The label must have precise indications. According to European standards, which also concern the conservation of products. Advantages of organic and some questions
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How You Recognize An Organic Product
What are the authentic virtues of organic? Are organic products healthier? And does this justify the price difference? In order to save money, we need to give convincing and well-documented answers to these questions, recognizing the advantages and question marks of organic farming.
What Are Organic Products
Organic food is that which derives from organic agriculture, that is, from a production system that does not include, in any of its production phases, the use of chemical substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. Instead, herbal and mineral preparations are used to spray the plants. This type of agriculture also follows the phases of the moon with regard to sowing and work in the fields. For these reasons, organic food is respectful of nature and human health. The only fertilizers used during the production phases of organic food are natural ones: animal manure and organic compost (deriving from the decomposition of food). The soil in which organic food is grown must also be free of any chemicals for at least three years. To verify that this is indeed the case, the soil is subjected to rigid safety checks, the same to which non-organic soils are subjected.
Many recent studies have shown that organic soils produce foods with a high concentration of vitamin C and much fewer toxins. Organic foods contain many more antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients than traditional foods and are naturally much tastier. When we talk about organic food, we are also referring to high-quality meat produced on farms that prohibit the use of hormones, antibiotics, or chemical feed.
How To Recognize A True Organic Product
The organic product is recognized through its labeling, which must meet some fundamental requirements. In particular, the words “From organic farming ” must be followed by the following elements:
- The logo and name of the body carrying out the control and its ministerial authorization number
- The code of the inspection body
- The manufacturing company code
- Name and address of the owner, operator, and seller of the product
- The press authorization number
- If the product has a single ingredient, it must be 100 percent organic; if there are multiple ingredients, it must be 95 percent organic
- There is a European brand that distinguishes organic products made in the countries of the Union
- Do not trust products that have a generic label, such as Organic Product or Organic Product, without the specifications that we have indicated and which must be clarified in the product presentation.
Also Read: High-Calorie But Ultra-Healthy Foods!
Organic Certification
It is the European Union regulation n. 834/2007 to establish the criteria and rules to follow in order to produce organically and receive the labeling of products of organic origin. A company that decides to start organic production must be subjected to rigid controls that concern the entire production chain, controls aimed at issuing an “organic” certification that guarantees the consumer that the product purchased is actually the result of agriculture or organic farming . This certification requires that not only the cultivation but also the conservation, processing, packaging and subsequent shipping take place without the use of harmful chemicals.
In Italy, the rules to be followed to achieve “organic” certification are dictated by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policies, which authorizes certain control bodies to verify the entire production process of a given company that applies to start organic activity. The control bodies carry out annual inspections (including surprise ones) in the company and carry out analyses, after which they draw up a report to be brought to the attention of the Ministry and the Regions, which, together with the bodies themselves, in case of failure to comply with the rules, can impose sanctions ranging from a written warning to the withdrawal of the certificate of conformity.
Advantages Of Organic Food
Organic food does not waste raw materials, respects the environment and biodiversity, and has a reduced environmental impact. Fruit and vegetables are not subjected to forced maturation but are produced following seasonal rhythms. Furthermore, organic farming allows significant energy savings because the energy consumption of tilling the soil is significantly reduced.
The latter, in fact, accumulates humus, becomes softer, and retains carbon dioxide, which is transformed into an organic substance, considerably limiting the greenhouse effect. These foods, being free of toxins, also have a positive impact on the health of the human body and have a decidedly better taste than non-organic foods. Being cultivated or raised naturally, organic food strengthens defenses, improves metabolism, stimulates tissue regeneration, helps eliminate toxins, and prevents their formation in the body.
Organic food contains antioxidants and, therefore, also has a notable anti-aging effect. Its nutritional value is very high and thus ensures good health. Organic food is fresh because it is free from chemical alterations, such as the addition of preservatives, which, if they keep the appearance of the food unchanged for a long time, compromise its authenticity. Vegetables and fruit grown in organic environments are excellent products, as is meat from animals raised in uncontaminated green areas, grown without hormones or genetically modified feed. The daily diet that includes the exclusive consumption of organic products is a healthy, balanced diet, which prevents the onset of serious diseases such as cancer.
Why Choose Organic
According to a study published in Science, organic crops have a 20 percent lower yield than conventional ones but increase soil fertility and biodiversity. Energy consumption is 53 percent lower; pesticides dropped by 97 percent.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Shopping at the farmer’s, do it respecting seasonal products. Bring your bag, choose the correct times. And look at this site for addresses
When A Product Is Organic
An organic product has the ” European Union organic production logo ” on its packaging, represented by a stylized leaf drawn with the stars of the European Union. To find out whether you are dealing with an organic product or not, you must then proceed to analyze its label, which must certify and guarantee that the product on the market comes from organic farming, with the words “from organic farming.” The label must also contain the following specifications:
- Name and address of the owner, operator, and seller of the product. If the food is not packaged, the consumer can ask the manufacturing company to demonstrate that it has been certified as “organic” by a control body.
- The identification code of the control body. This code is entered during the control and transformation phases of the product in question. If the product is Italian, the first digits will be ” IT “.
- The name of the product. The latter must be accompanied by a clear reference to organic production and to the fact that 95% by weight of the ingredients must be of organic origin.
- A product that only features the word “organic” without clear labeling is not safe because it does not comply with legal regulations.
Are Organic Fruits And Vegetables Healthier?
While the advantages of organic farming for the environment and against pollution are clear and specific, there are many doubts about the fact that, for example, organic fruit and vegetables are healthier than conventional ones. In particular, the most recent scientific research converges in the conclusion that the nutritional intake of organic vegetables is not “significantly different” from that of conventional agricultural products. An idea was shared and written down on its website by the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan. Just as on the Veronesi Foundation website, we read that “no study has revealed any significant differences, especially with regards to the onset of tumors” between organic and conventional fruit and vegetables. However, it is understood that fruit and vegetables, in general, are an excellent diet for preventing cancer.
Are Organic Packaged Foods Healthier?
The most critical research to measure a possible more excellent value, in terms of nutritional properties, of organic packaged products compared to traditional ones was conducted in Italy and published in 2020 in the journal Nutrients. Five hundred sixty-nine pairs of foods and packaged products were compared, with this conclusion: from a nutritional point of view, there are no significant differences.
Where To Buy Organic Products
First of all, favor farmers’ markets and local companies where you can buy local products. Alternatively, there are more and more shops and supermarkets equipped with “organic” departments where you can buy fruit and vegetables but also legumes, eggs, fresh fish, flour, rice, biscuits and sauces. Any organic product can now also be purchased online. With one recommendation: always know the site you rely on, and avoid venturing out to discover great deals. You only risk wasting money.
Also Read: Beneficial Effects For The Body And The Mind Of Good Food
