WHY YOU SHOULD ONLY BUY ORGANIC SPICES

Herbs and spices derived from plants are at the same risk as any other produce during conventional farming. As farms are exposed to bacteria, contaminants, and pests, farmers adopt measures that incorporate widespread pesticides use. However, this is not the end of the story. What happen after harvesting these herbs and spices is more outrageous.

The sterilization process of conventional spices and herbs utilizes toxic chemicals such as ethylene oxide. Scientific studies have shown that these chemicals are associated with causing cancer through extensive exposure and also affecting the central nervous systems. Moreover, the irradiation process which uses ionizing radiation (or in layman language washing the crops with radioactive particles) in order to eradicate potential contaminants is known to create carcinogenic by-products, as gamma rays is observed to easily penetrate even the high density packages.

Methods such as irradiation and fumigation (sterilizing the products with toxic gas) can be easily used due to their inexpensiveness. Ethylene oxide used during the process produces ethyl chlorohydrin, a potential carcinogen, as a by-product. The only process that is safe and also the most expensive is Steam technology. To commit to food safety and destroy microbes without compromising the flavor attributes of spices, steam technology is incorporated during Organic production of herbs and spices.

In many spices, produced with conventional methods, dangerous substances, such as MSG (monosodium glutamate), have also been found. Inaptly, manufacturers do not usually disclose the sterilization process used on their herbs and spices. Moreover, unlike organic spices, conventionally produced herbs and spices contain preservatives, additive fillers, and artificial flavors and colors, besides the usual natural adulterants such as mold, rat hair, dead insects, wire, etc. Buying organic helps in supporting small scale organic spice farmers who usually are poverty stricken. Organic spice manufacturers make sure that small scale farmers are paid fairly as they make every effort to save their produce from adulteration and contamination.

Considering the difference between regular and organic spices, it becomes apparent that using conventionally manufactured spices is not only a silent killer, but is also contaminating our food and affecting our health. Nowadays, buying organic spices is not hard and neither does it cost a lot. One can buy the spices used in daily production of food in large quantities from good organic food brands such as Organic Soul as they can last long for a few months to a few years. These herbs and spices will be free of harmful chemicals and will retain their medicinal value more than their conventional counterparts, making our daily intake of food nutritious and valuable to our bodies and health.

THE RETURN OF THE ORGANIC MOVEMENT

The Plough to Platter technique followed hundred years ago lost its meaning as the food industry revolutionized the way we eat. It not only changed the face of farming and but also that of our food by using chemicals which are harmful in every context. Over the years, prices rose and although sufficient food was available in the market, it became inaccessible by the poor. The 20^th century brought about a major change. More food production was offered as a solution to the high prices and the New Green Revolution started.

 

With the developments in technology and science genetically engineered and genetically modified organisms came into existence. These crops were used abundantly to increase food production, however only in the most ideal environmental conditions. Moreover, engineered to stand high chemicals, they became a threat both to human health as well as the environment. Over the decades, awareness about chemicals, genetically modified organisms, the effects of conventional farming on the environment, and consciousness about how small scale farmers are being affected etc. has revolutionized our farming techniques. It wasn’t long ago when we realized that investing in GMO-seed technology may not be considered the best idea. This was followed with the return of the organic movement.

The increasing popularity of organic farming has changed the face of farming, food, environment and human health for the better. Buying something which is labeled organic, by good and reliable brands such as Organic Soul, means you are buying products not sprayed with pesticides, treated with antibiotics, or worse genetically modified. While conventional farming may be beneficial in terms of big scale food production, its effects on the environment, human health, as well as the home economies of small scale farmers cannot be overruled! Buying organic means you are helping in transforming the lives of poor farmers. In the light of this, the return of organic farming has become a major revolution of the 21^st century.

