The Debate on Organic Foods - Is It Really Good For You

Like many conscientious consumers, you may have asked yourself, "Does organic food equal better, healthier food, or are the advantages more hype than fact?"

First off, let's examine the word "organic" in its applied sense. Organic farming refers to a system that relies on certain principles of animal, human, and environmental concerns. Organic agriculture forgoes using chemicals in cultivating and harvesting food. This is part of a wider concern that seeks to lessen damage to the environment and wildlife, as well as to humans who eat the food. Globally, the organic market is presently worth more than $27 billion, with the land area devoted to it equaling the size of Italy.

What the Organic Label Means
Foods with the organic label attest to the following: that it comes from a farm, and that it uses processors and importers approved by a recognized certification process. With processed foods, at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients have to be certified organic. The remaining 5% can consist of non-organic ingredients, but only in the case of approved contents.

In order to obtain organic certification, the producers of organic foods must adhere to the following:
They must not use fertilizers as they contain nitrous oxide. The soil is kept fertile with manure and crop rotation that alternates the planted crops, leaving natural nutrients behind. They must not use pesticides. Instead, pests are controlled with other insects and the act of weeding and planting other crops side-by-side as a way to control each other's pests.

They must not use most additives like colourings and preservatives. All animals need to have space and access to free-range areas. The food these animals eat must also be organic. There are minimum slaughter ages and other humane considerations for animal treatment.

The Pros of Going Organic
Some scientific studies have shown that organic food offers more nutrients and fewer pesticide residues. Concurrently, a comprehensive 2003 government review stipulated that organic agriculture may benefit the environment. Organic farming also uses less energy than conventional farming methods.

As for the health benefits, evidence backs up the notion that organic equals healthier and safer. Organic vegetables and fruits do not rely on agrochemicals. As such, they contain less artificial residues than conventionally farmed produce and meat. Leafy, tuber, and root organic vegetables contain less dietary nitrate, which some experts consider toxic. Many studies have linked the pesticides in our food with a range of ailments, from cancer to headaches. According to a report by the National Academy of Sciences, even small doses of pesticides can be toxic for children, pregnant women, and fetuses as a result of their more vulnerable immune systems.

Regarding vitamins and minerals, there is a higher level of ascorbic acid concentration in organic leafy vegetables and potatoes and a higher concentration of better quality protein in many organic vegetables and cereals. Produce like apples, peaches, nectarines, spinach, celery, peas, peppers, cherries, potatoes, strawberries, lettuce, and imported grapes generally require the most pesticides. Therefore, eating their organic counterparts will lower the risk of pesticide contamination.

The Cons of Going Organic
While some studies confirm the benefits of organic farming, others offer no evidence to that effect. Organic produce may be heavily packaged and shipped in from long distances, negatively affecting the environment. There is some concern that if organic farming were to become prevalent, it would require more land area to produce food. This, in turn, could stimulate the clearing of rainforests, therefore making more carbon dioxide and adding to the very problem it is trying to address.

Even though organic foods contain fewer
agrochemicals, whether the contamination in regularly-grown food is harmful is still a matter of debate. Not all foods listed as "organic" are actually organically certified. Look for the USDA seal on packaged foods, such a slice of meat and dairy. This guarantees you're getting antibiotic- and hormone-free products. Lastly, organic foods cost more, although the cost-effectiveness of eating organic foods may pay off, saving you other health-related expenses.

As you can see, there is still much to be learned about the long-term pros and cons of organic foods, and more studies are needed to settle ongoing debates.