Benefits Of Organic Food Essay

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Health Benefits of Going Organic – Just the Facts

Step into any grocery store and you are sure to be bombarded with signs promoting the health benefits of going organic. “Eat healthy by going organic” is a common calling-card for all sorts of foods endorsing the advantages of switching to diet filled with organic foods. It seems to make sense to switch to organic foods, but unfortunately, research findings concerning the health benefits of an organic diet isn’t discussed and most consumers would probably be surprised at the factual findings.

What Exactly Does it Mean to be Organic?

When most people think about what makes a certain food organic they probably assume the product is grown without chemicals and this isn’t true. Conventional …show more content…

• Made With Organic Ingredients: Products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients may say "made with organic ingredients" on the label, but may not use the seal. Foods containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients can 't use the seal or the word "organic" on their product labels. They can include the organic items in their ingredient list, however.
Common Misconceptions Concerning Organic Foods

There are many misconceptions when it comes to organic foods concerning their health benefits and taste. Listed below are known facts based on research concerning the benefits of an organic diet and any drawbacks.

• Drawbacks of Organic Foods: Due to the strict standards organic foods must meet and expensive farming methods, they are generally more expensive than conventionally raised food products. The Mayo Clinic also notes, “Because organic fruits and vegetables aren 't treated with waxes or preservatives, they may spoil faster. Also, some organic produce may look less than perfect — odd shapes, varying colors or smaller sizes. However, organic foods must meet the same quality and safety standards as those of conventional …show more content…

A recent study examined the past 50 years ' worth of scientific articles about the nutrient content of organic and conventional foods. The researchers concluded that organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs are not significantly different in their nutrient content.”

• Organic Foods Don’t Contain Antibiotics: Studies show that the use of antibiotics in conventionally raised farm animals significantly enhances the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Princeton University notes, “Humans can become infected with resistant bacteria through undercooked meat or contaminated soil and groundwater. Antibiotic resistance threatens our ability to fight these infections.” The university also state, “The only way for consumers to avoid poultry exposed to these drugs is through certified antibiotic-free or USDA-certified organic meat.”
Ellen Huckabay, a regional agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service states, “Research shows that there is little to no benefit of eating organic produce instead of conventionally grown food. Organic food may have less pesticide residues, but it’s not always 100 percent pesticide free. I prefer to buy locally grown produce at Farmer’s Markets. I’d rather know who grew my food than purchase organic anything from another

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