In organic agriculture, the most successful farms are the ones which mix a number of crops and build the soil with composted manure. Transforming food waste into high quality compost can be done easily with investment in infrastructure for small-scale production of organic produce. Besides this, helping the small-scale farmers understand the concept of organic better and educating them on its benefits can bring about a major change. For the small scale farmers who believed that only expensive fertilizers and pesticides can result in higher production and therefore, higher profits, it is important to not only encourage them towards organic agricultural techniques but also make sure that they are getting their due profit from it.

The return of the organic movement has seen quite its success with the increase in the number of companies who are collaborating with small scale farmers, such as Organic Soul, but a lot of people are still unaware about how buying organic is the right way to eating and remaining healthy. The truth is if you do not become a part of this movement, as an organic producer or even as a customer, you will never understand the first hand benefits of organic. Therefore, it is not only important to grow organic, but also support organic farmers directly by buying and eating more organic!

WHY IS ORGANIC FOOD MORE EXPENSIVE THAN CONVENTIONAL FOOD?

Yes! Organic food does seem more expensive on the grocery counters compared to conventional food. Consumers may fail to see, but evidence suggests that conventional food is more expensive considering the impact on the environment and also on our health. Paying less for conventional food only accounts to bearing costs of impact on the environment and health through environment tax and hospital bills. Organic food offers solutions and benefits that stay long term, eventually helping home economies save much more.

The Organic Farming Research Foundation entails a number of reasons why organic produce is expensive.

The price tag of organic food closely reflects the costs for labour, organic seeds, chemical-free pesticides, certification process, inspection-fee, storage and shipping, packaging and marketing etc. Therefore an organic farmer, in case of a loss, has to bear much more costs than their conventional counterparts. At first glance, organic food appears nothing but food wrapped in fancy paper, but the reason it is expensive is because of some very significant reasons.

What consumers often fail to realize is that organic farmers have to bear more costs to keep away harmful fertilizers and sewage sludge away from the organic food. While it may seem that compost and natural manure used on organic farms is readily available, the fact that it is more difficult and therefore more expensive to ship is often ignored, leading us to believe that production cost for organic food is much lower, when in reality the scenario is completely opposite. There are a number of land issues that one has to keep in mind before one proceeds to grow organic. Special facilities required to grow organic and obtain certification for organic produce must be fulfilled. In order to avoid cross-contamination, organic crops are shipped separately to maintain their natural value.

Organic farmers spend more time in growing their crops than conventional practices demand. Refraining from using growth hormones increases the time of organic crop production. Without the use of chemical pesticides, to save the crops from diseases and for pest control, more labour is required for manual processes such as hand-weeding, cleanup of contaminated water, and remediation of pesticide adulteration. This requires both, more time and money. Conducting crop rotations in order to maintain healthy land and avoid harmful weed-killers is essential in organic farming. This process requires one to grow “cover crops”, in order to replenish the soil with nitrogen, every alternate year, thus accounting to profitable crops once in two years. It is no surprise then that organic food is more expensive than conventional food.

Most economists have confirmed that the more people buy organic food, the lower its prices will fall! With increasing awareness amongst consumers, demand for organic food has already skyrocketed in the past few years. This increase in demand has led to an increase in the number of certified organic farmers willing to fulfill the high demand, resulting in higher production of organic food and lowering its costs.

 

ORGANIC VERSUS CONVENTIONAL FARMING

Conventional farming practices have ruled the agriculture industry for hundreds of years. Chemicals used during conventional farming accounts to billions of pounds annually. These chemicals not just adversely affect our health but also impact the surroundings. Considering all the negative impacts of conventional farming, we would come to the realization that it is not a sustainable system for any of us. Besides the threat to environment at a global level, the chemical-driven food industry market is resulting in serious threats to human health.

A review by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine of various published studies on nutritional value of conventionally grown food and organic food verified that organically grown vegetables, pulses, rice, tea, etc. provides significantly more nutrients and help in fulfilling the daily intake of nutrients. Missing on essential nutrients which are deemed critical to maintain health is the main reason of illness. Studies have proved that organic food has more nutrients than conventional food.  Organic food is associated with better health as it is rich in essential vitamins, micronutrients, and minerals. On an average, it has been found, that organic produce is rich in iron by 21.1%, vitamin C by 27%, magnesium by 29.3%, phosphorus by 13.6%, as well as important antioxidants and enzymes. On the other hand, the health benefits of conventional produce is destroyed by chemical fertilizers and pesticides used during inorganic practices of agriculture.

