The impact of organic food on biodiversity

Engineers of all kinds are controlling crops in order to harvest good-looking apples or cucumbers. Corn is invading everything we eat or drink from juices to biscuits to serve market demand rather than nutrition. Cornfields became genetic labs with standardized produce; weather forecast is no longer the farmer’s biggest concern but the need to acquire knowledge in the latest pesticides and insecticides for mass production.

Organic products have a minimum exposure to chemicals thus bringing us back to traditional agricultural methods thus preserving biodiversity.

Media directed the way we perceive fruits and vegetables,shapes and sizes influence sales. Consumers tend to choose big juicy apples rather than bruised small ones regardless if the small ones are pesticide free.

The price of organic products remains problematic, as it is 30 to 65 % higher than normal creating inequalities between people in the ability to eat healthy.

Carrots, apples, eggplants and peaches retain the most pesticides. Chemicals are mostly present in the skin, so buying organic fruits and vegetables that have edible skins can be a solution. Peeling the skin is not recommended as it contains high amounts of fibers and vitamins. Pesticides from near by fields are contaminating organic soils so close attention is required from farmers while harvesting crops.

Biodynamic agriculture preserves biodiversity and the ecosystem while using manure, compost and plants to treat soils. Demeter is the largest certification organization created in Berlin for biodynamic products and is used in over 50 countries.

During your next visit to the grocery store, search for seasonal fruits and vegetables, opt for the biodynamic type and if your budget allows it buy everything organic from detergents to meat, poultry and dairy products.

Animal lovers go for Vegan items such as burgers, cheese, milk, yogurts and butter. Children and pregnant women should not stop meat and dairy products because they contain essential vitamins and minerals (Fe, Ca…). Plant based iron is not absorbed the same way as animal based iron so supplementation is advised when following a vegan diet. Many unknown items are added to the preparation of soy patties to resemble meat texture and the effect of those additives are unclear so a flexitarian diet (vegetarian diet with occasional meat intake) remains the best approach to maintain a healthy and stable body.

Organic food is not more nutritious however crops are ethically grown, harvested and prepared. Biological industries are also a moneymaking business subject to men greediness so chose wisely while grocery shopping!

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