Organic Foods : Are They Safer? More Nutritious? Essay

First of all, the counter argument needs to be addressed. Many argue that there is not a significant difference between organic and conventional foods. Disagreements often sound like, “There is very little scientific evidence to support any health benefits for organic products” (Andrei). Opponents of organic food have argued that it is too expensive and not at all worth the high price. They state that “Organic has become a synonym for luxury” (Andrei). Many are choosing to eat organic simply because they can afford it. Although organic food is supposedly healthier, “A 2009 meta-analysis…said there was no nutrient difference in organic versus conventional”

Over the last few years, awareness of organic food has risen. Due to this, the demand for organic food is a factor which is influencing the farmers to switch to use this technique, and it is being sold in specialty stores and conventional supermarkets. Organic products contain numerous marketing claims that it is healthier, it offers more value, and the farming is more environmentally friendly than traditional foods, so, how does one determine if organic is the way to go? Some argue that there is evidence that supports and demonstrates why organic foods and farming are better overall, while others insist that conventional foods and agriculture can offer the same benefits as going organic. There is no right or wrong answer. Within this

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.”

Video “ Infact: Organic Food Myths” by Brian Dunning (DATE). Dunning two main points are: what is organic and is it healthier. According to Dunning what makes food organic is how it is farmed. Organic farming rejects modern agriculture development. To my surprise I found out that organic products are grown with fertilizer and pesticides, just as nonorganic products. The word organic is use as a marking tool to get individual to buy their products. Dunning also bring up that yes you may find a few study that says organic is healthier, but there are more study that show their no different. Each individual has the choice to believe what we want. Education is key knowing more about organic food is beneficial so am not fouled into spending

In 2008, U.S. sales of organic food and nonfood products reached $24.6 billion dollars which was 17.1 percent above the 2007 sales (Musico). Obviously, people are buying organic food for many reasons such as its advantageous economical impact, its positive, eco-friendly contributions to the environment, and its health and nutritional benefits.

With the world’s population continuing to increase, the demand for food is higher than ever. This increase in food demand also calls for more efficient ways of growing and providing the food. Two methods that are very controversial are the organic and conventional method. While many people support the organic method because of its known benefits, others feel that it is an over inflated industry that cheats consumers out of their money. But recently many studies have disproved those critics. These studies prove that Organic food is a better choice than conventional because it is better for the environment, avoids the use of chemicals, and is generally more beneficial.

“Organic Foods: Health and Environmental Advantages and Disadvantage” describes that consumers suppose that farming organics is more benign to the environment since “organic farms do not use or release synthetic pesticides into the environment, some of which have the potential to harm soil.” Consumers get a sense of security knowing that their food is safe from toxins like pesticides, as well as a sense of responsibility for improving the earth’s welfare. This has become an increasingly important factor for purchasing organic foods, as the push for more environmentally friendly options has been increasingly prominent in this day and

If we go to a supermarket around the corner, we can see several organic food products displayed on the shelves. It is also observed that many consumers prefer buying organic groceries over conventional foods to stay healthy. Also, many a times we hear people consuming organic dietary supplements daily for overall wellbeing. Why do the majority of people favor organic foodstuffs? Are they really nutritious and healthier? We tried finding answers and clarified controversies about the organic foods through this article.

Givens, D. I., Health Benefits of Organic Food: Effects of the Environment. Cambridge: CABI, Inc ebrary, 2008.

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)

In a September third, 2012 edition of The Stanford Medicine News Center in an article entitled “Little evidence of health benefits from organic foods, study finds” Michelle Brandt argues that certified organic fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and other certified organic food goods, may not be worth the higher prices. Brandt states that certified organic is around 50% more expensive at most retailers. Opposing views of certified organic goods have often claimed that the higher prices are worth the health benefits. Brandt states that there have been multiple studies done on the various types of organic and certified organic goods and that they have been somewhat inconclusive. Despite the fact that they have found a bit higher percentages of vitamins in organic goods, the higher rates are only shown in vitamins that are rare in which to have a dietary deficiency. Brandt also states that the lower rates of pesticides found in organic foods is not worth the cost, due to the fact that the levels found in traditionally grown items were within the limits set by the government as healthy to consume. Lastly Brandt leads the reader to believe that eating healthier foods in general, such as a diet high in fruits and vegetables, is the most important way to be a healthier individual. The higher price of organic goods could lead people away from buying any produce due to believing that they must buy organic goods in order to truly be healthy.

In order to be certified USDA organic, the product or produce has to contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. If an item is said to be made with organic ingredients, they must be at least 70 percent organic. Organic food has to be produced and processed according to strict USDA standards and be inspected to be certified.

Albright, Mary Beth. "Organic Foods Are Tastier and Healthier, Study Finds." The Plate Organic Foods Are Tastier and Healthier Study Finds Comments. 14 July 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. In the National Geographic “Organic Food Are Tastier and Healthier, Study Finds” by Mary Beth Albright. The Author talked about the benefits of organic food over conventional food. Mary talked about how organic farms cannot use chemical pesticides that most conventional farm uses. Without these pesticides stopping the plants from producing more of its own compound called antioxidants; which makes it beneficial to the human body. Studies from American Charles Benbrook of Washington State University shows that organics have about 18 to 69 percent higher concentrations of antioxidants which also makes the food have better qualities and taste. Lastly, she talked about the soil conventional farmer use tends to have higher levels of nitrogen from synthetic fertilizers, which plants easily use to

Organic food is a current topic in today’s healthful world. There are different sides to the organic food argument. One is that organic food is much better than conventional food. The other is that conventional food is just as good as organic and more for your dollar. To some families organic food is more then they can afford because of the extra work that is required to grow it. People say that organic food is better because it has no chemicals or fertilizer in it but that is not true because they do put fertilizer on it just “natural” fertilizer that is certified by the USDA. Conventional food which to many people think is not safe because of the chemicals in it but it is just as safe as organic food.

As the world continues to embrace health and fitness living and as the levels of environmental awareness increase, so does the popularity of organic foods continue to skyrocket. According to a recent survey conducted by a renowned body in the United States, more than forty percent of the US consumers are now taking the organic foods path over the inorganic, and it seems that this new wave is not going away anytime soon. According to most of the users, organic food is much tastier, safer, helps to prevent environmental exploitation and on top of it all boasts more nutritional value than inorganic food (Thøgersen 172). However, there is no difference in dietary levels between organic and inorganic food, and this discussion examines what sets these two categories apart and why their nutritional levels are the same.