Numerous reports claim that harmful pesticides can affect the nervous system adversely, decrease fertility as well as increase the risk of cancer, while a U.S. study claims that low-level exposure to pesticides may result in better neurologic and behavioral health. Consuming organic food can drastically reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, 90% of which are not even tested for long term health effects before being approved for usage during conventional farming. Besides harmful fertilizers and pesticides, processed foods also expose us to genetically engineered (GE) food as well as genetically modified organisms (GMO), which survive glyphosate spraying and lead to super weeds and super bugs due to excessive chemical dousing. The World Health Organization’s cancer research scientists have recently classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen for humans. The only way to avoid it is to go organic!

Organic farming can be viewed as a practice of regenerative agriculture which helps in increasing the fertility of soil and creating more nutritious food. At the same time it reduces carbon footprint by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and helps in reversing rapid climate changes, thus protecting future generations. Besides diminishing the toxic load on health, organic farming is the way to keep toxic chemicals out of soil, water, and air. David Pimentel, an entomologist from Cornell, has estimated that 99% of pesticides sprayed during conventional farming impact the environment, while only one per cent reaches the targeted pests. Thus, organic farming not only helps in preserving water quality and improving soil fertility, but also directs us towards eco-sustenance, thus preserving eco-systems, bio-diversity, and our health. Therefore, organic farming is not only the way to sustainable agriculture, but also to a healthier planet!

 

The Benefits of Organic Honey for Better Health

Health experts have always loved one kitchen staple, said to be a cure for many diseases, and a power food to obtain amazing nutritional value, “honey”. Known in ancient Ayurveda for its medicinal value, this simple, naturally found ingredient, helps in balancing the five elements of the body. It is unfortunate that such a great product has been degraded by the food industry.

Addition of corn syrup, glucose solution, and rice syrup is very common in commercial versions and single pollen honey or lower quality products are often supplied to the customers. This is the reason why more and more people are opting for organic raw honey these days!

Honey has many uses and far more benefits, if used in its true form. However, honey we are buying today is stripped off its benefits through adulteration before it reaches the store shelves. Only organic honey ensures optimum benefits to the body. It is rich in flavonoids and has anti-oxidant as well as anti-bacterial properties that help in many common as well as fatal ailments. Ayurveda encourages use of natural or raw honey, which today we get as organic honey. In Ayurveda, honey is an essential ingredient in treatments as it is believed to heal the body by balancing its five elements and increasing its immunity.

Prevention of cancer and heart diseases, reduction in gastronomical disorders, relief from ulcers, cough as well as throat irritation, regulation of blood sugar, are all benefits of honey which can only be obtained from its purest form. On the other hand, the market version of honey may not be giving you its maximum benefits. Moreover, it can be related to many health issues, caused due to unwanted fermentation taken place inside the bottle due to adulteration. Natural honey or raw honey is the purest form of honey, sold by many organic food companies such as ‘Organic Soul’ in order to help customers get access to this less found but more beneficial form. So, let’s buy organic and eat organic to make our honey taste better and our bodies be healthier!

 

ORGANIC FARMING: NEED OF THE HOUR!

Scientific evidence over the past few decades have shown us the importance of organic farming in combatting world hunger and at the same time taking care of the environment. Organic farming has become critical for yielding enough food for the growing population as well as regenerating the ecological balance of environment through Eco-friendly methods of food production. It can protect the ecosystems which sustain life, the soil and water which offer nourishment, and the pollinators which are often destroyed by chemical fertilizers used during conventional farming.

Effects of soil erosion, water depletion from major resources, greenhouse gas emissions and washing off of synthetic fertilizer to oceanic bodies can be reduced to a significant amount through techniques that focus on preserving the environment. Comparing industrial agriculture with organic farming brings the ill-effects of industrial methods and the pros of organic farming to our focus. Studies have shown that organic produce is more resilient to harsh climate impacts such as floods or droughts due to better soil structure and water holding capacity of the soil on organic farms.

