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The all-natural fashion has been gaining momentum lately, so it's no wonder so many people prefer organic products. The Food.ru editors found out how organic products differ from ordinary ones, where you can buy them, and whether there is any benefit from them. chefs for hire
What are organic products
Organic products (or bioproducts, eco-products) are agricultural products that do not use chemicals in their cultivation and production: pesticides, growth regulators, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics. In addition, there are no GMOs in organic products.
Plants on organic farms are fertilized exclusively with natural products: manure, compost, charcoal. Such a farm produces less crop, it often spoils and may look worse than products grown in production.
Animals and poultry on organic farms live free-range or are kept in spacious enclosures rather than cramped pens. Cattle eat natural feed without receiving additional synthetic top dressing.
The production of organic products is aimed not only at healthy nutrition - farmers take care of the condition of the soil and water of the ecosystem as a whole.
How organic products differ from conventional
As a rule, in terms of nutritional value and content of nutrients, organic products are no different from conventional products, but there is a difference between them.
Less harmful substances
In the production of organic products, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not used, so they contain less harmful substances , such as heavy metals. However, in ordinary products, the content of these substances does not exceed the permissible limits.
No hormones or antibiotics
In industrial agriculture, hormones and antibiotics are often used: with them, animals grow faster and get sick less, which is beneficial for the producer. However, for the end consumer, such products are a time bomb that can adversely affect health. Scientists believe that antibiotics can be stored in meat and enter the human body. With a long exposure to antibiotics on the body, bacteria become immune to them, and at the right time, antibiotics will not be able to help.
No GMO
Manufacturers of organic products refuse to produce genetically modified organisms, although the harm of GMOs has not been proven , so this can hardly be considered a plus.
higher price
Often, organic products are much more expensive than conventional products, and this is not always due to the wave of popularity for everything natural. There are also quite simple reasons.
Due to the non-use of chemicals in organic farming, there is a higher risk of crop failure: plants may fail, the cow may produce less milk or die of illness. In meat farms, organic feed and more extensive grazing area are more expensive. All these risks and costs the manufacturer is forced to invest in products. On average, eco-products are 30-50% more expensive than conventional ones.
What are the benefits of organic products
There is an opinion that fruits and vegetables grown in a natural way are much more useful than bright "plastic" fruits. But is it? So far, scientists do not have a consensus on whether organic products are healthier. Some studies show that eating organic foods reduces the risk of obesity and cancer, and reduces the likelihood of fetal defects during pregnancy. However, scientists warn that these data require further research.
How to distinguish organic products
There is no single standard for certification of organic products in the world, labeling depends on which market the sale is directed to.
Here is a list of some of the recognized standards that bioproducts must meet:
For EU countries - EU 834/2007 and EU 889/2008.
For the USA - the standard of the National Organic Program, USDA ORGANIC.
For Japan - Japanese Agricultural Standard.
For Germany - Bio-Siegel.
For Australia - NASAA Organic Standard.
In Russia, organic products can be voluntarily certified by the Ecological Union for compliance with the international standard ISO 14024, and receive the only Russian “Leaf of Life” label approved by the World Ecolabel Association.
Due to the growing trend for environmental friendliness, "fakes" often fall into the list of organic products: many manufacturers resort to greenwashing (greenwashing - English "green camouflage") - this is a marketing ploy that makes the consumer think that he is facing an organic product, although it is not So. Signs of greenwashing can be:
marks "bio", "eco", "organic", "non-GMO";
use of non-existent markings: green tree, flower, sun, etc.;
image of leaves, trees, grass on the label;
an abundance of green color on the package.
Where to buy organic products
Organic products can be bought in a regular supermarket, but most often they are sold in specialized eco-shops and farmers' markets.
If it is important for you to buy only organic products, carefully study the label, look for the appropriate labeling and do not hesitate to ask for supporting documents. For a manufacturer, the ecolabel is a matter of pride, and they are usually happy to show it off. If they refuse or answer evasively, this is a reason to think.
What can be done?
Give preference to locally produced products. This is how you reduce the carbon footprint of the products you buy, take care of the environment and support the business of your region. Read more about how to help nature in the material from Food.ru.
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