Photo: Peter Blanchard / Flickr

Fifty years ago the term ‘organic’ referred to anything alive or once living – anything that was not mineral, metallic or synthetic. And even today, many people think ‘organic’ refers to something ‘natural’ as opposed to man made. For them, eating organic means having a potato instead of a chocolate bar. But the word really refers to something far more complex. ‘Organic’ really means ‘organically grown’, which points to a revolution in the way people are producing the food that ends up in your cooker.

Healthy veggies

Organic food is made from ingredients that have been farmed according to very strict guidelines, to keep produce as natural and healthy as possible. Organic crops are not treated with pesticides and the soil in which they are grown has not been fertilised with synthetic chemicals or sewerage. Other modern farming methods like the use of genetic modification and radiation are also banned.

Healthy meat

But it doesn’t end here. Organic methods extend even to livestock farming. Organic meat, dairy and eggs come from animals that have not been treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. In factory farms animals are kept in unhealthy and often cruel living conditions such as battery cages. Organic free range farms give livestock more space and allow them to graze. Their diets are also entirely organic as opposed to the common practice of feeding animals the remains of their own species.

Healthy environment

Photo: HoskingIndustries / Flickr

Organic methods of farming are also much more environmentally friendly. Factory farms pollute the environment with chemicals. Synthetic fertilisers leach the soil of their inherent goodness. And over farming destroys the natural habitat of other flora and fauna. Organic farming understands that a healthy environment ensures healthy produce and so farmers make an effort to keep the balance of nature in tact.

Healthy people

As a result of these organic methods, the produce is healthier for us to consume. They do not have the additives and chemicals that eventually build up and become toxic to the human body. Additionally, organic food tastes better than commercially farmed food, and contains more nutrients.

Although organic produce is slightly more expensive that commercial food, the additional cost contributes to a vast improvement in quality of life, both for the consumers and the livestock involved.

Tags: environmentally friendly, Healthy diet, organic, Organic food, organic vegetables