Have you wondered why the world is stressing on “organic products” over and over again in the recent years? What is the big deal about organic products? Are they really beneficial and healthier than what we have been consuming in the past, or is this a marketing strategy? Are there any other benefits concerning organic products? We dissect this mindboggling trend for you.
1) Why are organic products so expensive?
First off, organic products are not cheap. You would think that products without pesticides and artificial fertilizers would be cheaper with the less costs of production – you’ll be wrong. Organic products are precisely more expensive because of their scarcity. Crops grow lesser and slower without these human-imposed means which only drives down their supply in the demand chain.
2) Are organic products really healthier?
Studies do show that effects of antioxidants from organic products have a greater impact on humans. Without the interference of other foreign chemicals, antioxidants’ health benefits are greatly magnified with organic products. Antioxidants are often linked to the prevention of age-related and degenerative health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Organic crops are also free from pesticides. Pesticides contain powerful chemical such as organophosphorus – an unnatural mineral compound that our bodies do not need. More than 80% of this mineral in our bodies derive from pesticide-coated foods. Organophosphorus has been linked to several developmental problems such as autism and ADHD. Luckily, there are sprays and solutions that aid in removing pesticides from fresh produce, apart from organic ones.
3) What are the other benefits?
Organic products are environmental friendly as harmful chemicals are omitted; hence to a safer and more sustainable world for the future generations. Many detergents and cleaners are actually harmful because of the chemicals present – however this is changing with more \ the conscious efforts for more environmentally-friendly products.
4) Trendsetters
Hollywood stars, notably Gwyneth Paltrow, is an advocate for organic products. Her lifestyle website, Goop, covers from exercises, recipes to shopping – driving the organic way of life to trend. While some criticized her insensitivity towards others who cannot afford an organic lifestyle, it is certain that she does have her strong followers.
Organic products are certainly not sustainable for the world population in terms of its yield and harvest, however it is a cost to the world resources and environment in the future. While skeptics are quick to coin“organic” as a marketing strategy, it is no doubt that with more products going green and organic (not merely food), there is a glimpse of a lasting future.
Writer: Leong Chee Sheng
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