Before the industrialization of agriculture, the Indonesian nation knows only organic food. When the farmers use natural fertilizers to fertilize plants and natural pesticide to ward off pests. GM crops are also not yet known. Now, most of the food we eat is produced with artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Some fruits and vegetables may also be genetically modified without us knowing we entered the dining table.
Fortunately, in recent years awareness of organic foods began to grow in the community. Although no statistics, growth in consumption of organic products in our country seems to be inferior to developed countries such as Canada and the United States reached 20%.
What is organic food?
Organic food is food produced from organic farming, a method of production based on principles that are intended to:
protect the environment
maintaining biodiversity
respect the natural cycle
The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are cultivated and processed. Specific requirements must be met and maintained so that the product can be labeled “organic“.
Organic crops should be maintained in a safe land, not genetically modified and should always be separate from conventional products. Farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and artificial fertilizers. However, organic crops pesticide residues are not always zero because pesticides can still enter through wind, water or soil.
Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and are given organic feed. They should not be given antibiotics, growth hormones or animal byproducts.
In order to get the organic label, a processed food product must contain at least 95% certified organic ingredients.
The benefits of organic foods.
More nutritious. Several studies have shown that organic fruits and vegetables (eg, rice, tomatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce organic) contains more nutrients such as vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. Organic milk contains more vitamin E.
More healthy. Organic foods are not formed using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals that do not harm the human body. Organic milk has 50-80% more antioxidants that reduce the risk of tumors.
More comfortable. Many people feel that organic food tastes better than non–organic foods. The main reason for the food produced by means of natural production. Organic food is often sold locally so it is still fresh.
Environmental Sustainability. Protecting the environment from pollution of land, water and air so as to create a safe world for future generations.
Animal Welfare. Animal welfare is an important aspect in the production of milk, meat, chicken and fish organically. People feel happy to consume products from animals that are not confined to miserable in a cage.
Source : http://majalahkesehatan.com/mengapa-memilih-makanan-organik/
