At present, the concept of "organic food" has gained a strong resonance at a global level thanks to its high nutritional value and the reduction of the impact on the environment of its production system. Although it is now a trend, this is not new, organic farming originated in England in the 1940s, a period when there was already awareness of the health risks caused by the use of fertilizers and other chemicals in the fields. crops.
The quality of these foods is due to the greater amount of vitamins and minerals they contain and their more intense flavor, the result of respecting the maturation times and the non-use of chemical processes or additives for their growth. In the case of animals, the use of hormones and antibiotics during their breeding is eliminated.
Although the term "organic" goes beyond health as it is defined and controlled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, for its acronym in English). It is based on the USDA inspection and certification requirements. These requirements must be met by farmers, companies and food products to carry the organic product label, thus promoting fair trade between producers, intermediaries and consumers, in addition to the rational use of natural resources such as water and electricity. .
According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM, for its acronym in English), this type of food in comparison with conventional ones, present:
- Less water, which allows them to store a high density of nutrients.
- Higher amount of iron, magnesium, vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Better balance of essential amino acids.
While the animals raised with this system, present:
- Better health
- Reduced risk of contracting or carrying diseases.
- Less amount of fat.
Now that you know more about organic foods, you can decide if you want to include more products of this type in your diet.
