The Difference between Organic and Conventional Food
Haven Windsor
4 October 2012
Connie Fisk
Food and Well Being
Organic Vs. Conventional The newest craze in today’s society is living a healthy lifestyle. Mainly through diet, people have been trying to eat healthier foods as well as foods that are better for them. A big factor in many health-conscious buyers decision is one word: organic. If a food holds the word organic it is assumed better then any regular, conventional food. But is that true? Is organic food better for you then conventional food? A persons decision should be based purely on the health of the food rather than what it claims to be. Organic food became “organic” because it is grown and processed differently then other foods. Farmers who practice organic farming aren’t using harsh chemicals to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease (Mayo Clinic 2012). Instead they use natural ways of getting the same or nearly the same results as conventional farming. However, organic farming has more strict government standards to meet than conventional farming. This is because conventional farming methods are sure to rid of disease faster and more efficient (Givens and others 2008). Due to the strict standards, organic farmers ultimately have great soil management and fertilization practices. An organic farmer’s care in their land result in better nutritional value in the food as well as better taste (Virginia Worthington and others 2003). In the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2003) a study was conducted to see if there was a difference in Organic and Conventional foods. Their results found a lower nitrate level in organic vegetables as well as a lower but more higher quality protein. One result they found baffling is the vitamin C levels. In one study, they found that conventional and organic had the same vitamin C levels and in another study they found organic has higher levels. It all depends on where and when you buy the crop. This is where the idea of buying
4 October 2012
Connie Fisk
Food and Well Being
Organic Vs. Conventional The newest craze in today’s society is living a healthy lifestyle. Mainly through diet, people have been trying to eat healthier foods as well as foods that are better for them. A big factor in many health-conscious buyers decision is one word: organic. If a food holds the word organic it is assumed better then any regular, conventional food. But is that true? Is organic food better for you then conventional food? A persons decision should be based purely on the health of the food rather than what it claims to be. Organic food became “organic” because it is grown and processed differently then other foods. Farmers who practice organic farming aren’t using harsh chemicals to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease (Mayo Clinic 2012). Instead they use natural ways of getting the same or nearly the same results as conventional farming. However, organic farming has more strict government standards to meet than conventional farming. This is because conventional farming methods are sure to rid of disease faster and more efficient (Givens and others 2008). Due to the strict standards, organic farmers ultimately have great soil management and fertilization practices. An organic farmer’s care in their land result in better nutritional value in the food as well as better taste (Virginia Worthington and others 2003). In the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2003) a study was conducted to see if there was a difference in Organic and Conventional foods. Their results found a lower nitrate level in organic vegetables as well as a lower but more higher quality protein. One result they found baffling is the vitamin C levels. In one study, they found that conventional and organic had the same vitamin C levels and in another study they found organic has higher levels. It all depends on where and when you buy the crop. This is where the idea of buying
References: Amy Spindler. 2007. Organic vs. conventional: What do experts say? Retrieved October 4, 2012, from: http://articles.cnn.com/2007-04-13/health/cl.organics_1_organics-foods-organic-products- organic-market?_s=PM:HEALTH Dr. Fuhrman. 2006. Organic vs. Conventional Foods. Retrieved October 4, 2012, from DrFurhman.com, Inc Givens, I. Baxter, S. Minihane, A.M. 2008. Health Benefits of Organic Food: Effects of the Environment Mary-Howell R. Martens. 2000. Nutritional Quality: Organic Food Versus Conventional Mayo Clinic. 2012. Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? Retrieved October 4, 2012, from Mayo Education for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255 Michael Pollan. 2006. The Omnivores Dilemma: A Natural history of four meats. New York Penguin Press Rosie Mestel. 2012. Organic food-better for you or not? A study takes A look. Retrieved October 4, 2012, from: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/32390-organic-foodbetter-for-you-or-not-a-study-takes-a-look Smith-Spangler C Virginia Worthington, M.S, Sc.D., C.N.S. 2003. Nutritional Quality of Organic of Organic Versus Conventional Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains