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Organic versus Conventionally Grown Foods
Everyone wants to eat nutritious foods and most people can tell you exactly
what they are. People are divided into two camps: conventionally grown (cg)
versus organic foods. By far, most of the cg foods that are available to us
are processed. The seeds for plant products have been genetically engineered
and some have been irradiated. The plants are grown using synthetic
fertilizers and pesticides. Once harvested, the plants are refined and
vitamins and minerals added to them. During processing, the food is further
enhanced with vitamins, minerals, preservatives and colourings. Finally, the
product is canned, boxed or frozen before it reaches the consumer. Today,
over $2.1 trillion of foods, beverages and consumer package goods are sold
annually.
Organic foods are grown without the use of irradiation, bioengineering or
pesticides. Meat products are raised without antibiotics or hormones. The
USDA defines organic three ways. The term 100% organic means only organic
ingredients are found in the product. Organic means that it has 95% organic
ingredients. Made with organic ingredients means that only 70% of the
product is made with organic ingredients. Contains organic ingredients means
that the product contains less than 70% organic ingredients. Farmers who
grow organic produce and meat must follow strict soil and water conservation
methods and guidelines for the humane treatment of animals. Today, over
consumers buy more than $15 billion of organic foods and beverages annually.
Okay, so which is better? Just because a product says it's organic or
contains organic ingredients doesn't necessarily mean it's a healthier
alternative than cg foods. Some organic products may actually be higher in
sugar, salt, fat or calories. Before you buy, check the labels of all food
products to know exactly what you are getting.
Nutrition
There is no scientific evidence or support from the USDA that organic food
is more nutritious than conventionally grown food.
Quality
The same quality and safety standards apply to organic and conventionally
grown foods.
Appearance
Organic foods may be smaller, have odd shapes or varying colors, but in most
cases, they look identical to their cg counterparts. Because they aren't
treated with waxes, organic fruits and vegetables are not shiny and without
preservatives they spoil faster.
Taste
Taste is a matter of personal choice. People are divided as to whether
organic and non-organic foods taste the same or are different. Common sense
dictates that the freshest foods available will have the best taste. Most
fruits and vegetables taste best if they are bought the day they are brought
to market. Taste is also affected by the way produce is stored and prepared
at home.
Pesticides
Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds,
insects and diseases. This is one reason that many people prefer organically
grown foods, which are not treated with pesticides. Studies have shown that
the amount of residue found on fruits and vegetables is minimal and poses no
real health risk. Nonetheless, you should wash all fresh fruits and
vegetables thoroughly with running water. Peel both and trim the outer
leaves of leafy vegetables after washing them. Because pesticide residue is
found in fat, remove fat from meat and the skin from poultry and fish.
Cost
Organic food can cost 50-100% more than cg food products. This is due to
higher labor costs, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields.
You should consider the best value for your money before buying either cg or
organic foods.
References
Consumer Reports.Org. (February 2006) When it Pays to buy Organic. URL:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/food/diet-nutrition/organic-products/organic-products-206/overview/index.htm.
Doyle, M. Ellin. (November 2006) Natural and Organic Foods: Safety
Considerations - A Brief Review of the Literature. Food Research Institute,
University of Wisconsin–Madison. URL:
http://www.wisc.edu/fri/briefs/FRIBrief_NaturalOrgFoods.pdf.
Mayo Clinic.Com. (December 20, 2006) Organic foods: Are they safer? More
nutritious? URL:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255.
North Carolina State University. (no date). What does the Organic Label
Really Mean? NCSU Successful Family. URL:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/successfulfamily/Nutrition%20&%20Wellness/organlab.htm.
Van Dusen, Allison. (March 2, 2007) Cleaning out the Fridge: Toss these Food
Myths. Forbes.Com. URL:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17390027.
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