Organic food is one that have been grown with organic methods of farming, and are free from chemicals and fertilizers that are made by humans. Organic food must contain at minimum 95% organically grown ingredients to be considered organic. Organic food farmers and producers must be able to get their products certified by a specific certifying agency. This certification body inspects manufacturing methods, packaging and the labelling of products frequently to ensure that the product meet the requirements of the industry. Read this: Moringa Powder for new information. What are the advantages of organic foods? 1. Heart Disease Prevention Newcastle University conducted a study on organically grown plants including meat, dairy and other foods. It was found that organic crops have up to 60 percent more antioxidants than other plants. This is comparable to eating an extra 1-2 portions of fruit or vegetables every day. 2. Improved Immune System Organic meat is an increase of 47% in omega-3 fat acids, which could be linked to improved health of the cardiovascular system as well as the immune system. Organic milk is significantly more rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The Soil Association believes this is due to the fact that organic livestock eats more natural grass-based diet that contains significant amounts of clover. 3. Boosted Heart Disease Exclusive grazing on natural grass increases the amounts of CLA (conjugated by linoleic acid) present in the animal products. The natural grass's photosynthesis absorbs the sun's energy and converts it into organic CLA. Herbivores who eat natural grass are able to benefit from this beneficial CLA. CLA is a healthy fatty acid with the potential of strengthening cardiovascular protection and it is found in greater quantities in the meat and milk products of animals that have been fed in free-range. 4. Reduced Pesticide Use The USDA report showed that the majority of conventionally grown products contained at the very least one pesticide residue and only 23 percent organically-grown samples of the same crops had any residues. The USDA discovered that over 90% of USDA samples of conventionally grown apple, peaches and pears had pesticide residues. Organically grown fruits were six times more likely to contain several pesticide residues than organic. Acute toxicities Pesticides are often acutely harmful. Pesticides can be extremely poisonous. This means that they could cause harm or even death only in one case of contact with the skin, inhalation or ingestion. The signs are apparent immediately following exposure, or appear within 48 hours. They may manifest as respiratory tract irritation as well as cough and sore throat, allergic sensitisation, eye and skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, seizures and/or death. 5. Industry Standards The primary benefit of natural food, is its natural appeal. Organic food is free of artificial colours or preservatives. it also has fewer chemicals and pesticides due to the methods employed in the production process to ensure that it is in line with the organic standards of the food industry. All organic food labelling should include a certification code and a symbol from the certifying body it was awarded from. This industry-standard is used to identify organic foods. Dhow Nature Foods 35 Distinction Road, Wangara WA, Australia. Call Us: +61 863050822