READY to embrace a more organic lifestyle? There are many benefits to organic food and organic farming including greener, cleaner food, reduced exposure to pesticides, sustainable agriculture practices and helping to combat climate change.
The terms "natural" and "organic" are often used interchangeably but they are very different.
Organic food is defined by the USDA as food that is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or pesticides. To be labelled "organic" a product must meet specific requirements, and be tested by certifying bodies.
Organic farming methods are kinder to the environment, and are more labour intensive than conventional farming with the prices of organic food often being higher than conventionally grown food.
Alce Nero has embraced the farm-to-table concept by working with its network of organic farmers to source healthier ingredients for its products, grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals, is non-polluting and with no Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to meet global organic certification standards.
Research points to the benefits of a balanced diet that includes certified organic foods as it is absent of chemicals from pesticides that may affect our bodies.
Even low levels of pesticide exposure in an extended period of time can affect young children's neurological and behavioural development, with evidence showing links between pesticide exposure to neonatal reflexes, psychomotor and mental development, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Switching to an organic diet also reduces exposure to organophosphates, a type of neurotoxicant pesticide that can cause significantly lower activity in the central and peripheral nervous system. It can be found in many commercially produced non-organic foods.
Alce Nero pastas, for example, are made from durum wheat.
These pastas are rich in folic acid, iron and lutein, high in protein and dietary fibres while having a low glycaemic index.
Folic acid is an essential nutrient during pregnancy for the development of the baby as it prevents neural tube abnormalities in newborns.
Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia. The non-heme (plant-based iron) found in durum wheat helps fill iron deficiency. Lutein is a carotenoid that is necessary for eye health. It is found in durum wheat too and can help reduce the degeneration of tissue inside our eyes.
A lutein rich diet is especially beneficial to the elderly who may have age-related degenerative eye-sight issues.
While tomatoes form the basis of many pasta sauces, according to a 2017 EWG Dirty Dozen report, tomatoes rank in the top ten most pesticide laden crops. This is more reason to select an organic pasta sauce.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamins A,K, B1, B3, B5, B6, B7 and vitamin C. They also contain potassium, folate, iron, magnesium, chromium, choline, zinc and phosphorus.
Vitamin C makes tomatoes promote healthy skin, while manganese and potassium help build healthier bones, and relieve muscle cramp.
The vitamin A in tomatoes helps improve vision, especially night blindness and macular degeneration.
The brand's organic jams are also made without pectin, artificial flavouring or food colouring and using organically grown and harvested berries.
The high fruit, low sugar content helps regulate intestinal transit, absorption of other nutrients and improves satiety, the feeling of fullness that helps to curb appetite.
Switch to healthy eating and order them at discounted prices with GrabFood Voucher