For years consumers have been confused between organic and functional foods. There are many benefits of eating a diet rich in natural, organically grown produce versus eating the same products that were grown with insecticides and other chemicals. One of the biggest benefits is avoiding exposure to toxins through exposure to pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. These chemicals can mimic the benefits of beneficial insects, which pollinate but are themselves toxic. It’s also important to understand that natural fertilizers and bug sprays are just as dangerous if not more so than chemically enhanced products.
Water Contamination
One of the biggest problems facing us today is the contamination of our water sources. You can find a lot of content on the internet that discusses this issue, including videos that try to buy YouTube subscribers to realize the gravity of the situation. This is especially true in the U.S., where millions of acres of agricultural land have been polluted by pesticides and other chemical products. People who follow organic gardening practices are generally more concerned about their health and the health of their families. One reason that people choose to eat organically raised products is that they know that those products will be safer for consumption and that they won’t be contaminated with dangerous pesticides.
Defining Organic
Organically grown foods do not contain synthetic pesticides or other dangerous chemicals. However, it is important to read the label on the food. Look for substances like Diazolidinyl urea (DMU), trimethoprim, and nitrofuran. These are common ingredients found in pesticides and are potentially harmful when ingested. The fact that these ingredients are listed on the label doesn’t mean that they are present in organic foods – they are listed there because they are listed in other foods.
Defining Functional
Functional foods are free of toxins and are grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides. Many companies choose to grow organically for this reason. They also offer supplements to their customers. These supplements are usually made from naturally occurring products that have been raised without any pesticides. Some companies choose to make their functional products available in dosages small enough to swallow whole. Many manufacturers state that their products without toxicity are safe for daily consumption and others recommend a daily dosage of no more than five grams.
Different Kinds of Organics
While many people think of organics as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and herbs, there are a number of different kinds of organics. Alfalfa is one example. This is an organic vegetable that is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is also biodynamically treated so it contains no traces of pesticides. As a result, it is safe for consumption by most people.
Some crops that are organics may not contain as much nutrition as non-organic foods. For example, lettuce may contain fewer vitamins C than tomatoes. This is due to heat treatment during harvest time. Many of the plants that are grown organically do not have the pesticides or fertilizers used in conventional farming.
Chemicals In Non-Organic Foods
Non-organic foods often contain chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and petroleum-based additives. These can cause a variety of health problems, so they are not considered organics. They are not classified as food crops, so they are not regulated at the federal level. Unfortunately, they are used extensively in packaging, in some types of food, such as canned tuna. Ingesting these products has been linked to hormone-disrupting properties. So, they are definitely not safe for long-term consumption.
Similarities And Differences Between Organic and Functional
The bottom line is that organic and functional foods are similar in most ways. However, there are differences in the kinds of nutrients that they contain and how they are processed. While organic products are more nutrient-dense, functional foods tend to be lacking in certain nutrients.
One of the main differences between organic and non-organic farming is the use of chemical fertilizers. Organically raised animals are not treated with pesticides or other chemicals. During harvest, the animals are fed organic feed. The fertilizer that the farmers apply to the soil replenishes the plant’s internal stores. The outcome is that pesticides and other chemicals are not introduced into the soil.
The main difference between organic farming and non-organic farming is that non-organic farmers use chemicals to encourage the growth of certain types of food, while organic farmers do not use these substances. An example of this is that farmers of organic vegetables do not use fertilizers to increase the production of red cabbage. Instead, they allow the plants to naturally grow, allowing the chemical compounds in the soil to do their job. By growing their products organically, these farmers are able to avoid using the harmful chemicals contained in commercial fertilizers. This is especially important for vegetables, as studies have shown that many pesticides and herbicides have been linked to both cancer and reproductive problems in humans.
Conclusion
These are just a few differences between organic and functional vs organic. To help you determine which is right for you and your family, consider consulting a professional food grower. They will be better able to inform you of the pros and cons of both functional vs organic gardening, and also be able to assist you in deciding what type of garden would best fit your lifestyle.
