The Benefits of Eating Organic Food

Increasing numbers of consumers are turning to organically produced foods for their health benefits. Independent research studies have confirmed that many organic foods actually have higher nutrient content than their conventionally produced counterparts. When compared to the nutrients found in a host of foods from the early part of the 20th century, today’s same food products produced by conventional farming methods have significantly lower nutrient levels.

In addition to providing increased nutrients, organically raised crops and animals do not have dangerous residues from chemical pesticides. Research on the levels and numbers of pesticides found in humans raises deep concerns about the eventual health effects of this toxic mix in tissues and circulating in the blood. Consumers are more aware today than ever before of the potential health hazards associated with conventional agriculture and are turning to organic food as a safer alternative.

When comparing conventional vs. organic foods, people are choosing organic- they want to know exactly what is in their food, and this is increasingly difficult with conventional farming and food processing practices. The United States does not require the labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients, so even if consumers want to avoid GM foods, it is very difficult. Buying organic guarantees that nothing in the food contains genetically modified crops.

In addition to the health benefits of eating organic food, many people find that organic food is much more flavorful. Fruits and vegetables have increased intensities of flavor, and organic dairy products have a depth of flavor not found in conventionally farmed foods. Many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have been bred to transport and store well, not to be flavorful or even nutritious.

Organically raised meats are fed a diet free from genetically modified crops and slaughterhouse waste products. Instead, they eat organically raised feed. They are not treated with antibiotics and are never given growth hormones. The levels of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals found in conventionally raised meat and dairy foods are raising concerns about the eventual impact on the health of people consuming these conventionally raised products.

The increased sustainability of organic farming is one of the many environmental concerns that prompt people to choose organic food over conventional food is. Without a dependence on petroleum-based products, organic farming actually reduces oil consumption. Pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used in conventional farming are primarily made from petroleum. In addition, the spraying and treatment routines used on conventional crops throughout the growing season require an additional use of petroleum.

Fertilizers used in organic farming are primarily recycled animal waste products, high in the nutrients that plants need. Crops are not sprayed with chemical pesticides that leave toxic residues in the food. Studies have found that many of the chemicals used in conventional farming practices not only leave toxins in the food, they also deplete the soil of beneficial organisms. These bacteria and other microorganisms help keep the soil rich and healthy. Other studies have shown that due to the depletion of the soil, crops grown by conventional farming methods are lower in nutrients than organically gown crops where the health and fertility of the soil is not compromised. Organic farming methods provide health benefits for both consumers and the environment, a combination that is spurring the growth of organic farming.

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