The health benefits of organic food are more perceived than real. However, the public opinion that organic food is healthier than conventional food is quite strong and is the sole reason for about 30% growth in the organic food industry since the past 5-6 years.

“What is the difference between organic and natural food?”. Many people think that there is no difference between the two and both mean the same. But this is not true. If you compare organic and natural from their definitions, the difference will be clear.

The nutritional value of food that we eat greatly governs our health and therefore most of the activities that we do in our life. Our food is the only source of energy, minerals and vitamin for our body and is responsible for the efficient metabolism of the same.

The health benefits of food have been studied by various ancient civilizations and modern herbalists, naturopaths, and dieticians. Doctors have always told us that a proper balanced diet will help us prevent the incidence of a number of illnesses and diseases, treat most of the ailments, and live a healthy and happy life. Yet most of us limit ourselves to only a few types of food items.

What is organic food?
Organic food referes to food items that are prepared according to the norms set by an organic certifying body. On an overall basis, organic food is food prepared and processed without using any chemicals, that is, organic food production does not involve the use of chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides, chemical preservatives, etc.

Organic food exports from India are increasing with more farmers shifting to organic farming. With the domestic consumption being low, the prime market for Indian organic food industry lies in the US and Europe. India has now become a leading supplier of organic herbs, organic spices, organic basmati rice, etc.

Organic Food Consumption in India is on the Rise.
Some people believe that organic food is only a “concept” popular in the developed countries. They think that when it comes to organic food, India only exports organic food and very little is consumed. However, this is not true.

Yes, since no chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used in producing organic food, consuming organic food means conserving the environment.

When you go to the supermarket, you can see several food products that claim to be organic. Numerous people are seen discussing benefits, prices and stores of organic food. Schools have started using organic milk in their cafeteria, lunch rooms and vending machines. Demand for organic beef is doubling every year in the US.

Organic food production involves following stringent environment friendly standards in every stage of production, right from farming to processing and retailing. Organic food is produced in the following manner:

If you have the confusion that herbal medicine means organic medicine, this article will bring some clarity. According to an estimate by the World Health Organization, about 4 billion people around the world use herbal medicines for their primary healthcare needs. So does this mean that all these 4 billion people use organic medicine? Not at all.

Organic products have labels on the packing stating that the product is organic. Do ensure there are logos of the certification body that has issued the organic label. If the product just mentions organic or certified organic, do ask the shopkeeper about the certifying body.

The biggest concern of people all over the world is that organic food products are priced higher than conventional food products. However, it should be noted that organic food is becoming popular in spite of the higher prices. People are willing to pay the high premium due to the various benefits offered by organic food products.

No, each country follows its own set of rules. Some countries collectively follow standards. An excellent example is the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC). Over 30 countries follow these standards for labeling their products.

The USDA and FDA clearly mention that organic food is not superior to conventional food in any respect. It also mentions that conventional food is as healthy as organic food. There are no additional nutrients in organic food and they also taste, look and smell exactly same as conventional food products.

There is a particular way or method for obtaining a product using one or more entities or ingredients. This method is called formula in scientific terminology. This product can be a chemical compound, a mathematical result, an edible stuff, a cosmetic, any cloth or an engineering product. Similarly, there are formulas for manufacturing all the products that babies need or use and we generally call them Baby Formula. While the term “baby formula” is generally used in the realm of baby foods and formula here predominantly means a recipe of baby food, it can also be used in case of other baby products such as cosmetics, clothes etc.

While the USDA has set guidelines for producing, processing and handling organic products through its Organic Foods Product Act, it has not taken such steps for natural products. The question 'What is natural?' has, hence, troubled all since many years and has become very important due to increasing popularity of organic and natural food.

Yes, in most countries, using the word organic has legal significance and the organic label should be used only as per the organic standards of that country. The organic standards are legally enforceable if a manufacturer or processor uses the organic certification label.

Production of organic meat and other animal products involves animal welfare.

Anyone can produce food through organic means. There are no restrictions on producing organic food for self consumption. You can produce organic food in your farm or garden. Many farmers who practice chemical farming produce some crops through organic means for their own consumption.

There is an old saying! They say, “Watch what you eat!” But it is more important to watch the foods that our babies eat than what we do. The reason is simple. They can neither digest everything we can nor is everything suitable for them. Nor can they withstand the harsh chemical residues of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers etc. used to grow the cereals and other ingredients used in these foods.