Embracing the organic way to be in fine fettle
Manama: Eating store bought produce may no longer be the safest choice for us anymore. While we may think it’s safer than eating junk food perhaps it’s time to change our opinion. The availability of junk food is at our fingertips just an order away and during the Ramadan season all these offers can tempt even the best of us. This Ramadan could be the time we live to our best not just for the Muslims but for the Non-Muslims too.
Non-organic foods are first and foremost grown with the use of pesticides, herbicides and recently with the use of antimicrobials. The chemicals are directly sprayed onto the fruits and vegetables and while washing them may remove some of it not all can be removed.
There’s a reason why an apple stays for weeks without damage unrefrigerated. Non-organic vegetables show the presence of heavy metals such as the highly toxic arsenic due to their presence in petrochemicals. They may also be genetically modified which may be dangerous for consumption. They are even subjected to irradiation as well which is done in order to eliminate disease causing bacteria.
Its side effects include loss of nutrients and even creating dangerous new components. Lastly, non-organic, un-rinsed vegetables have been grown with the use of unsustainable farming practices. The rampant administration of petrochemicals not only destroys the soil, but the air and water systems as well.
“I prefer organic food as it is unadulterated and hence, the healthier option. However the high cost is a setback. Reduction of cost can ensure that quality food is accessible to all,” said Jemima Rajesh, a student.
Shahzad Shareef, a student, commented: “Organic food is healthy as it is made of natural fertilizers. It doesn’t contain anything that can affect your body mentally or physically. Perhaps its cost can be the only setback. It’s costly as it uses the most natural techniques to grow the corps. Due to its high price it’s not the most preferred choice in many households.”
According to Anil Lional Job, a parent, Organic food is both healthier and safer than the conventional food. “It’s not dangerous to your health as there are no pesticides or other chemicals used while it’s grown. It also tastes better as it is natural. It is expensive but your health is more important.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Suresh Daivasikamani, who is the head of the Gastroenterology Department at Al Hilal Hospital, opined, “The produce available in the markets these days is made by use of pesticides, industrial solvents, food additives, hormones, antibiotics and technologies like nanotechnology are used to grow them. Eating these conventional foods makes us easily susceptible to diseases affecting our heart, blood vessels, brain, spinal cord and can even cause aging etc.”
“Organic food has grown using natural fertilizers, natural compose materials and the methods used from 100 years before. These food items are more nutritious, and have more anti-oxidants. In certain aspects they’re 50pc better than the conventional food available,” he explained. “You tend to have a better health with the use of organic food. The only negative component is that it is slightly expensive.”
“I recommend that one should eat the approved organic food. It has the country name and it would be mentioned clearly if it is organic. So whenever possible go for that,” Dr. Suresh suggested.
Organic food has higher amount of anti-oxidants and lesser to almost no amount of pesticides and other chemicals in it. The higher amount of anti-oxidants is due to the fact that plants develop these antibodies by themselves to fight the attack of pest due to the absence of chemical sprays.
Antioxidants have proven to be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers. Whereas a much higher level of cadmium a toxic metal are seen in the conventionally grown crops. While they may be used well inside the limits set by the authorities these are still harmful to your body and may even build up over time.
So the next time you think that organic food are more expensive consider this. Is it worth the environmental cost? The land polluted and destroyed by growing these conventional crops, the land that belongs to the future generation.
Is it worth sacrificing your health? As expensive as organic food is the bills that will mount up from the hospitals will surely be more.
If possible try growing your own produce at home and whenever possible opt for the organic produce.
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