Ultimate Health 3: Consume Natural and Organic Food

There is an increasing awareness that natural food can improve health and help us to stay healthy. The awareness is linked to more scientific evidence showing that “switching from a high-fat diet rich in animal protein and simple carbohydrates such as sugar to a whole foods, plant-based diet high in complex carbohydrates provides a double benefit: You significantly reduce your intake of disease-promoting substances such as cholesterol, saturated fat and oxidants, and increase your intake of protective food substances” (Ornish 2001). See Ornish, D. 2001. “Foreword”. Pp. xiii-xvii. In Robbins J., The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your life and the World. Mumbai: Magna Publishing Co. Ltd.


This awareness seems to be higher in the developed nations while it is still new in developing countries such as Malaysia. For this reason, the organic food movement in the US is the most rapidly growing segment of the national food industry, at an annual rate of 20% (Kushi & Jack 2003). See Kushi, M. & Jack, A. (2003). The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health. New York: Ballantine Books.


To attain health via natural diet is not the privilege of the middle and upper income groups. If organic food is too costly, it is suggested that you just purchase more vegetables and fruits from the normal markets. Choose those that use little or no chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in cultivation. Purchase locally grown brown rice, which is relatively cheaper compared to those imported. In the meantime, reduce your consumption of meat. You may also consider planting your own vegetables. Vegetable planting can easily be done even in the flower pots if land is not available. This would save your money to purchase more health food.

All in all, the first step to be taken is important. It could begin with changing fragrant white rice to brown rice. When you change your rice, do it gradually so that it is acceptable to you and family members. Initially, mix a small portion of brown rice to fragrant rice and increase the former’s proportion slowly. After three months, your tongue should be able to accept the taste of 100% brown rice. The first step could also be just reducing the weekly frequency and quantity of your meat intake. You know your preference and that of your family members better. Change eating habit comfortably and happily without any unnecessary pressure.

When your economic condition permits, you may consider purchasing some food stuff from organic shops (Appendix 1). In some of these shops, some products are organically grown. Some of these products are also certified by certification bodies and produced under international standards. Organic food does not contain poisonous chemical residues. Research has shown that the contents of minerals in organic food are generally higher than conventional food. For example, the calcium content of organic food is 63% higher than conventional food while for potassium it is 125% higher (Robbins 2001). Moreover, organic farming is environmentally friendly, reduces soil erosion, water pollution and improves soil health.

It is important to note that not all products sold in the organic shops are organically produced. Be selective when visiting the organic shops and compare prices before buying.

How do we know that the products sold are really organic? In Malaysia, to date (2007), the Malaysian government offers certification for organic production through the Department of Agriculture under a scheme known as ‘Skim Organic Malaysia’ (SOM). This scheme covers farmers’ production. In future, it is expected to cover off-farm chain and processing.

Generally, market assurance for organic products is presented in three ways. In the First Party certification, the producers (i.e. organic farmers) claim their products to be organic. Such claim is established based on the producers’ understanding of organic agriculture practices. In the Second Party market claim, the middlemen (person or company) make the organic claims through product labelling or branding. The claim is based on the credibility and reputation of the middlemen. The best market assurance is attained through Third Party certification. In this case, the claims by the producer (first party) and middlemen (second party) is verified by professional certification bodies. There are more than 400 bodies offering organic certification services in the world. Among them are ACO, ACT, BIO-GRO, CCOF, ECOCERT, ICEA, JAS, NASAA, OCIA, OIA, SAOS, SGS, SKAL and USDA. With Third Party certification, you are assured that the product is produced according to the organic standards.

Awareness is the first step in health improvement. Consumer awareness has risen in the last two decades and there is now more demand for organic food. In urban centres, brown rice, and organic vegetables and fruits are found at a special section in the hypermarkets. In the supermarkets owned by Japanese, miso is also sold. In the US, the national organic standards went into effect in 2002. Consequently, certified organic food is available in many food stores and supermarkets.