Organic Living: What is organic food and is it better for you?
As our awareness of global environmental issues continues to grow, more people are looking for ways to live more consciously. Our food choices play a significant role in the health of the planet, and with climate change now widely recognised as a global emergency, rethinking everyday consumer habits has never been more important. Choosing to eat organically is one of the simplest ways to make a positive change towards supporting a healthier planet. But what does organic food really mean, and is it better for you?
In this guide, we’ll explore what organic food is, how it is produced, and the potential benefits it offers for both personal wellbeing and the planet, helping you decide whether adopting more organic consumption practices is the right choice for you.
What is organic food?
Organic food is food that is produced using farming methods that are designed to work in harmony with nature. Organic produce is grown or raised without the use of any synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In the UK and EU, food labelled as organic must meet rigorous certification standards set by approved bodies, such as the Soil Association. These standards cover every stage of production, from how crops are grown and animals are raised to how food is processed, packaged, and labelled. This organic certification ensures traceability and transparency, giving you confidence that organic food has been produced with care.
What are the benefits of organic food for your health?
Organic food offers several potential health benefits, largely due to the way it is produced and the standards it must meet before being sold for consumption. While individual experiences vary, many people choose to eat organic food as part of a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Organic farming systems work together with the cycles of nature to produce food that causes little harm to the environment, making organic food better for the health of the planet and people.
Contains less harmful chemicals
One key benefit of eating organically is the reduced exposure to pesticides and chemicals.
Organic farming restricts the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, using natural pesticides instead. Therefore, these crops contain lower levels of nitrate, which is a compound that has the potential to cause health risks long term as it can affect the body’s ability to carry oxygen.
Some studies have found that consuming organic food may reduce your exposure to pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It’s important to note that although there are traces of these chemicals in non-organic food, exposure is unlikely to cause immediate harm. We suggest washing and scrubbing all non-organic foods to help reduce potential exposure to these chemicals.
May contain more nutrients
Organic food may also contain higher levels of certain nutrients. Some studies suggest that organically grown crops contain a richer antioxidant and vitamin profile, containing higher levels of antioxidants and important micronutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and iron. One study in particular found that antioxidant levels can even be up to 69% higher in organic foods compared to conventionally grown foods, due to their ability to produce their own protective antioxidant compounds instead of relying on chemical pesticides. These natural antioxidants can help to protect cells from damage and support overall health.
Supports gut health
Organic food may also be better for gut health due to the lack of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and unnecessary additives, which typically may disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. Reducing exposure to these substances may help support a healthier and more stable gut microbiome. Organic animal products are also produced without antibiotics and artificial hormones, which can also help reduce the risk of antibiotic residues affecting gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health.
More favourable fatty acid profile
Organic meat and dairy products have also been shown to contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, iron and vitamin E, compared to their non-organic counterparts, with some studies suggesting organic meat contains lower levels of saturated fats. These natural omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins are linked to good heart and brain health.
What are the benefits of organic food on the environment?
The way organic food is produced plays a major role in shaping the health of our soil, water, and ecosystems, making organic farming methods an important part of the sustainability conversation. Understanding the environmental benefits of growing food organically can help explain why it is often seen as a more nature-friendly choice and how it supports a healthier planet for future generations.
Organic farming focuses on working with natural processes rather than relying on artificial inputs. It involves growing crops and raising livestock without the use of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, or GMOs, while prioritising soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. Instead, organic farmers use practices such as crop rotation, composting, natural pest control, and careful land management to maintain healthy soils, encourage biodiversity, and reduce environmental damage. Livestock raised organically are also kept to higher welfare standards, with access to outdoor space, organic feed, and conditions that support natural behaviours.
Organic farming means farming in a way that respects all areas involved in food production, helping us to ‘close the loop’ by using what we have to hand instead of relying on artificial fertilisers and imports. Adopting more organic farming practices can have a myriad of environmental benefits, a few of which we have outlined below.
