Healthy living is dependent upon healthy eating. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the basic essentials of any diet which is recommended to all. In addition to good eating habit, consuming nutritious and safe food has also become a primary concern. There are several reports of contaminated food products available in the market. In such a scenario questions like how the food crops are raised? Is the agricultural process harmful for the environment? What are conventionally grown foods and organic foods? are frequently asked by people all over the world.

Organic food refers to the natural way of producing crops. It involves a much different process from conventionally grown produce. Sewage sludge-based fertilizers, synthetic fertilizers, petroleum based fertilizers; bioengineered genes are strictly forbidden here. Organic food is grown with natural fertilizers like manure and compost. Crop rotation, tiling and hand weeding are the procedures used for weed control. In comparison to the conventional way of insecticides, birds and insects are used in organic farming to prevent the insects from spoiling the produce.
Benefits of organic food
Fewer pesticidesâEUR" Organic food contains vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. It is healthy and safe as they do not contain pesticide. Non-organic food or the conventionally grown food contains large amounts of pesticides and harmful hormones which can cause birth defects, allergies, neurological problems and diseases like nausea, wheezing, cancer, ADHD, infertility and diarrhea.
Fresh and good taste âEUR" Organic food tastes better due to its freshness. Since it does not contain any preservative,it lasts much longer compared to non-organic produce.
Clean water âEUR" Water from the non-organic farms run into lakes and ponds contaminating them with pesticide deposits. The pesticide manufacturing companies also dispose the chemicals in reservoirs and other water bodies. Organic food plays an important role in keeping the water clean as it minimizes the use of any harmful chemicals.
Less soil erosionâEUR" Organic farming methods like cover crops and conservation tillage prevent soil erosion. It also helps in increasing the soil fertility.
Protects the birds and animals âEUR" Organic farming prevents the filtration of the pesticides in animal habitats like rivers, lakes and plants.
Affordable âEUR" IT has become less expensive than it was in the earlier time. With more and more people emphasizing upon quality food, the companies are trying to meet the demand with competitive prices. Moreover, you can also save money in organic purchase by investing in organic coupons and purchasing seasonal food items.
Organically raised animals âEUR" Conventional meat production involves the use of antibiotics. It develops antibiotic-resistant strains in the meat. Thus, sickness developed out of the consumption of these meats cannot be treated through antibiotics. Organically raised animals are not given antibiotics. Diseases like BSE in animals is absent in organic farming as animal by-products are not given to them.

Often people are confused regarding the right sources to buy it. There are some easy ways by which you can get started in consuming organic food.
Farmers markets âEUR" Shop at the local farmers market for locally grown foods. However, note that not all farmer markets sell locally grown foods. So do your research before heading there.
Health food stores âEUR" Look for markets which states from where it brings its products. You can find many health stores and grocery stores which contain locally grown foods.Organic foods in Ireland are much famous and so if you happen to live there, you can get them from various local health stores.
Grow your own âEUR" If possible grown your own food. Ranging from some basic herbs to fruits and vegetables, you can grow crops as per your liking.