Everyone knows that nuts are healthy plant-based snacks and great to satisfy our hunger pangs. They are convenient to bring on-the-go and a source of proteins, antioxidants and healthy fats. What about organic nuts and how does it compare to just the normal raw nuts?
Definition of Organic
Organic nuts are non-genetically modified (GM) nuts grown without addition of chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Insecticides are necessary on conventionally grown crops because they extend the life span and prevent the consumption by pests. Herbicides are used frequently to maximize yield and prevent growth of weeds.
Without these chemicals, farmers have to pay more attention to their cultivation practices. The usual pests and weeds have to be prevented by physical or mechanical measures like pest traps and other methods.
Nutrition of Organic vs GMO
In terms of the nutrition benefits, organic nuts are equally as nutritious as raw nuts that are genetically modified organisms (GMO). There are no studies done that claim otherwise.
Why choose Organic?
These are some reasons why some people insist to take only organic food.
1) The difference is the lack of chemicals in the organic nuts. Pesticides have been linked to increased risk of illnesses such as ADHD, autism, cancers and other fertility and cognitive issues. There are some food that have higher residue of chemicals on them such as strawberries, grapes and apples.
2) Not only that, GMOs have also been linked to allergies and increased resistance towards antibiotics.
3) Organic foods are often fresher because they do not contain preservatives, and shelf life would not be extended. For the past 20 years, farmers have been using more and more insecticides and this is detrimental not just for our health, but also for the environment.
Organic and the environmental effects
If you want to play a part for the environment, organic farming is touted as a sustainable food production due to the lack of insecticides that promotes biodiversity, soil fertility and less pollution. Without chemicals, the wild life and agriculture are able to flourish and there are lesser emission of greenhouse gases. The farmers and people living near the plantation would not have over exposure to chemicals, and are said to lead a healthier lifestyle.
However, the yield of the crop will be lesser and more efforts have to be taken to prevent crops from spoilage. All these factors are why organic food are more expensive and debates are still ongoing on whether organic farming are truly environmentally friendly.
Should you go for organic food?
By all means if you can afford it, organic food would be a healthier choice. With a higher price tag, I would prefer to go organic for the foods that have a higher chemical content.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a Dirty Dozen list that carrier higher than normal pesticides content:
1. Strawberries
2. Apples
3. Nectarines
4. Peaches
5. Celery
6. Grapes
7. Cherries
8. Spinach
9. Tomatoes
10. Sweet bell peppers
11. Cherry Tomatoes
12. Cucumbers
This list is a good place to start.
Which Organic nuts to choose?
Almonds, cashew, pistachio and peanuts are some nuts reported to have high chemical residue. We currently have organic almonds, cashew and walnuts and mulberries. Our organic walnuts are darker in colour as they are from Moldova but equally nutritious. If you would like to see more organic range, do let us know!
