Organic Vs. Non-GMO

Organic does not mean free of pesticides....

So, what's better do you think?

There are countless battles between what really qualifies as a food that is considered and what is certified and known to be organic. To prevent you from getting too overwhelmed next time you are at the grocery store, here are some points to keep in mind –

Certified Organic, or Non-GMO?

Countless market producers use the various food labels and laws as a way to get around the consumer mind of whether buying organic versus non-GMO (genetically modified organism) is the same. Not many consumers notice a difference at all besides the value of their dollar. This has been ongoing for decades tracing back to the 1980’s when fertilizers and pesticides arose in the early days of industrial agriculture.

People from the scientific and medical sides stand on both sides of the fence defending whether modified crops are really doing their due diligence to protect solve third world issues like starvation, global and environmental stability, and even so to help prolong human lives. While they are doing their best, these producers are doing more harm than good. Some will say that GMO food is safe while others are convinced against them.

What is genetic engineering?

This tool was originally designed to help in the cross breeding process when global warming and other non-environmental factors came into play such as drought, disease, pests, insects, etc. which will give farmers the freedom to grow crops at a higher yield and feed more families faster generating a higher level income. A genetically modified organisms (GMO) has a modified genetic make up by being testing inside of a lab using genetic engineering causing bacteria, viruses, plant and animal DNA that does not typically exist in the wild.

What is Organic farming?

An organic crop is raised fully without any added preservatives, pesticides, artificial ingredients or synthetic materials. This maintains the product to its fullest by using the best agriculture practices. There are a set of standards upheld by organically produced farms meaning that they are minimally processed and follow strict legal restrictions on what materials are allowed in the additional process of making sure that organic ingredients are not contaminated with non-organic materials.

The same goes for meat, the animals must be raised in suitable living conditions that promote for natural behaviors with no administered hormones or antibiotics. It is said that organic farms are eco-friendly and reduce pollution in the air. They practice the usage of natural substance with no additives or GMO’s.

Unveil myths and interpretation

There is a rigorous verification process that a food label must go through in order to be considered non-GMO. Due to the limited testing capabilities, this label process does not always ensure the product is totally free of GMO materials – it means that the item is made up of 0.9% or fewer of genetically modified ingredients.

The demand of organic foods compared to the actual demand is relatively high so the industry must keep organic foods at a higher cost to adhere to the production and handling costs of a non-conventional farm. There is minimal evidence that proves organic foods have a higher nutrient content of some vital key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (a nutrient that our body cannot make on its own).

Although there has been scientific evidence to prove that non-GMO foods are much different in nutrient value, there is an enormous concern that non-GMO foods contain higher pesticide and toxins that can lead to long term health concerns from higher contents of nitrogen. Although there are several studies that have found a higher antioxidant count and certain vitamins such as C, zinc, and iron to be in organically grown produce.

Organic does not mean free of pesticides

In contrast, not all organic farms are free of pesticide usage all together – contradictive, right? At the end of the day, factory farming is factory farming whether they are considered organic or conventional. Some of these organic and non-GMO farms use their “Natural” pesticides liberally by law.

What makes organic farming different?

Not the usage of pesticides, but the origin from where the pesticides are coming from. Those that are used and collected from natural sources are processed minimally to create a more “nutritious” organic byproduct. Some consumers believe that buying an organically labeled food is considered healthier and more nutritious, while there is no recent evidence that proves this statement to be true.

Organic and Non-GMO foods do however prove some nutritional differences in animal meats, dairy, and eggs by showing higher fat levels – trans-fat, overall. As more research is done into their toxicity this is not as true, either. Many natural pesticides have potential, or serious, health risks that follow. In organic labeled produce at least 95% of the ingredients are organic and those that have less than 70$ of organic materials cannot be labeled as organic or use the USDA seal.

*Keep in mind: when you decide between going organic or non-GMO you are still exposed to toxins and pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, these levels of toxins in regular produce are generally well below the actual safety limit.

One way or the Highway

Ultimately the goal is live healthier and adhere to being more mindful with what we put into our bodies. Is it really the debate of who can spend more money? Not so much, living to solidify whether organic foods and non-GMO foods are more practical seems to be outside the realm, but it really depends on what your outlook is.

Do you care about whether the organic foods you are buying is labeled as healthier or pesticide free? Compared to GMO foods, organic is sitting at the top of the list, but the science to back up this debate is to prove that there is no black or white, it is all about that gray matter in between.

You don’t have to choose a side to be economically or health conscious. Appreciate the upsides of rotating crops and organic pesticide usage in both organic and conventional farming. You don’t have to buy into one side or the other but develop your own beliefs and book of knowledge to decide where you feel the best in your health avenue.

#organic #livehappyhealthy #nongmo

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