Nowadays, it seems like the organic food movement is getting more and more popular. Sure we know organic food is supposed to be better for us and that it’s generally a bit more expensive. But what exactly is organic, what are the health benefits, and is it worth it?
In order for a food (meat, animal by-products, and produce) to be approved by the USDA as organic product:
1. It must be produced while utilizing renewable resources as well as conserving soil and water in order to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.
2. Any meat or animal by-product such as eggs and dairy must come from animals that have not been given antibiotics or growth hormones.
3. Organic farmers must adhere to methods:
Using natural fertilizers as opposed to the chemical ones used by conventional farmers.
Allowing animals to graze outside, have a balanced diet, and clean housing in order to prevent disease — unlike conventional factory farms.
Using alternative methods to handle weeds instead of herbicides, and natural interventions instead of insecticides to control pests and disease.
4. Organic farms and processing plants must be inspected by a government-approved certifier to ensure they are following USDA standards.
Many people choose to eat organic for different reasons. Now that we’re familiar with the USDA standards and definition for organic foods, let’s explore the benefits of eating organic food.
1. Nutrition
According to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that organically grown berries and corn contain up to 58 percent more polyphen-olics (antioxidants) than their conventional counterparts grown in plots near by. The same study found that there they also contained more ascorbic acid (vitamin c).
2. Safety
Because organic food isn’t sprayed with chemical pesticides and is grown in a much more natural way, there are far less toxins in organic foods. A University of Washington study found that children who ate organic food had a pesticide level that was six times lower than children who did not eat organic food.
3. Environment
Not only is organic food more healthy for you, it is more healthy for our environment. Organically grown food does not produce excess chemicals that will eventually end up in our oceans, soil, food or bodies. Organic standards encourage less pollution, while promoting healthy soil that will be sustainable for future generations.
4. Taste
Many people, myself included, argue that organically grown food is both fresher and tastier than its non-organic counterparts.
It is important to remember that natural is not the same as organic. Because there are specified regulations on organic foods, you can be more confident in what you’re getting by choosing organic.
Most organic producers decide to use the USDA-certified organic sticker, as you may have seen on produce or meat in the grocery store. This means that at least 95 percent of the product is grown in accordance with organic standards.
Because the sticker is voluntarily used, you may not see it on every product. If a food is 100 percent organic, however, it will most likely advertise for you, as this means that 100 percent of the ingredients used in the product are indeed organic.
I hope this helps to clarify what organic food is. May it broaden your knowledge to be able to make more informed decisions about your food and your health.
Live well, eat well, be well!
Sources:
Kepner, J. (n.d.). Studies Show Benefits of Eating Organic. BeyondPesticides.org. Retrieved November 15, 2011, from www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/spring%2003/organic%20benefits%20studies.pdf
Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? - MayoClinic.com. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 12, 2011, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255/NSECTIONGROUP=1
Paramapoonya, O. (n.d.). Facts about Organic Food. Om Paramapoonya on HubPages. Retrieved November 13, 2011, from
http://om-paramapoonya.hubpages.com/hub/Shopping-Green
Reviewed November 16, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith