We have all heard about organic foods, and see their labels among the numerous different stickers that grocery store aisles are full of. But what exactly is organic food, and does it have anything to do with weight loss? The answer isn’t so straightforward.
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A Basic Definition Of Organic Food
When companies claim that their produce or any other type of food stuff is organic, this refers to the way the food is grown. Basically, the production process involves no use of pesticides, but instead focuses on ways to encourage biodiversity and preserve ecology. Many people try to avoid eating food that is not organically grown, because they believe it is healthier. Even celebrity diets like the Melissa Peterman weight loss regimen incorporate organic foods to make sure what little food they consume is healthy.
Proven Benefits Of Consuming Organic Foods
Scientific research shows that organic foods are actually higher in antioxidants and more nutritious than traditionally farmed produce. Not only that, but organic foods have the benefit of not having any of the harmful chemicals that are found in pesticides. While modern farming practices have certainly advanced from the days when the use of DDT (a very harmful insecticide) freely – no harmful chemicals is still the better option. Government organizations like the FDA regulate the amount of pesticides that can be used, and they usually measure foods for harmful substances like Cadmium. However, they do not outright ban the use of most pesticides (or other chemicals) but they allow a maximum limit. That is, trace amounts of harmful compounds are allowed in food.
On average, conventional farming leaves us exposed to over 10 different pesticides; each with their slew of harmful effects over time. Eating a diet that is restricted to only organic produce makes it harder for such pesticides to enter your system.
Weight Loss And Organic Diets: The Truth
Some studies have shown that when children (under the age of 3) are given only organic foods, the probability of obesity developing later in life is reduced. On the other hand, exposure to harmful substances from pesticides at an early age has been correlated to obesity in adulthood.
As for adult consumption of an organic diet, the science is less clear. One thing that is true, however, is that people who follow an organic diet tend to be more mindful of what they eat. This indirectly leads to better weight control. Also, highly processed foods are not likely to remain entirely organic, which means following a strict organic diet helps people avoid consumption of high processed foods. Of course, most highly processed foods are unhealthy, or ‘junk food’ as we know it.
Summary
Organic agriculture is a method of farming that avoids the use of pesticides and encourages more ecological methods of growth. Consumption of non-organic produce has been proven to have many side effects over time, and organic foods are shown to be more nutritious. Weight loss or weight control is directly linked to an organic diet, but the indirect correlation is enough to consider.
