How organic are you when it comes to food habits?

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How organic are you when it comes to food habits?

Dubai - Exorbitant prices make it difficult for many residents to go organic.

By Jasmine Al Kuttab

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Published: Sat 3 Nov 2018, 9:24 PM

In a bid to help UAE residents live healthier and curb cancer incidence rates, doctors are calling on food suppliers and supermarkets to bring down the exorbitant prices of organic produce in the country.
"People in the UAE are becoming more concerned about their health, because of the emerging group of cancers that is increasing day by day - one in three people are being afflicted with the disease. It is largely because of the consumption of harmful food items as well as fertilisers, growth hormones, and antibiotics used in our food," said Dr Shebini Hameed, dietitian and nutritionist, Universal Hospitals.
A 2018 study conduced by YouGov indicated that a whopping 61 per cent of UAE consumers are buying organic foods more than once a month.
The research revealed that 59 per cent of people cited health benefits as reasons to purchase organic foods, while 47 per cent of people believe organic food is safer for consumption.
However, out of the 17 per cent of consumers who do not purchase organic produce, 49 per cent claimed that the expensive costs are largely responsible.
While non-organic food contains traces of artificial chemical fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides and other synthetics, the exorbitant prices make it difficult for many residents to purchase organic food, claim doctors.
For instance, a kilogramme of organic pomegranate from a popular organic supermarket in the UAE costs Dh58, compared to just Dh6.75 for non-organic. A kilogramme of organic watermelon costs Dh34.35, while non-organic costs Dh2.45.
Organic mushrooms are Dh29.25 per 500g, compared to just Dh5.50 for non-organic, while organic cabbage is a whopping Dh43.75, a huge cut from anyone's budget, when compared to just Dh5.50 for non-organic.
"If supermarkets around the country prioritise the health of residents by bringing down the costs, more people will be inclined to turn to organic foods, which could also decrease risks of cancer," Dr Hameed said.
Meat, in particular, is deemed more harmful, due to the common use of genetically modified organisms, growth hormones, antibiotics and harmful chemicals, she warned.
"I definitely recommend people to eat only organic food, but it can be very expensive and some people simply can't afford it," Dr Hameed said.
Dr Anita Gupta, clinical dietitian and head of department, Burjeel Hospital, said that although vitamins, minerals and nutrients are still found in non-organic produce, the presence of chemical substances remains harmful as the body will not be able to digest them properly.
"The body does not recognise all the harmful chemicals that are in non-organic fruits, vegetables and animal products. These chemicals trigger cancer, and if a pregnant woman consumes a lot of food that have chemicals in them, then it can affect the foetus and the child can develop diseases," she said, stressing that cutting down prices of organic foods will also increase the health and longevity of the next generation.
For residents who cannot afford to buy organic food, Dr Gupta said thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables is crucial. Vinegar also helps wash off some of the chemicals; however, people suffering from migraine should refrain from doing this method.
Dr Uma Subramanyam, clinical dietitian and head of department, Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah, said the demand for organic food is rising. "People are turning towards organic produce because it is safer. Non-organic food can also cause severe allergies."
"I recommend that people purchase organic food as much as possible, even if it is more costly - it's crucial to invest in your health," she said.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

Organic food is unfairly overpriced, claim residents
A mother of three, Nada Mohammed, said the prices of organic produce in the UAE are "not affordable for most families, as they are unfairly overpriced". She hopes grocery stores will cut the prices down so parents can provide healthier food options for their children.
"When you compare organic cabbage, which is around Dh40, to non-organic cabbage, which can be found for Dh4-5, it is eight times the price - a price that most of us cannot afford for a vegetable item," she said.
"We, as consumers, have become more aware and educated about the dangers of chemicals that are in our food, even in the so-called 'natural' fruits and vegetables. It really does worry me as a parent to have to feed chemicals to my kids."
However, she said she is trying to swap non-organic food for organic, when and if possible, despite the high prices. "Although it is extremely overpriced, I am still trying to opt for organic food, because my kids' health comes first, even if that means I will be shorter on cash."
Mohanad Mashat said when he lived in the US, most of the food he purchased for his family were organic. However, he stressed that organic food in the UAE is much more expensive.
"I make sure my children eat organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible when we are in the US, because non-organic produce are known to be contaminated with dangerous chemicals. But it's not as easy here, because the food items are so overpriced," he added.
"It would be great to see prices become equal to the prices in the US for example, or at least consider bringing down the prices to something that is more reasonable and fair for consumers who want to protect the health of their families," added the father-of-two.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com



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