Supermarkets and health food stores are bursting at the seams with products branded "Organic". When you look at the price, you just wonder what makes this labelled food so miraculous. People are divided into two camps when it comes to these foods. While the first group sees organic food as something expensive and sees it as a marketing move, the other enthusiastically buys it, believing it's the best thing for their health.
Which group is right? And is it even worth investing in foods that boast the "Organic" label? That's what we'll discuss in today's article.
What does BIO mean?
It refers to strictly controlled food from organic farming that is purely natural and has high quality. They are grown and raised without the use of artificial added fertilizers, "E's", pesticides (pest-killing substances), growth hormones, additives, synthetic flavours and genetic modification.
Supporting farmers and nature
When you buy organic food, you support local organic farmers who look after their animals as best they can. The animals are free-range and the young animals have the opportunity to stay with their mother for longer, which is perfectly natural for them. In addition, they are given quality food without unnecessary chemicals, antibiotics or hormones.
Organic farming also has a positive impact on the flora, with lesspollution of the surrounding nature and the use of renewable resources. It improves soil quality, reduces soil pollution and contributes to the protection of groundwater.
Are organic products healthier?
Actually, yes. According to the principles of organic farming, which are enshrined in European legislation, ensures the quality of food without preservatives and flavour enhancers. The food thus retains a higher proportion of minerals, vitamins (especially vitamin C, zinc or iron) and antioxidant effects.They contain up to 69% more antioxidants than other common foods. Among other things, they have up to 30% less nitratethat enter the food supply from the soil or feed and their added additives, or from food of animal origin.
The increased nitrate and nitrite content of individual foods may be the result of inappropriategrowing conditions or as a result of the addition of these substances as food additives. High levels of nitrate have been linked to the occurrence of cancer. Organic products have a positive effect on our immune system, reducing the risk of allergies or the development of eczema.
How to know a true organic product?
In order to be 100% sure that food is organic, there are certain brands that guarantee this. They give us the assurance that it is food that has been prepared with respect for nature and animals. All such food is subject to stringent certification processes.
If the food is produced in this country, it must bear the European 'biolist' label and thelogo, the so-called 'biolabel' with the words 'Product of organic farming', which applies only to the Czech Republic. Each country with developed organic farming has its own national certificate, which guarantees that the product meets all applicable standards under the law. The largest distributors and producers include brands such as PRO-BIO, CountryLife or BIO NEBIO.
Which products to buy in organic quality?
Organic food is not that much more expensive than other products. Nowadays we have to pay more for higher quality. This is mainly because it involves honest, hard work by farmers and the overall production is more expensive.
What is definitely worth paying extra for in organic quality is milk and dairy products due to the higherhigher levels of omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease, and minerals such as iron and vitamin E. Organic milk benefits from linoleic acid, which is involved in burning fat.
Similarly, buying meat is of better quality due to the lower amount of saturated fatty acids it contains. Saturated fatty acids have a detrimental effect on cholesterol levels in our bodies, increase the risk of vascular and heart disease and ultimately contribute to obesity.
Studies have shown that organic fruit contains more phytochemicals, or protective plant substances containing polyphenols.These in turn protect against cancer and heart disease.
Where can I find organic products?
These days, practically anywhere. Thanks to growing demand, organic food is not only available at farmers' markets and health food stores, but supermarkets are also expanding their range.
Personally, I like to buy from Rohlik.cz, which supports local farmers, or I use farmers' markets.
TIP: A selection of the 7 best health food shops
The organic label doesn't mean...
Whether or not you choose to buy organic products, you should always look at the ingredients and nutritional values, whether they are labeled organic quality or not. Always look at the amount of saturated fat and added sugars, because just because the biscuits are organic, they aredoes not mean that it is a healthy or even dietary (as most people mistake it for) food. Even organic cookies, organic cereals and other snacks can contain added sugars and other substances that are no longer beneficial to our health.
Therefore, we need to approach every food with our health and lifestyle in mind.
What can you take away from this?
If you buy organic products thinking that they will make you lose weight just because they are presented everywhere as healthy, you are mistaken. Healthy does not necessarily mean dietary. There are many foods that are healthy but not dietary. In order to lose fat and reduce, the most important thing for you is your total daily caloric intake, i.e. caloric deficit. This is because even healthy organic foods contain calories that add up for you.
It doesn't even mean that your fridge and pantry have to be top-to-bottom BIO and you spend your entire paycheck on "higher quality" products. It's all about balance, so read labels honestly and take an interest in what you're buying, and don't give in to the first ad you see on TV.
You might also be interested in:
- Foods that look healthy but aren't!
- The 7 best health food and biproducts e-shops
- Dairy products. Yes or no?
Why can you trust us?
Hey! Hey! I'm Mirek and I've been working at World Fitness almost since the beginning, except for a small break. But before that I lived only in the gym for a few years, doing deadlifts and power triathlon, going to competitions and winning a few medals.
Probably the one I value the most is the national record in the WUAP federation. But besides working out, I was also interested in food and supplements, I liked to enjoy my free timeI used to read different researches and professional books in my free time to know as much as possible.