The Benefits of Organic Foods

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At the start of 2018, the value of the UK organic food sector rose by 6% to a record £2.2billion, owing largely to independent outlets and home delivery, including box schemes. There’s no doubt we’re putting more organic food into our mouths than ever before, but what does it all really mean? What exactly is organic produce, and what are the main benefits of organic foods?

I’ve teamed up with award-winning organic food producer, Graig Farm to share an insight into the nature of organic food, and why you should be eating it. Based in Newtown, Powys, Graig Farm specialises in a range of organic produce, distributed throughout the UK via home delivery and wholesale.

What is organic food?

While standard food production relies upon chemical fertilisers and pesticides, organic produce is grown using natural fertilisers sourced from plants. Organic foods don’t contain any artificial preservatives, and are produced using sustainable farming methods and greater respect for animal welfare.

Organic food must meet strict European guidelines and undergo rigorous inspections and certification, so you can be sure the organic food you’re eating is the real deal.

To spot organic food in the supermarket aisle, look for the Soil Association organic symbol. This is the ultimate seal of approval for organic produce. Read on to discover more about the benefits of organic foods.

Top 5 benefits of organic foods

1.It does wonders for wildlife

More than half of the UK’s wildlife species has been declining since the 1970s, with over one in 10 now facing extinction. Among the species most at risk are butterflies and bees, due largely to intensive farming practices which rely upon pesticides to control weeds, insects and crop diseases.

2. It’s better for the planet

The manmade pesticides and fertilisers used in traditional farming present several challenges for the environment. Some of the main issuesinclude soil erosion, chemical run-off into water systems, and weeds/insects becoming resistant to fertilisers and pesticides.

With this in mind, it’s not surprising that agriculture accounts for around one-third of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. If half of all EU farming was to convert to organic by 2030, the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions would be cut by almost 25% as a result of increased carbon levels within the soil.

3. It’s better for you

When you eat organic food, you’re not just doing the environment a favour – you’re also taking steps to improve your own health and wellbeing.

This is because organic food is believed to be more nutrient-rich than food farmed traditionally. According to the British Journal of Nutrition (2014), organic crops (cereal, fruit and veg) contain up to 68% more antioxidants than regular crops.

Similarly, both organic milk and meat contain around 50% more omega-3 fatty acids than non-organic products. Organic meat is also said to be lower in saturated fats.

4. It’s more animal-friendly 

Eating organic produce helps to ensure the highest possible welfare standards for farmed animals. Personally, I think this is one of the most significant benefits of organic foods.

In order to be classed as organic, meat or poultry must meet the following conditions:

• Access to natural pasture (land for grazing that is treated using only natural fertilisers, and free of pesticides) and be truly free-range
• Ample space in which to move around (this helps to reduce stress and disease)
• A diet that is as natural as possible, and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• Not fed antibiotics on a routine basis

5. It tastes better

Many people believe they can taste the difference between organic and non-organic foods.

As organic product is grown without the use of pesticides, it has a shorter shelf life, which means it’s usually fresher when we come to eat it. Naturally, fresher food generally tends to taste better too!

Hopefully, you’re now feeling more clued up on the benefits of organic food. You can find out more about organic chicken and other organic meats over on the Graig Farm website. Meanwhile, the Soil Association website offers further advice on all kinds of organic produce.

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