With Organic September launching on the 1st
September, the Soil Association will begin its annual national campaign to
raise of the benefits of organic. But what does organic really mean?
Many people are now choosing organic fruit and vegetables to avoid the
chemical sprays used in intensive farming. The term ‘organic’ is highly
regulated, therefore growers and producers cannot claim organic without certification – the highest standard offered by the Soil Association.
According to
the Soil Association, organic means:
- · Fewer pesticides
Almost 300 pesticides can routinely be used in non-organic farming. Many
of these remain in the food we eat, despite washing and cooking.
- · No artificial colours and preservatives
Hydrogenated fats and controversial artificial food colours and
preservatives are all banned by organic standards.
- · Always free range
Organic means the very highest animal welfare standards.
- · No routine use of antibiotics
Organic means happier, healthier animals raised without the need for
routine use of antibiotics.
- · No GM ingredients
GM ingredients and crops are banned under Soil Association standards.
In fact an international team of experts led by Newcastle University has
shown that organic crops are up to 60% higher in a number of key antioxidants
than conventionally-grown ones.
Analysing 343 studies into the
compositional differences between organic and conventional crops, the team
found that a switch to eating organic fruit, vegetable and cereals – and food
made from them – would provide additional antioxidants equivalent to
eating between 1-2 extra portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
This adds more support to the Soil
Association’s campaign that organic food is beneficial for good health and
achieving wellbeing. This year’s campaign message being ‘organic is food as it
should be, better for the environment and animal welfare’ and with the
#ChooseOrganic hashtag on social media.
Remember, eating or incorporating organic into your
diet and lifestyle does not always mean paying for more - it can be the small
switches to your weekly shop. Eg swapping your normal pasta for an organic
variety. See if you can taste the difference! Besides there are many organic alternatives
becoming more widely available ranging from organic teas, dairy products,
sauces, cereals and nutritional supplements. Go visit your local health food
store to discover the array of organic options.
How do you know
if product is certified organic? Look for the Soil Association certification
logo. For more information about organic visit: www.soilassociation.org.
Bare
Health in Congleton will be joining the campaign’s Organic September Saturday on 16th
September - a dedicated day of organic in the independent
retailers. For nutritional advice, ideas
of how to incorporate organic into your lifestyle and free product sampling
please pop in. We’d be delighted to see you.
