This article basically talked about the differences between organic foods and conventional foods and how they are grown. Organic foods are generally grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, often rotate the crops in order to manage the weeds, and feed the animals organic diets so they are healthy. Conventional foods are grown with the use of chemicals and fertilizers in order to help the crops grow bigger. There are insecticides and herbicides to prevent the crops from being harmed by weeds and pests, and the animals usually are given some sort of antibiotic or grown hormones to increase their size for more profit.
In order for a food to be considered “organic”, it must meet the standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA says that in order to use the organic seal, (the picture I have included below) products must be 100% organic (fruits, vegetables, etc.) or those products that are at least 95% organic. If a product is less than that, the seal is not allowed on it. However, the product can say something along the lines of “made with organic ingredients” and can mention organic items throughout the labeling. I feel like this can be misleading though. I know that when I go to the grocery store, if I see the word organic, I assume that it is 100% organic and that it is healthier for me because it isn’t made the same way that conventional products are. I think that it is easy for any company to say that their product is organic, but you have to really read the ingredients or look for the seal to be sure. (I also didn’t realize that there was a seal that had to be clearly shown in order for the product to actually be organic.)
This article also talked about whether or not organic food is more nutritious than conventional food. Many studies have been conducted to try and prove that this theory is correct, however, most studies have shown that in nutrient value, both conventional and organic food are on a similar level. There really is no proof that organic food is better for you. Yes, they are produced in a healthier environment; however, the contents that you are eating are similar in health benefits.
This article also talked about whether organic and natural meant the same thing. This is not true. Natural simply means that the way that the food was processed and grown is either “hormone free” or “free range”, but it doesn’t mean that they are organic. The article specifically states that in order for a food to be labeled organic.... “Only foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards can be labeled organic.”
Why do people choose organic food then? For one, I know that I choose organic because I like that the animals aren’t fed unhealthy steroids and antibiotics that will be going into my body once I eat them. I have heard many horrible stories about pesticides and the effects that they can have on a person’s body. I like to know that my food isn’t being sprayed with random chemicals when I choose organic. I have never really been concerned about the environment, but recently have been more aware of the harmful effects that some types of farming can have on it. With organic farming, the environment is being less polluted, the soil quality is raising, and we are conserving water.
There are a few down sides to organic foods as well. For one, they can be very expensive. On a college budget, it is hard to pass up more inexpensive boxed goods for expensive organic foods. Another down side is that not every place that I shop even carries the organic foods that I am looking for. I would have to drive a far distance to go to a place like Whole Foods or Trader Joes to make these purchases. The fact that not everyone has the time or a car to drive far distances makes it hard to get. I am lucky because my boyfriend lives in the city of Milwaukee and there happens to be a Whole Foods two blocks away.
I have learned that whether I buy organic foods or conventional foods, it is important to have a variety in my diet. I don’t want to just purchase products from a single location…I like the idea of going to a few different types of stores to mix up my diet. I also learned that it is key to purchase items when they are in season. I love summer because that is the best time to purchase fruits and vegetables. If I am going to buy conventional fruits and vegetables, it is important to wash them to help eliminate any possible chemicals that are on them. I will also make sure to read the labels when I see the word “organic” on a product.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255/METHOD=print
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