Are Organic Foods Healthier?

Organic foods are those grown and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or insecticides, artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives, or other chemical additives.

In addition, the NOP (National Organic Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture) states that agricultural products labeled “100 percent organic” and “organic” cannot be produced using excluded methods, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation .

Organically grown produce is grown in soil that is rich in minerals. Compost (a mixture of decayed plants and other organic matter used by organic farmers for enriching the soil) is used instead of chemical fertilizers.

This produce contains the most natural minerals, vitamins and micronutrients and is more nutritious than conventionally grown produce, which is grown on large corporate farms in depleted soils laden with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic standards require that the land goes through a three-year “transition” period to ensure the crops are free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Labeling

If the label says “Organic” the product must contain 95% organic ingredients.

“Made with Organic” indicates that the product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients; it cannot bear the familiar USDA Organic seal.

What about the term “natural”? It doesn’t have anything to do with organic. It’s a loose term that generally indicates no artificial ingredients were added during processing. It has nothing to do with the way the food was grown.

Is it Healthier?

Proponents say that organic foods grown in mineral-rich, naturally composted soil contains more minerals and vitamins. Once again, common sense would urge me to agree.

George Malkmus in The Hallelujah Diet states that just because it’s labeled organic doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good for you. He goes on to say that dairy , meats and processed foods are not good for you, even if they’re labeled organic. Or course, he states, organic vegan options can be a good choice for the 15% cooked portion recommended in the Hallelujah Diet .

Availability

Ever since I first learned about organic foods, I have made it a point to purchase organic foods when they are available. I’ve been fortunate to live in cities that have wonderful, large natural foods stores with good selections of organic produce. But what can folks do who can’t easily find organic produce?

Many of the larger supermarkets are offering more organic produce. If yours doesn’t yet, consider talking to the manager to see if they’ll carry it.

Another idea is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). A CSA is a way for the consumer to support a local farm by buying a share and receiving a box of food on a regular basis during the growing season. You can’t choose what you want… you get what’s being grown on the farm, but you’ll know ahead of time which crops they will plant.

You might consider joining or forming a food coop as a way to purchase organic food, perhaps more cheaply than at a regular market.

And, of course, there are farmer’s markets… with the freshest, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Affordability

Price can be an obstacle for many. Over the years, I have sometimes considered it as health insurance… I stay healthier and don’t need to pay for medicine.

Also, because it often tastes better than the conventionally grown produce, I’ll eat more fruits and vegetables, thus leading to increased health. And there’s less waste, because I can count on it consistently tasting better and my not wasting food by throwing it away because it’s tasteless.

You can also buy certain non-organic foods that have relatively lower amounts of pesticides and chemicals than others. Click here to see this information.

Environmental Benefits

When you buy organic, you can feel good about the fact that you’re supporting a type of farming that is good for the environment. Organic farms produce less waste and use less energy. They do not release synthetic pesticides into the environment, some of which may be harmful to wildlife. Water stays cleaner, wild animals abound, and there are more insect and wild plant populations (a greater diversity).

Go to the Raw Foods page from Organic Foods .