Organic farming has proven to be a conservation-based method. It exhausts less energy and offers greater benefits to both the environment and humans’ health. It has also been observed to promote bio-diversity through the use of natural pesticides that do not harm pollinators and useful insects. By eliminating highly toxic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming has helped save millions of small species. Other than all this, by restoring larger amounts of carbon in the soil, organic farming is proving to be a beneficial strategy to mitigate climate change.

With expert researches, surveys and scientific reports, organic methods of farming have proven to be far more efficient on a wide spectrum. Besides offering environmental and health benefits, it outperforms conventional agriculture methods on economic stability. Organic farming systems are more cost-effective for farmers and help in boosting local economies. Large scale organic farming can even help reduce poverty, apart from protecting the health of rural communities, farmworkers, and consumers.

In spite of the agrichemical industry spreading misleading rumours over the internet about the necessity of the chemical-driven food industry, the organic industry is booming at a high rate now and the demand of organic produce is increasing. The need of the hour is to generate new policies and interest towards organic farming and to meet the growing demands of the organic market. By familiarizing local farmers with its benefits, we can build sustainable food practices and confront challenging environmental issues including water scarcity, soil erosion, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.

Brands such as Organic Soul are spreading awareness amongst consumers to support this resilient agriculture system and encouraging farmers to shift towards the sustainable methods of organic farming.

 

DEBUNKING ALTERED FACTS ABOUT ORGANIC

As organically grown food is getting more and more popular, many myths about organic farming have also come up. These myths and rumours lead people to believe that organic techniques are nothing better than conventional techniques, and in some cases even more harmful. It seems that the circulation of these rumours is driven by the insecurity of the food industry about losing customers and profits. Let’s get over some of these myths and move towards growing organic, buying organic.

Myth 1: Organic farming uses pesticides which are even more harmful.

Fact 1: It is true that organic farming uses pesticides. Pesticides are required during farming to keep away pests such as ants, cockroach, flies, and warps. Pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. In organic farming, only natural-based substances are used such as Solanine, Caffeine, Nicotine, Capsaicin, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Oregano, Thyme, Cloves, and Basil. These are good pesticides that are natural and do not have any harmful effects!

Myth 2: Organic products are expensive.

Fact 2: There is no doubt that organic foods are higher in price than the conventional counterparts. However, if you track the amount of money being spent on supplements, daily vitamin doses, medicines, and doctor’s fees for many common as well as fatal ailments which can be avoided through the consumption of organic food, you would realize that organic products are offering better healthcare and thus, actually reducing the amount we are spending on food and health.

Myth 3: It takes longer to grow organic products and the produce is less.

Fact 3: Organic foods do not take longer to grow. The issue is the soil which has already been destroyed by the conventional techniques of farming. To fully replenish the soil to its natural form, it takes around 3 years. A proper strategy can help farmers without incurring loss of produce. Also, it has been noted that organic produce is way more sustainable when it comes to agricultural issues such as droughts. In fact, organic techniques help in getting better produce with less number of seeds and less water.

Myth 4: Harmful fertilizers are being used to grow organic food.

Fact 4: Organic farming techniques do not need harmful fertilizers as the soil on which it’s grown is rich in natural ingredients. Organic fertilizers such as animal and vegetable waste, peat, slurry, guano, crop residue and compost, as well as techniques such as matka manure leave no need for the use of any chemicals on organic farms.

Myth 5: Nobody is buying organic, so why grow it?

Fact 5: Organic food market is growing at a rate of 30%, which is in itself remarkable. There are less number of people who are buying organic, but the more we grow organic the more people will get encouraged to buy organic. It’s still an issue which needs attention, but a little effort to educate ourselves and spread awareness on the benefits of eating organic can help the industry that is working on preserving the natural benefits and reducing chemicals in various food products.