Organic products are free of pesticides and synthetic pollutants, benefiting the environment, biodiversity and health. Mainly, because they are grown without the contact of chemical agents. This reduces the risk of altering the composition of the nutrients and the toxicity is transferred to the human being, at the time of being processed or consumed.
Organic agricultural production has revolutionized the way food is consumed and diets are considered today. Due to the fact that a collective awareness has been being created about the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which damage the land and water currents. Therefore, a way has been sought to grow vegetables, fruits and cereals, in a less aggressive way, with an environmental approach. Preserving at the same time the health and balance of all ecosystems.1
It can be said that the main benefit of organic products is the reduction of chemical residues, which in the long term do so much damage to health. Likewise, with regard to the micronutrients of vegetables, it can be noted that they are enriched with natural fertilizers. And when it comes to meat, it has been proven that grain-fed animals in pesticide-free soils produce leaner meat with minimal intramuscular fat.2
The reduction of the risk of biological contamination. It is another added value to organic products. Mainly because by having crops and livestock processed without additives, it is possible to minimize the risks of developing diseases that can be transmitted to man. Such as mad cow disease, foot-and-mouth disease, salmonella and Escherichia coli poisoning. Since, by not being treated correctly, they generate serious discomfort in the intestinal tract and put the life of the individual at risk.
They favor the digestive process and metabolism, thanks to the fact that its components are more easily assimilated, because it does not contain synthetic traces. Likewise, including organic products in our daily diet helps to strengthen the immune system, promote a healthy weight, improve the quality of sleep, give vitality and minimize the risk of contracting infectious diseases.
Although organic products bring great benefits for the earth and health. Some basic recommendations should be kept in mind for its acquisition and consumption. Mainly due to post-harvest handling and the use of organic fertilizers such as manure, which can contain unwanted microorganisms.
Therefore, it is recommended to read the labels when buying the products, as they must have a quality and control certificate. In addition, it is important to follow a disinfection protocol before consuming them directly or adding them to any preparation. In such a way that contamination with bacteria and mycotoxins is avoided.
In Mexico, the commercialization of organic products is strongly regulated, forcing producers to carry a quality seal, which allows them to export to countries such as the United States and Japan. At the same time, it generates a vote of confidence in national consumers who gradually change their preferences for foods free of hormones, antibiotics and addictives, which favor the environment and health.3
References:
- Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations. available in: http://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq4/es/.
- Mayoclinic. Nutrition and healthy food. Available in:
- Government of Mexico. importance of organic products. [internet] 2017. [consultado 8 abril 2021]. Available in:
https://www.gob.mx/firco/articulos/importancia-de-los-productos-organicos?idiom=es.