Organic food is tasty and might be better for the environment — here's why

Organic food has become increasingly popular over recent years.

A large number of restaurants and stores now offer organic food and produce. And, the organic sector grew from $3.2 billion in 2008 to $5.5 billion in 2014, according to the Organic Farming Research Foundation. 

But buying organic is not without its controversy. While its proponents claim it might be better for the environment and your health, others say its benefits are exaggerated. 

Here is a list of the claimed benefits of organic production.

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines organic food production as creating a system that relies on ecosystem management, instead of external agricultural inputs, such as feed, fertilizers, plant protection products, cleaning agents, and additives.

Source: FAO

In the 1960s, Rachel Carson's released "Silent Spring," describing how the pesticide DDT was damaging the environment. The pesticide was banned in 1972 as a result. From that point inwards, organic farming became very popular because it didn't rely on pesticides at all.

Source: LiveScience

In fact, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, additives, and irradiation (a process where food is exposed to high doses of radiation to kill bacteria) all aren't allowed in organic farming.