Are there really benefits from organic foods? by Barry Marcus
courtesy freedigitalphotos.net
The roots of the organic food industry were sown in the late 1960’s with the dawn of a new wave of environmental awareness.
The industry has since shown astonishing growth that has surprised its critics. According to the Organic Food: Global Industry Guide published in February 2009, the industry has a global value of $52 billion with a forecast to reach $83.1 billion by 2013.
The growth in organic foods from a fringe industry to a mainstream part of the food supply is partly the result of growing environmental awareness and partly the result of the growing scientific evidence of the superior nutritional value of organic food.
These benefits include superior health and nutrition, environmental protection and improved animal welfare.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
Many scientific tests of organic foods against conventional foods have been inconclusive. In his article, Health Benefits of Organic Food, Shane Heaton examined much of this testing. He found that many of the tests lacked rigor and were poorly conceived and conducted. Those tests that were executed to a high standard support the belief that organic food is indeed healthier.
Heaton himself has no doubts about the health benefits of organic food. As he says, “decreasing one’s toxin burden and increasing one’s intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can have a significant impact on health, especially when trying to improve or restore health.”
In a comprehensive study of the nutritional value of organic against conventional foods, a March 2008 report “New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods,” State of Science Review, cites strong evidence of the nutritional superiority of organic foods. In particular, organic foods were found to contain more than 20% more antioxidants, polyphenols, quercetin, vitamin C and vitamin E. Conventional foods contained higher quantities of nitrogen, again favoring organic foods. Of course, organic produce is largely free of the pesticide residue cocktails found in great quantities in conventional foods.
A 2009 report conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine concluded that there were no nutritional benefits of organic foods. However, the organic scientific community disputed the conclusions of this report. The London report did not consider pesticide or fertilizer residues in its study.
Organic milk has been shown to be healthier as it has been found to “include more Omega 3, more CLA, more antioxidants and more vitamins than conventional milk” in research by the Danish Institute of Agricultural Research. In addition to superior nutrients, organic milk is free of the hormones and antibiotics found in high quantities in conventional milk.
Organic meat is similarly free from hormones and antibiotics. The mad cow disease epidemic that swept the world a few years ago originated by the feeding of animal derivatives to cattle.
Pesticide residues do not only affect the conventionally grown fruit and vegetables. Residues are found in conventional milk and meat products. There is growing evidence of the dangers of human exposure to pesticides.
Environmental Benefits
Conventional farming methods involve the large-scale use of pesticides and fungicides to spray crops. Chemical fertilizers are used in large quantities to maximize the crop yield. These activities damage the environment and pose a threat to wildlife in affected areas. The soil has become depleted and stripped of nutrients. Crops grow only with the addition of high levels of chemical fertilizer. Organic farming is natural, allowing for the proper feeding of the soil and keeping the air, rivers and streams free of these contaminants.
Humane Animal Treatment
Factory farming is at its worst when it comes to the treatment of animals. Animals are restricted to confined areas throughout their lives. Cattle are fed a cocktail of animal derivatives, antibiotics and hormones to ensure fast growth and high yields. The result is tragic for these animals that have no life. Organic meat production is quite different. Cattle graze freely, eating a diet of fresh nutritious grass. Chickens are allowed outdoors to gather their food.
The produce is not only healthier but tastier. By using organic meat you are contributing towards a much more humane way to treat animals.
Most organic foods cost more than the conventional counterparts. Surprisingly, a growing number of organic products are becoming available at very competitive prices. Even if it does cost you more, what price are you willing to pay for your own and your family’s health?
Barry Marcus
Barry Marcus is the author of Breathing Space, a blog about politics, human interest, and life in South Africa.
Barry lives in Johannesburg with his artist wife Lorraine, sons Adam, Joshua & Asher, and cats Minnie and Zena.
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