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24 Mantra Organic sees pandemic propelling focus on organic foods for immunity
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Saturday, 11 September, 2021, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
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24 Mantra Organic sees that Covid-19 pandemic has changed the perception of organic foods, with the spotlight now on safety and healthy food that is nutritious to build a strong immune system.
Among a host of healthy food options available, organic food is perceived as the preferred choice. Therefore organic foods witnessed an uptick since the onset of the pandemic, according to N Balasubramanian, CEO, 24 Mantra Organic. He added that eating organic wasn’t a trend, it was a return to tradition.
“Over the last few years, trends in food consumption have witnessed interesting patterns. From simple home cooked food to trying out global cuisines. However, the sudden onset of the pandemic has pushed people behind closed doors fundamentally altering food habits. The age old, tried and tested home food and grandmother’s recipes have found their way to the kitchen. The focus is on natural, safe, healthy but perceived to be for the elite,” he pointed out.
Organic also refers to the process of how certain foods are being produced. Food items like rice, pulses, lentils, fruits, vegetables, egg and meat are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Organic farmers also do not use genetically modified organisms (GMO), antibiotics or growth hormones. “Food grown organically uses insects, birds or traps to reduce pests and diseases,” he said.
Studies comparing the nutrient value of organic and non-organic foods have shown mixed results. However, evidence does suggest that foods grown organically may be more nutritious because of antioxidants, no harmful chemicals, pesticides & fertilisers, better taste, strong immune system.
Organically grown foods generally contain higher levels of antioxidants and certain micronutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc and iron. Quoting a study, he said that replacing regular fruits, vegetables, and cereals with organic versions may provide extra antioxidants in the diet. Organically grown crops do not rely on chemical pesticide sprays instead they produce more of their own protective natural compounds.
Since organic food is devoid of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers, it enhances the nutritional value of the produce. “There is better taste compared to its conventional counterpart. Organically grown produce aids in the sustainability of the planet and in maintaining ecological balance. More importantly, the food on the dining table is safe, healthy and pure,” stated Balasubramanian while speaking to FnB News.
The reason for better taste in organic food products is because of use of non-GMO seeds and grown in right conditions with natural and environmental friendly agriculture. But organic foods, are not altered which reduces the risk of decline in immune system strength. Organic foods generally have higher quality, vitamin and mineral contents that help to strengthen the human immune system. Hence organic food is better than its conventional counterpart. This is because the soil in which they are grown is more fertile. Therefore the crop much better resulting in soil fertility, reduction in pollution and environmental protection, according to him.
“Genetic engineering of products is a huge concern in the current era. GMO foods cause slow brain growth, internal organ damage and thickening of digestive tract,” he noted.
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