Since it uses minimal amounts of chemicals, farmlands can be maintained for a longer period.
Taste & Price
Studies report that consumers prefer organics over conventional food due to their superior taste and affordability.
Wellness Benefits
Some benefits include the prevention of certain chronic illnesses, improved cognitive function, enhanced immunity, and reduced risk of obesity.
Animal Welfare
Organic farming ensures the humane treatment of animals. Animals raised under organic conditions live in clean environments with access to fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. They are fed nutritious diets without antibiotics or hormones.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why we should consume organic food. We hope you enjoyed this article. Please share your thoughts below!