Why are Organic Foods Safer and More Nutritious?

For decades there has been a debate whether organic foods are healthier than conventional foods. But what exactly are the differences between organic and conventional crops and how does an organic diet impact your health?

According to a new study by Newcastle University on organic versus conventional crops, organic farming methods have a positive impact on your health, as they lead to substantially higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of pesticides in crops. Antioxidants have been linked to lower risk of cancer and other diseases in humans, and – because nature is wise – plants produce their own antioxidants to defend themselves from pests and diseases. However, whenever synthetic pesticides are applied, they cause plants to lose their ability to generate antioxidants for their own defenses.

How do organic foods benefit you?

• Organic crops contain an average of 17% more antioxidants than conventionally grown crops.
• Some organic crops, including fruits, vegetables, and grains, have as much as 60% higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds than conventional crops.
• The level of flavanones, which are associated with a lower risk of a stroke, were 69% higher in organic foods.
• Overall, levels of synthetic pesticides were found to be 10 to 100 times lower in organic foods than in conventional foods.

Does this mean that crops can’t be farmed with pesticides?

Organic farming consists of providing you, the consumer, with the freshest, most tasty and authentic foods while respecting natural life-cycle systems. This means no GMO’s, no synthetic pesticides and no unnatural solutions can be applied to crops. However, natural pesticides like neem, that do not harm the human body or kill beneficial insects, can be used. The neem tree has been used as an organic crop care solution for centuries! It has many medicinal and agricultural appliances, which is why foods produced using neem do not lead to harmful side effects. Neem’s main compound, Azadirachtin, works as a natural repellent for pests, that does not kill the insect on contact, but instead prevents them from feeding on the plant. Another plus for neem is that it is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, and also works as a completely natural fertilizer. Have you tried using neem for your garden or farm? Let us know in the comments below!