History is the evidence of a paramount organic lifestyle, witnessed by our ancestors, that made them lead
a long and healthy life. In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone is in intangible strife to bode well in life, none have the time to peek at their food plate and contemplate the food’s origination. This has led to the conception of adulterated, chemical-laden food products that have become an inevitable part of our daily diet
In such times, the vogue for organic products has gained new zeal. However, studying our past is evident enough to realize that an organic diet is a boon to our health as it is free of synthetic substances like pesticides, GMOs, and other harmful chemicals.
Spice is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine to provide us with a tangible essence of dopamineon our taste buds, which exhilarates our senses. But the choice between using organic and inorganic spices concludes the health that heralds with its taste.
Some pointers that must be well engrossed in the mind before making a choice are:
RETAINS THE QUALITY OF SOIL: The quality of the produce is dependent upon the soil that has led to its production. Inorganic produce tampers with the quality of the soil due to the infiltration of chemicals like pesticides and other fertilizers into the soil. This infiltration may increase the percentage of lead present in the soil, which is absorbed by spice plants like turmeric, which is a serious health concern. Organic production is done by scrutinizing at a minuscule level, thus preventing the probability of adulterated products.
THE FILLER SYNDROME: Besides containing artificial colours and flavours, the non-organic spices also contain non-caking ingredients like MSG, added sugar, salt, additives like preservatives, and even flour. People with celiac disease must be careful about their spice blends. It is cheaper to sell a bottle of 30% to 50% fillers than a bottle of pure spice blends. Organic spices are audited meticulously and are only able to enter the market after receiving APEDA and USDA certification.
ANTI-CLUMPING MALADY: When the spices are packaged, anti-clumping agents are used so as to keep them from forming clumps, including silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, sodium ferrocyanide, and sodium
aluminosilicate, which are harmful to health. Producers also keep the ingredient list on the package discreetly, making the consumers unaware of its use. Organic producers take special care of such anti-clumping and anti-caking ingredients, and thus, choosing organic over non-organic provides you with an
extra edge of health and mental comfort.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONIST: Conventional inorganic spice production has taken a toll on the environment that is witnessed through excessive global warming and excruciating climate change, afflicted by a contradiction of droughts in one place and floods in the other. Also, the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has allotted about 12 years to rectify the climate before it gets deplorable. Organic farming is one of the keys to unlocking the stubborn state of climate catastrophe.
LETHAL STERILIZATION: Non-organic products undergo the process of sterilization via fumigation and irradiation methods before being packed and shelved. Fumigation aids in killing harmful bacteria and other microbes but is equally lethal to humans. On the other hand, organic products use safe sterilization methods like steaming with just plain water.
Organic products are safe not only for humans but also for the environment. Continuous exposure to harmful chemicals for several hours a day hampers the health of farm labourers as well. Organic farming is not only cheaper than conventional farming but also safer and healthier. Also, by choosing organic, we also push for better employment opportunities for the farmer’s community, as organic farming is more labour-intensive.
So, choose something the farmers would thank you for and also,