Organic vs. Processed Foods Food is the basic necessity of our life, it is important for our growth and survival. Two of the most prominent food groups we come across in life are organic foods and processed foods. Both processed and organic have some benefits and disadvantages to our health. Overall, organic food has better health benefits than processed food. Processed foods are produced and preserved using chemicals. “Processed foods include all food products that have been altered in some way to either turn them into food, extend their shelf life, or prepare them for human or animal consumption” (Frey). Organic foods are produced naturally without any use of chemicals. Farmers tend to grow organic food using natural methods only. They avoid …show more content…
“Natural foods like milk, fruit, and vegetables have more vitamins than processed foods. Organic food contains more antioxidants” (Cevat). The conventionally grown food has the ability to get digested more easily than processed food. Organic foods contribute more in the growth process; it has many nutrients needed for growth. Organic foods are also completely free from GMOs (genetically modified organisms); therefore, likely to lower the risk of common health problems such as heart disease, cancer, allergies, and hyperactive children. Although organic food seems like nothing could go wrong, there are some complications. Some organic foods such as meat may contain harmful bacteria which a person eating the meat would …show more content…
The omnivore's dilemma: the secrets behind what you eat. Young readers ed ed., New York : Dial Books, 2009.
Frey, Rebecca J., and Megan Porter. "Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods." The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets, edited by Kristin Key, Gale, 2nd edition, 2013. Credo Reference, https://login.liblink.uncw.edu/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/galediets/whole_foods_vs_processed_foods/0?institutionId=3329. Accessed 26 Oct 2017.
Gimenez, Eric. "Too Poor for Organic? Raise the Minimum Wage." Huffington Post. 5 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.
Guthman, Julie. "Bringing Good Food to Others: Investigating the Subjects of Alternative Food Practice." Cultural Geographies 15.4 (2008): 431-47. ProQuest. Web. 26 Oct.
The problematic aspect of processed food is all the added hormones, preservatives, and antibiotics that are injected into the food. Organic foods have none of these additives, and the pure characteristic of organic food is a valuable thing. Pollan (2008) agrees with this when he writes, “instead of worrying about nutrients, we should simply avoid any food that has been processed to such an extent that it is more the product of industry than of nature” (p. 424). I have a medical condition in which I am not supposed to eat any foods that have added preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics. This is because my body is hypersensitive to chemicals and, especially, added hormones. It can easily cause serious health problems. Pollan (2008) also added an opinion made by a food politics and policy lecturer, Gyorgy Scrinis, who believes that, “the most important fact about any food is not its nutrient content but its degree of processing” (p. 423). If everyone would stop their constant consideration in nutrient content and turn their attention to additives; America could become a much healthier
All in all, this book is a great read for those seeking to learn more about food and how it relates to all aspects of life and history as well as find that extra push in taking the initiative in improving one’s eating habits and lifestyle. It serves as an easy to follow introduction into a healthy relationship with food including with simple guidelines that are not too forceful or complex to understand.
In the other hand, in the last few years, many studies have been confirmed that organic food is more nutritious than non-organic. According to Crinnion, the mineral and vitamin content in organic products were discussed in earlier studies, while recent studies looked at pesticides and hormones levels. For example, Lairon reported ...
For some reason all a product needs is a little sticker that says organic, and people automatically believe that it is healthier. No one ever stops to ask what this sticker means. Instead they just trust that organic is healthier than the produce that is being sprayed with chemicals. The rise of organic food has created an illusion that organic food is healthier and has nutritional benefits that exceed those of conventional food products.
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.
Even though conventionally grown foods are cheaper it is worthwhile to invest into buying organic foods because they are healthier. It has been proven that many organic foods dramatically reduce pesticide levels, lower cholesterol, and create a healthy environment. In addition, feeding the livestock with natural foods is more humane and allows the animals to avoid constant antibiotic injections. Organic foods are not only safer for our immune system but also better for the environment.
In her article, she gives many reasons why organic foods are not only a better choice for people but also for the environment. “Although the cost of organic foods is high; these form a key component in consumer trend known as a whole health solution – diet that promote health and well-being, prevent disease, help cure illness and protects the environment” (202). Organic food production benefits the environment in ways such it reduces pollution, lowers the level of pesticide use, and improves soil conditions. In a health perspective, some organic foods are said to have significantly higher levels of cancer fighting antioxidant, better flavors, safer than conventional food, and have a higher percent of minerals and vitamins. All these benefits are explained in her article that counter argue the position that organic food is just a fad.
