Organic foods are a common feature in the aisles of most grocery stores these days. You have probably noted the higher price of organic produce in comparison to the adjacent, similar-looking non-organic counterparts. Have you wondered if the higher price tag is worth it though? In this post, we will analyze the pros and cons of organic foods.
Organic products are a result of organic farming practices, which focus on reducing pollution, enhancing the quality of soil and water, and promoting natural behaviors among farm animals. The use of artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and sewage sludge is not allowed in organic farming. The use preservatives or genetic technology to improve the shelf-life or quality of the crops, or antibiotics and growth hormones for the farm animals is also prohibited. Instead, organic farming is based on the use of natural fertilizers (green manure made of plant waste, or manure from the farm animals), manual removal and mulch for weed control, and natural insecticides and insect traps to control pests. The farm animals are allowed to live in their natural conditions as much as possible (for example, the ability to graze in pastures), and they are fed organic foods. The organic foods that meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture bear the USDA Organic seal.
Organic foods certainly sound healthier based on the production methods. But have their health benefits been substantiated? Are these products truly safer? While studies have shown differences in the food grown using organic techniques versus not, there is not much information regarding the health benefits of these differences.
Organic foods do contain higher amounts of antioxidants (which decrease cancer risk among other benefits), and omega-3 fatty acids (important for heart health). The organic foods are often fresh because they don’t contain preservatives, and they have lower amount of pesticide residue and cadmium (a dangerous metal found in the soil). People with allergies sometimes do better on organic foods. However, the one big issue with using organic products is that of cost. They are often more expensive than foods that are grown using the normal methods.
So, what may be other ways of eating healthy if the cost of organic foods makes them unaffordable for individuals? Buying locally grown, seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables (for example, at the farmer’s market) is a great idea. One can thus avoid using produce on which preservatives have been used. Such a practice also helps the local economy. It is important to wash fresh fruits and vegetables very well under running water to remove germs and reduce pesticide exposure, as much as possible. Eating a variety of foods from different sources also helps decrease the exposure to one type of pesticide.
To summarize, organic farming methods are definitely better for the farm animals and for the environment. There are potential health benefits to us too, but there may also be other less expensive ways of minimizing the exposure to harmful chemicals in our food if the cost of organic foods is prohibitive.
-Isha Kapoor
Isha is a senior at Mayo High School in Rochester, MN.
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