Packing healthy lunches for your children is about more than just sending them to school with a nutritious variety of foods. It can entail packing their lunch in convenient bento lunch boxes, varying the types of foods you pack, and choosing organic foods. Many people wonder whether organic foods are worth the extra cost and effort. Are they really that much safer or nutritious for your family? Here’s everything you need to know to make that decision and fill your bento lunch boxes with the best foods possible.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a special farming technique that involves using natural methods to grow food. Organic farmers will often use crop rotations and animal manure to fertilize the soil and maintain its health. They also forgo the use of chemicals and pesticides, favoring more natural methods of protecting their crops from damage. Livestock and poultry are also given alternative health care for their well being, staying away from the hormones common in the care of other animals. In addition, organic farming focuses on renewable resources, soil and water conservation, and general methods that promote ecological balance, making it an environmentally-friendly method of farming. These techniques are designed to disrupt the earth as little as possible while still producing healthy, safe foods for people to eat.
Is My Food Really Organic?
Finding organic food isn’t as easy as you may think. Most organic foods are labeled “organic,” either on the packaging or on a sticker. However, these items need to be only 95 percent organic to receive the label, and they can contain other ingredients. Items that are made up of at least 70 percent organic ingredients, meanwhile, can be labeled “made with organic ingredients.” For a food to be labeled “100 percent organic,” it must contain only organic ingredients. Foods that are USDA certified organic comply with federal standards. Some companies that meet these standards choose not to use the label, so it’s ok if a food that claims to be organic isn’t visibly USDA certified. Producers who knowingly mislabel their products are liable to pay hefty fines, making organic labels generally a good indicator of a food’s status. Carefully read the labels of each food item or shop at stores that specialize in organic foods to ensure that you’re purchasing the right kind of organic food for your family. Most of the time, employees at these stores will be able to answer questions if you’re uncertain.
What About Natural Food?
Nowadays, there are many foods that carry the label “natural.” The label, though, does not necessarily mean the food is organic. Natural foods are products that have been minimally processed or synthesized. Producers typically try to keep food as close to its original state as possible, and many refrain from using additives and preservatives. However, there is no standard definition or regulating body for natural foods. As a result, manufacturers can use the “natural” label with no oversight or risk of penalties, making it difficult for families to ensure that they are getting truly natural foods. Read the labels and ingredients lists of natural foods to ensure that the ingredients are actually as healthy as they claim, and shop organic if you’re particularly concerned about synthetics and chemicals.
Is Organic Food Healthier?
The answer to the million dollar question — is organic food really that much better for you? — is unfortunately not very conclusive. It’s true that certain pesticides have been linked to a variety of health concerns, particularly for children and fetuses. The exposure to potentially harmful chemicals alone may be enough to convince families to make the switch right away. However, scientists are unsure of whether organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown foods. According to a Harvard study, organic food has about the same amounts of minerals, vitamins, and carbs as other foods. However, at least one study has found that organic meats can be more nutritious, so many are unsure of the exact benefits. Despite the uncertainty — or perhaps because of it — many families are choosing to shop organic to avoid exposing themselves to chemicals while possibly getting a nutritional boost.
Packing Organic Foods in Bento Lunch Boxes
Pack your organic foods in Kangovou’s BPA-free, eco-friendly bento lunch boxes. Kangovou offers bento lunch boxes in two sizes and are double insulated to keep foods as hot or warm as they need to be kept. The boxes each contain a divider, allowing you to store multiple types of foods in each one. Kangovou’s boxes are also made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, so you can be sure that your child’s lunches will be nutritious and safe to eat. They’re also eco-friendly, as you’ll never have to bother with tin foil, disposable plastic bags, or other wasteful materials. The boxes are ideal for busy families that simply don’t have the time to find, store, and wash multiple lunch containers each day. A healthy, organic lunch and a BPA-free, convenient lunch box make the perfect combination and help protect your family from harmful chemicals in their foods.
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