Reduces pollution and protects water quality
Organic farming uses less energy and fewer fossil fuel-derived inputs, which can lower greenhouse gas emissions. The increased carbon storage in organic soils and reduced chemical reliance also contribute greatly to helping mitigate climate change. As organic farming eliminates the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, it can greatly reduce the risk of water pollution from runoff and chemical leaching. Organic soils have better water infiltration and retention, meaning fewer nutrients wash into rivers and groundwater.
Improves soil health and captures carbon
Organic farming can help to build and maintain healthy soil by avoiding synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and instead using natural methods such as crop rotation and composting to increase organic matter in the soil. This also helps to improve water retention, nutrient cycling, and soil structure, which can help to increase its ability to capture and store carbon, which is one of our most powerful weapons in helping to combat climate change.
Uses less energy and lowers emissions
Organic farming encourages the harmonising of working with nature to produce food. By using the resources we have at hand, we can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent excessive burning of fossil fuels in transportation. By using locally sourced, natural fertilisers such as animal manure and crop rotation, organic farming ensures the soil is kept in the best natural condition.
The Soil Association restricts the use of peat in composts and soil which can also have a positive impact on maintaining our ecosystems when farming. Natural peat bogs play a valuable part in capturing carbon, and by preventing its use in farming, it can help to combat climate change.
Kinder to wildlife and supports biodiversity
By working with the natural cycles of nature and practising environmentally sustainable land management, organic farming can be a great way to support biodiversity and wildlife. With conventional farming being one of the leading causes of habitat loss, the lack of synthetic pesticides used in organic farming helps to support wildlife by encouraging habitat features like hedgerows and wildflower areas. Studies indicate organic systems can host 30-50% more species, including pollinators, beneficial insects, and bird populations, which can in turn support natural pest control and ecosystem resilience.
Is organic food actually better for you?
It’s important to keep in mind that studies surrounding whether this food is “better for you” can vary in their results. Organic food can be better for you in some ways, but it doesn’t automatically make it healthier in every case. The benefits of organic food largely come from how it is produced, rather than from guaranteed differences in nutrients or calorie profile. The nutritional value of organic food will depend on many factors, such as soil quality, when crops are harvested, and animal genetics, therefore the health benefits it can have on your body can vary depending on the individual.
One clear advantage of organic food being “better” than non-organic alternatives is the lower exposure to synthetic pesticides and chemicals. Organic standards restrict these substances, so organic foods tend to have fewer chemical residues.
However, it’s important to remember that organic food is not automatically more nutritious overall, and eating organic does not guarantee a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed foods, whether organic or not, is still the most important factor. For many people, choosing organic is as much about supporting environmental sustainability and food quality as it is about direct health benefits. Here at Planet Organic, we stock a wide range of organic food and drinks to help get you started on your organic-living journey.
Shop organic pantry staples
The simplest way to start adapting to a more organic-based diet is to ensure your kitchen is fully stocked with easily accessible organic pantry staples. Keeping your cupboards filled with organic alternatives to the foods you reach for every day will make the transition to an organic diet smoother. We’ve got you covered with all of your everyday food essentials, from organic pasta and sauces, to tins of organic vegetables, organic cereals and more.
Seggiano Penne Rigate Organic Pasta and Turtle Organic Peanut Butter Pillow Cereal
We also proudly stock a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables that are free from pesticides and fertilisers and packed with nutrients in our Planet Organic stores. You can browse through our full range of organic fruit and veg in our stores in London, to start building your shopping list of organic essentials to make transitioning to a more eco-friendly lifestyle simple.
Shop organic snacks
Having quick-to-grab organic snacks is another simple yet effective way to switch to a more organic diet. Stocking your home with tasty organic alternatives to your favourite treats will make opting for organic options hassle-free. From sweet treats to salty snacks, we’ve got a varied range of delicious and nutritious organic snacks that will quickly become your favourites.
Jasper's Organic Crisps and Raw Halo Dark 85% Organic Vegan Chocolate Bar
Adopt a more organic lifestyle with Planet Organic
An increased demand for organic produce is not only positive for our health and wellbeing, but it helps shift farming away from less nature-friendly practices, which can be an important step in helping to protect natural ecosystems and the planet.
If you’re interested in making the switch to an organic diet, browse through our full range of organic food cupboard essentials and drinks to start filling your home with organic alternatives.
