Organic Foods

Definition

Organic foods are products that are grown and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other artificial chemicals. They also don't contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Scientific / Technical Definition

Organic foods are those that are produced under the regulations established by organic certification bodies, which require the food to be grown without synthetic chemical inputs or genetically modified elements, and processed in ways that avoid artificial additives. These regulations often include requirements for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in agricultural practices.

Benefits

• May contain higher levels of certain nutrients like antioxidants.
• Reduced exposure to pesticide residues.
• Supports sustainable agricultural practices.
• May promote improved heart health due to the lack of synthetic additives.

Examples

• Organic fruits and vegetables such as apples, spinach, and carrots.
• Organic dairy products like milk and cheese.
• Organic meat from animals raised on organic feed and without growth hormones.

Additional Information

• Importance: Organic foods are important for those seeking to reduce their exposure to synthetic chemicals and support environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Related Terms

• Non-GMO Foods

References

• Understanding Organic Foods and Their Health Benefits
• Organic Farming and Soil Health