Whole Foods

About Whole Foods:

Organic food has gained popularity over the years, emerging as a healthier, safer and more beneficial option. Food grown in chemical-free soil, without any genetic modifications or synthetic pesticides is termed as ‘organic’. Even livestock can be organic if reared in safe surroundings with ample outdoor access, freedom from artificial growth hormones and antibiotics.

In addition, the term ‘organic’ holds a much broader implication, which refers not just to the growing or rearing practices of vegetables and animals respectively; but also includes their packaging and preserving techniques.

Why choose organic food?

Organic food offers several health benefits and advantages over genetically modified or locally produced food. Some of these are:

• Safe to eat - Food titled ‘organic’ is grown under stringent guidelines and procedures, making it chemical and toxin free. It is also free of any kind of genetic modification. It is therefore, safer for infants, pregnant and lactating mothers and also works well for people with food allergies.
• Good for the soil - Since organic food is grown chemical-free, it nourishes the soil and makes it more fertile
• Keep water pure - Organically grown foods keep the water table chemical-free and safe as well.
• Provides many healthy options – Organic farming has led to the creation of organic options even in packaged foods, clothes and cosmetics. It has led to research in the field to develop more and more varieties and species of food that can be grown and sustained organically.
• Freshness - Organic food is fresher and better tasting. Due to shorter shelf-life organic foods are sold closer to their place of cultivation, thus ensuring that the buyers get the freshest of produce. Even organic animal products come with the assurance of being chemical and growth-hormones-free.
• No additives - This food is free of preservatives, food colors, artificial sweeteners or flavours and MSG. It is preserved using natural preservatives such as oil, grape juice, lemon or honey.
• More nutritious - Research has proven that organic food is a richer source of anti-oxidants and some other nutrients like vitamin C and A.

Reading the organic food label correctly

In today’s world consumers are well educated and informed. They demand information about every product they buy and it is for this reason that most countries have made nutrition-facts-labels on food items mandatory.

However, it is important a consumer knows how to read these labels correctly, by understanding what each term means and differentiating between their implied meanings. Here are some terms to understand and remember before you buy your organic food:

• Natural or Organic - Remember a label that reads ‘natural’ does not mean ‘organic’. While ‘natural’ is a general term; ‘organic’ is a term that can be used only for certified foods that have been produced and packaged as per the laid down guidelines. These certification guidelines and standards vary from country-to-country.
• 100 percent organic – foods that are produced in 100 percent organic manner or contain only organic ingredients carry the 100% organic stamp.
• Made of organic ingredients – this label is carried by food items that contain 70 percent or more organic ingredients. It is best to go through the list of organic contents given on the information panel of the pack.
• Contains organic ingredients – foods carrying this label usually contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients.

Tips for buying Organic food

Remember the following tips, in order to derive maximum benefit from your organic food while still ensuring it fits your budget.

• Foods that you must buy organic – Certain foods absorb less pesticide, while others soak up all the pesticide content and prove to be more dangerous to our bodies than we realize. Some such foods are –bananas, corn, rice, beans, apples, peaches, strawberries, cherries, potatoes, raisins, cucumbers, bell peppers and milk.
• Manage your budget – Organic food is usually more expensive than its conventional counterpart. It is therefore advisable to prioritise and buy accordingly. Foods that are commonly used and those that are prone to absorb maximum pesticides can be bought from your organic food vendor. Besides that, shop at a wholesale farmer’s market to get cheaper bargains and fresher items. You may also try memberships of some local organic stores.
• Buy fresh – When buying organic food, buy in small quantities as it tends to have a short shelf life. Buy foods that are in season, to get them cheap and fresh. Mark the days when your store gets its supply and try to buy it that day itself.
• Compare and buy – it is best to compare two or three shops, open markets and grocery stores before you buy your stock for the week. It helps you buy the best, freshest and cheapest foods.

A little extra effort and some due diligence go a long way in eating and staying healthy. Try organic foods and experience the difference.