If we were the ones who eat, and this well-known phrase was true, there would be no doubt that all people would want to be healthy, strong, and full of vitality.
However, this poses a challenge in regions like ours where, in 2019, the Pan American Health Organization predicted that the consumption of ultra-processed products would increase by 9.2%.
Ultra-processed foods have high levels of total and saturated fats, sodium, and free sugars, and are also low in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Examples of these products are cereals, cookies, sugary dairy products; carbonated waters, candy, and fast food.
Ivonne García, a nutritionist at Rafael Landívar University, points out that many people have normalized the consumption of ultra-processed foods in their daily lives due to the influence of situations such as marketing. She stresses that the consumption of these products can increase the risk of contracting diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Given this situation, we must ask ourselves how we can create a healthier future based on what we consume today. Among the existing options, one stands out that has gained popularity in recent years: organic food, which can be found in agricultural and livestock products.
Organic animal feed
When we talk about organic products, we usually think of agricultural foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruits, seeds, and others, but there is also room for foods from animals, especially those from livestock.
María Alejandra Paiz, a zootechnician who has specialized in agricultural services for 12 years, says that organic livestock farming includes foods such as beef and cow meat; dairy products derived from cows and goats; and eggs from chickens.
To be considered organic food, producers must encourage natural development for the species mentioned, says Paiz. This means that they must remain in free – but controlled – environments where they can develop without pressure or physical demands caused by farmers.
The zootechnician points out that cows or cattle for organic production are usually kept in free-range areas or on large farms. She adds that the diet of these species must be based on natural, balanced products, free of drugs that alter their systems (such as those intended to increase muscle mass) or dewormers that may be harmful to derivatives such as meat or dairy products.
In the case of chickens, they must remain in natural spaces where they can roam on the ground. It is important that their diet is based on corn and water, as well as insects that they can consume instinctively and that they find on the ground, adds María Alejandra.
The specialist points out that organic animal products tend to have a distinction in that the species – even if they are processed – have less traumatic treatment throughout their breeding.
He exemplifies that cases such as the traumatic death of pigs have effects on the toughness of the meat obtained from them. On the other hand, he highlights that products such as organic chicken eggs are characterized by having larger yolks and a higher concentration of nutrients.
Organic agricultural production
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), organic farming practices are aimed at preserving sustainable productivity ecosystems and maintaining soil fertility to provide a balanced supply of nutrients for plant and animal life.
Its value lies in its impact on the environment and in the prevention of long-term diseases in people.
Agronomist and organic producer Edson Xiloj says that the organic production system begins when the seeds of the species are collected. Then, when the rainy season begins, the grains are planted and stored until they become piles of about 15 centimeters.
They are then transported to the field where organic compost made from plant waste and manure from animals such as cows or goats is applied to them about every month. This encourages the plants to absorb more microorganisms throughout their germination.
This care usually takes more time for producers, since they have to wait for the products to maintain their natural cycle. This is why organic foods tend to be more expensive, since they require more attention and when they are sold they are in their most “pure” state.
For this reason, organic produce is often perceived as being less perfect in terms of shape. However, its flavor and color are often more concentrated, Xiloj says.
The agronomist points out that the greatest distinction of organic production lies in the lack of use of synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides that are used in traditional and mass systems to prevent pests and increase crops.
Impact of pesticides
FAO data explains that herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and rodenticides are often used in agriculture; these coincide with the chemical era that has been promoted since the 1950s.
The international organization points out that in territories where intensive monoculture is practiced, pesticides have been a common method against pests. However, what has been beneficial for the care of vegetables or fruits has been accompanied by damage in the loss of biodiversity and alterations in the relationship between predators and prey in ecosystems, it points out.
Edson Xiloj comments that pesticides also tend to have effects on the environment since many of their residues fall to the water table and can generate toxic impacts on the water, which take up to thousands of years to disappear.
In addition, there are ecological effects, since the same pesticides, although they prevent the loss of crops, can eliminate natural microorganisms and sterilize the soil, says the agronomist.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared that the toxicity of pesticides in people depends on factors such as the quantities to which they are exposed. In the long term, they can accelerate processes such as cancer and reproductive disorders, says the WHO.
Although the organization recognizes that pesticides will continue to be used as they will prevent significant crop losses, it states that “their effects on people and the environment are a permanent concern .” Therefore, they recommend that their use should not be excessive in agricultural practices.
Benefits of organic products
Nutritionist Ivonne García points out that organic products, being free of chemical residues from pesticides or drugs, have their contributions and long-term benefits in terms of preventing diseases linked to toxic agents such as cancer or reproductive disorders, as mentioned by the WHO.
García adds that the benefits of organic agricultural products such as vegetables provide vitamins and phytonutrients in a less interrupted manner, which include antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage.
The specialist adds that organic foods from animals such as eggs or milk also immediately provide omega-3 fatty acids, which provide energy and strengthen the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and the immune and endocrine systems. It is recommended that everyone consume them, especially children and older adults.
The recommendation for the consumption of these natural and organic products is accompanied by the need to practice physical activities for at least 30 minutes a day, as well as maintaining constant hydration throughout the day, says the nutritionist.
In addition to the preventive benefits for people’s health, organic production also contributes to ecological reinforcement. For example, compost heaps used in crops help to decompose organic matter and, at the same time, help to capture carbon dioxide.
Recommendations for an organic diet
Ivonne García points out that organic products, being fresher and limited to their natural cycle, should be consumed as close to the date they were purchased as possible. In addition, it helps to take advantage of the nutrients and vitamins they contain.
If someone wants to follow an organic diet, they should pay attention to the origin of the products. To do this, it is recommended that when purchasing food, people ask what the methods of breeding or production of these were, says nutritionist and agronomist Edson Xiloj.
Since these are slightly more expensive products, it is important to note that people will not always be able to afford a completely organic diet. Nutritionist García recommends that those interested in consuming these foods maintain a balance.
For example, meats (which tend to be more expensive) can be replaced with vegetable proteins. However, it is recommended to consult with nutrition specialists to determine how the substitutions can be made appropriately without incurring risks due to lack of nutrients.