Organic Food and Farming Benefits for Health
To the casual shopper it may appear that one of the biggest differences between organic and non organic food can be found on the price tag, however, it is important to realize that the true cost of food is not necessarily the price listed on the price tag. Looking more into the quality, how its made and where the food comes from, is beneficial in our choice of the food we pick. Picking organic food have become ever-so popular. Organic food is grown or raised using little or no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals. Instead, organic farmers try to work with natural processes to promote the health of their crops and livestock. For example, an organic farmer might apply compost (decaying plant material) instead of chemical fertilizer to replenish the soil. Instead of using pesticides, the farmer may rely on natural predators to control insect pests. (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia)
Some people choose organic food because they prefer the taste. But there are many more factors that influence the decision to choose organic food. One of the factors include that: Organic foods are produced without the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). This entire topic of GMO’s is a rather important topic in of itself, but going on briefly about what it is, will help understand it better. GMO’s are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated
It has been argued that organic are worthwhile because of nutrition. In paragraph 21, David Lazarus, stated, “What you’re paying for, presumably, is a more healthful diet. That means produce that hasn’t been drenched in pesticides, chicken and beef that hasn’t been pumped full of antibiotics, milk with even more nutritional value.” However, organic food is not worthwhile because of nutrition. “A 2012 study found no real difference between organic and conventional food in terms of nutrition. Its findings appeared in the Annals of Internal Medicine”(Cernansky 6). This quote shows that there is no difference between organic and conventional food. If there is no difference between the food then why change the
The articles “Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?”, by the Mayo Clinic Staff and “Is organic better for your health? A look at milk, meat, eggs, produce and fish”, by Tamer Haspel, delve into whether or not the products produced by organic farming are more nutritious and or safer than those produced by conventional farming.
Traits of organic food can also be misconstrued in the sense of the ingredients and how it is different from the way processed food is produced. “In reality, certified organics have lower levels of chemical residue, Roethal argues, which is positive for consumers, farm workers and the land itself, but organic growing practices have no impact on how many nutrients, calories or grams of fat are in anyone's favorite foods”(SFGate). As mentioned previously in the quote, often times organic food can benefits one’s health because of the little amount in which chemicals and calories are in the substance. The concern about organic food is that it is substantially more expensive than non-organic food. However,“Organic food sales are increasing by double digits annually, and more than 80 percent of parents reported buying organic food for their families last year”, according to Batch. With the high-price of organic food, this could also be a reason on why people tend to lean more towards the less healthier items, all because of the low cost. Even though there are different and confusing standards on what organic really is, the ideal description would typically be foods that do not have the same producing process as non-organic food.
However, according to Dr. Ruth MacDonald (2014), former USDA Undersecretary and Professor and Chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University, and author of “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Explained,” there is very little evidence showing major differences in the nutritional value of organic and conventional foods. According to Dr. MacDonald, both are good sources of
Sales of organic food have risen steadily over the past couple of years, reaching nearly $30 billion in 2011, or 4.2% of all U.S. food and beverage sales, (Adams). Many people believe that organic foods are ultimately the better choice when it comes to health due to the absence of pesticides and hormones. But other people—especially those whose food budgets may be more defined—wonder if organic food is really worth the inflated price tag. Despite the price, Organic foods are worth producing and consuming rather than conventional foods due to the immense benefits they provide.
A growing number of consumers favor organic foods, claiming that it tastes better and is healthier. Why organic? Organic foods grown naturally in well-balanced soils, ripened by the sun are healthier and tastier than products with synthetic chemicals and growth hormones.
Long time ago, the idea of organic food was something ridiculous, nobody cared. But after proved the nutritional benefits and better taste of organic food, many farmers become interest in grown organic food. The article Beyond Organic by Eliot Coleman said that “Now that the food-buying public has become enthusiastic about organically grown foods, the food industry wants to take over.”
Agricultural Secretary Dan Glickman states that organic food is no more wholesome or nutritious than conventional foods (Marcus 1). Although organic food is almost completely free from synthetic chemicals found in synthetic foods, they are no richer in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They are not less likely to make a person sick either (Marcus 2). The higher grocery price only buys a person peace of mind, not better nutrition.
There are many food groups that can be divided between non-organic and organic foods the two that will be discussed today are meats and vegetables or fruits. Organic meats are any animals that aren't fed modified food. This means that animals such as cows, pigs, and even chickens are given food like grass and hay. This in order to be considered organic the animals must be able to live and walk among outdoors(Robinson, Segal 4). The food for the animals is also treated with natural methods to prevent diseases(Robinson, Segal 4). The main reason that people steer away from organic is the price compared to non-organic is more. In fact, the organic meat can cost more than 70% more than non-organic meats(Marks 14).
Organic food is more expensive than regular food items. The farm machinery needed to harvest organic food is more specialized, and therefore the food is more expensive. They use the best tools and fertilization supplies. The farmers create natural environments. Organic food is grown without pesticides. Nowadays, people are using organic food broadly. The author gives lot information about organic food, and how it works. Regular food is made with lot of pesticides, and it is effect on humans. Nowadays people have cancer, more pesticides effect on IQ. 73% people used organic food, and that is good.
Over the years there has been a lot of controversy about genetically modified organisms also known as GMOs in our food. GMOs was created by scientist to create more food for the world but has backfired creating infertility in women, illnesses like cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Organic food may be expensive but has many benefits like having a healthier life or just feeling better in general. Monsanto is the leading producer of GMOs and that is why many people are against them.
First off, organic foods are defined as being grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers or heavy metals, which are thought to influence the interaction of bioactive chemicals and metabolites present during the growth process (Bernacchia, Preti, & Vinci 2016). Consequently, produce that is grown under normal, unaltered conditions is assumed to cultivate additional substances that benefit our health as compared to inorganic produce (Bernacchia et al.,
Organic versus non-organic foods are always being debated to whether they are worth the extra cost. This seems to be an easy question, at first, but begs a more in-depth analysis to come to a conclusion. Organic definitions can vary by government, company and even individuals. Many people have their own ideas of what organic means. My personal definition, before this research assignment, was that organic products were grown with no pesticides, chemical additives, or preservatives and grown in a humane way. Meaning that if it said 100% organic, that is what was meant. This however, is not the case when it comes to the government’s definition of organic, according to T. A. Niewold who wrote, “Organic More Healthy; Green Shoots in a
Organic food has better ratings on health benefits than conventional food but conventional food costs less. Most people have a hard time making an educated decision on the better selection. Scientists and consumers have reviewed and theorized that the healthier option for the human body seems to be consuming organic food in comparison with traditional foods. Many people disagree about the legitimacy of the argument for organic food consumption, and whether it will result as the healthier choice. Organic food proves to be the healthier choice because of the way the crops get handled. As stated by Organic Agriculture professionals, “organic agriculture refers to the practice of cultivating crops or raising livestock with little or no use of
According to the USDA, organic foods consist of foods and products that are grown without the use of sewage sludge, harmful pesticides, and fertilizers made from synthetic ingredients. These standards and guidelines were implemented with the overall objective of improving the quality of the food supply while also preserving the environment. The Organic Foods Act (OFPA) “authorized a new USDA National Organic Program (NOP) to set national standards for the production, handling, and processing of organically grown agricultural products. In addition, the Program oversees mandatory certification of organic production.” (Gold “Organic Production/Organic Food:”) When these standards are upheld, consumers are given the opportunity to educate themselves on the contents found in their food, which