As we stroll the aisles of our local supermarkets we see all kinds of food products, but does it ever occur to you how fresh or natural these products maybe. Organic farming prohibits any use of artificial chemicals, growth hormones, or antibiotics in the production of its crops and livestock. Organic farming has existed for centuries, but after the industrial revolution factory farming was arising. Organic farming does not allow the use of any pesticides in its crops or livestock production, but also helps sustain a good economic flow in rural communities. Although there are many benefits of organic farming, there is a lack of credibility some farmers provide within the distribution of their products and some argue that there’s no difference
Organic foods have become more and more popular over the years, and consumers may or may not be knowledgeable when shopping for organic and/or conventional foods. This report will help define the difference between organic and conventional foods and farming, including the health benefits and risks. The demand for organic foods will also be discussed briefly. The purpose of this research is to describe and identify the advantages and issues that are involved with organic and inorganic foods.
Organic food is generally not much healthier than regular fruits and such nutrition wise with a few exceptions. “Higher vitamin C concentrations were found in organic leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, and chard versus the same conventionally produced vegetables in 21 of 36 (58%) studies”( Foreman). Also mentioned is that organic and nonorganic milk is not much different as “In general, milk has the same protein, vitamin, trace mineral content, and lipids from both organically and conventionally reared cows.”( Foreman).Despite the exception, it has been stated that the exception does not have strong enough evidence that can let a statement such as “eating organic food is more beneficial than eating conventionally grown food” stand on its own and be taken seriously. Another unfortunate circumstance on organic food is the price. On average, anything organic is priced higher than non-organic food, and according to Digestive Specialists Inc., it “…costs anywhere from 20 to 100 percent more than regular produce” (Digestive Specialists). The higher price leaves any financially struggling person or family less likely to invest in organic food when there is always a cheaper option available, even if the cheaper product isn’t beneficial to their health. The reason for this, mentioned by Health Research Funding,“…Organic farmers do not use artificial fertilizers, they tend to produce smaller quantities. Their method of farming is also more labor-intensive with weed pulling and crop rotation. And then there is the issue of supply and demand – as the demand for organic produce increases, so does the price” (Health Research Funding). The quality of organic fruits, while being mostly free of pesticides and chemicals, can also have a lot less time to deteriorate compared to non-organic foods. To summarize the issue, Mayo Clinic states that, “Because organic fruits and vegetables aren 't
Thesis: Organic food is full of nutrients and when compared to conventional food is a much better choice
Food has been a common source of necessity in our everyday lives as humans. It helps gives us nutrition and energy to live throughout our life. Over several decades, the development of making foods has evolved. They have changed from natural to processed foods in recent years. Nowadays natural ingredients are barely used in the making of foods like bread, cheese, or yogurt. The food industry today has replaced natural food making with inorganic ingredients. The cause of this switch is due to processed foods being easier, cheaper and faster to make. Artificial nutrition and processed foods have been proven to last longer in market shelves then natural foods. Also, due to artificial additives in processed foods they help satisfy consumers taste more than natural ingredients. The method of producing processed foods is common in today's food industry and helps make money faster and efficiently for companies. Examples of this can be found in all markets that distribute food. Even though processed foods may be easier and faster to make, they are nowhere near as healthy for consumers compared to natural foods. Natural foods are healthier, wholesome, and beneficial to the human body and planet then processed foods.
Firstly, consuming organic food promotes good heath as it is more nutrition dense and has less toxic pesticides then convention food, according to a research study done by The Organic Center, organic food is higher in antioxidant, vitamins and minerals. Study matched pair of both organically grown food and conventional grown and showed that organic food not only was higher in nutrition but biologically active nutrients, In another study done by reveals that dairy pro...
Organic food is food that is grown without any pesticide or fertilizers. In recent years, sales for organic foods are increasing every year. A lot of people go to supermarkets in order to buy some organic foods, because they think that organic foods are healthier than conventional foods. People purchase organic foods for different reasons such as personal health, the quality of organic foods, and taste, but the most important reason is personal health. The topic that whether organic foods have more benefits or not is very controversial for a long time. Maybe some people believe that organic foods are beneficial to human health, but some other people disagree with the viewpoint, so buying organic foods depend on people’s choices. People believe organic foods are healthier because they generally think organic foods have less pesticide and fertilizer residue, more nutritional values, and are beneficial to environment.
The first benefit of eating organic food is that it avoids chemicals that are commonly found in traditional foods. Organic foods are produced using farming methods which do not involve applying pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They are not created using manufacturing solvents, chemical additives, or irradiation. Organic foods of animal origin, such as dairy products and meats, come from animals that are usually free range, or allowed to roam outdoors. Free range animals have organic foods to eat and they are not given any form of steroids as they are growing. This mean that people will not get the effects of those hormones in their food. Beef is a common food for people to consume. The cows that are free range will produce organic milk and cheese free of hormones. Free range chickens offer organic meat as well as eggs. There are different agencies who keep a close watch on places that have this type of certification. There are regular inspections that are planned as w...