We all love a good bargain, so when we come across organic produce at the supermarket, it can be easy to turn away in favour of non-organic goods simply due to pricing.
However, with more Australians buying organic than ever before, it has us reconsidering. Should we buy organic?
From improving our health and helping the environment to simply tasting much better, buying organic produce seems a no-brainer.
Here are five evidence-backed reasons for going organic.
1. Free from chemicals
More often than not, regular produce is sprayed with synthetic chemicals to help protect crops from insects and other hazardous environmental factors. Unfortunately, pesticide residue can stick to produce, even after it has been washed, resulting in human consumption.
By eating organic produce you’ll be immediately reducing the amount of food additives you consume, with studies finding the average person to consume up to two kilograms of additives every year. These additives can lead to health issues such as reactions, headaches and asthma.
2. Superior taste
When you’re eating organic, you’re consuming foods that are pure in taste and flavour, which is why many choose to purchase organic over non-organic.
Many people are turning to brands that prioritise organic practices such as Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The brand’s Australian organic-certified Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil range is made adhering to a strict method (tougher than legal requirements) that prohibits all pesticides, chemicals, synthetic fertilisers and artificial compounds. In fact, just as orange juice should only come from oranges, Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil only comes from, you guessed it, olives.
The range comes in two varieties — Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Fruity and Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Robusto — that cater to different recipes and uses.
Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fruity 1L, $18. Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Robusto 1L, $18. Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray 145ml, $5.50. All available at Woolworths
Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil adds authentic flavour to all dishes:
Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fruity: the perfect all rounder olive oil to top your meats, pasta and vegetables
Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Robusto: with a touch of fruit, a bitter undertone and a hint of spice to end, add to pizza tops and use with bread.
The range also features a smooth and delicious tasting Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray that’s perfect for barbecues and baking.
3. More nutritious
While there is plenty of debate over whether or not organic produce contains higher nutritional value, studies have found certain organic products to be nutritionally superior to their regular counterparts.
For example, organic milk has been shown to contain more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, CLA and vitamins than non-organic milk. And thanks to the omission of nitrogen-rich chemical fertilisers in its growing process, organic tomatoes have shown to have a greater antioxidant content.
Whether our fresh food is organic or not, the nutritional quality of our fresh food varies widely, even when picked from the same tree or crop. However, we can conclude that when buying organic, we’re buying closer to the source and eliminating any food that’s been frozen in storage for long periods of time or sprayed with chemicals that jeopardise our foods’ nutritional value.
4. Supports wildlife
Scientists have carried out studies that all conclude that organic farming supports biodiversity, with up to 50 per cent more plant, insect and bird life found on organic farms.
When it rains, residue and runoff from pesticides, chemicals and fertilisers used on regular crops infiltrate waterways and cause harm to the health of the native wildlife. With synthetic pesticides banned from organic crops, our wildlife is greater protected.
In animal production, organic farming aims to provide a natural environment for animals and foster natural behaviours. Research by the RSPCA shows that practices such as battery hen farming inflict continuous intense suffering on animals throughout their confinement leading to acute physical and behavioural problems.
5. Helps the environment
Want to do your part for Mother Earth? Buy organic produce.
Agriculture is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases in Australia. Synthetic fertilisers require fossil fuels to make (about one litre of fuel to make one kilogram of fertiliser), which then releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Before buying produce, look at how much fertiliser is applied to crops, and use this as a guideline when making your decision.
Brought to you by Bertolli
