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Nature in a platter

More and more people are today opting to incorporate organic food into their eating habits.

The motivation behind this are many. People mostly choose to buy organic produce in a bid to follow a healthy lifestyle; it may be for the significant benefits to the environment or welfare of animals. Whatever the reason, one thing remains true – organic foods are not exposed to potentially harmful substances in the way that conventional food stuff may be.

In choosing to eat organic we are reducing our intake of a concoction of chemicals that are used in conventional food production to promote growth and prevent spoilage. The truth is we do not really know what is being sprayed on or injected into our food before it reaches our plates. This uncertainity need no longer be a source of concern for those opting to go organic.

Food stuff has to go through strict testing in the UAE in order to achieve organic status. There are a number of farmers working hard to meet these standards.

Over the past number of years, organic produce has become more widely available in the UAE with several well established companies providing home deliveries and several stores and farmers markets opening their doors.

Go Organic is a recently established company, based in Dubai, who offer organic boxes delivered to your door. They have a great selection of predominantly locally grown fruits and vegetables and the option to add many more organic products. You can choose from a list of fruits and vegetables you want in your box at no additional cost.

Meenaxy Vashishtha and her husband established Go Organic and began offering their services to consumers in the Greens Community in Dubai in September 2012. Raised in Mumbai on organic food grown by her mother, her inspiration came after having children of her own. With encouragement and support from her husband the company was born.

Although nobody can promise that eating locally grown organic food is healthier than eating non-organic foods, what can be said is that in buying organic produce we are reducing our exposure to a cocktail of potentially harmful substances. Full disclosure of ingredients is required under organic standards.

In choosing local produce we may also help to reduce our carbon footprint which is known to be high per capita in the UAE. They say prevention is better than cure. This is possibly another reason why more and more of us are choosing to go organic.

Sharon Scott’s passion for good health through proper nutrition led her to complete a home study course in nutrition. She is now studying for a diploma in Nutritional Therapy. (svscott@hotmail.co.uk)

Pros and cons of Organic food

Pros

• Free of preservatives
• Higher nutrient content reported
• No chemical fertilizers
• No Genetically Modified Organisms
• When locally sourced - carbon foot print reduced
• Supports local farmers and businesses
• Kinder to animals/planet

Cons

• Expensive
• Lack of evidence to prove organic produce is healthier