The Benefits of Organic Food for Health and The Environment

The Importance of Knowing Food Origins

In our everyday life, we consume food, but we don’t always know exactly where it came from or how it was handled before purchase. Organic foods are said to have fewer pesticides, richer nutrients, be non-GMO, and organically raised animals are not fed animal byproducts or given antibiotics. In the long term, they are also better for the environment and are proven to be fresher. All this evidence seems very captivating to switch to an organic lifestyle, but why do so many people choose to stick to their regular supermarket produce and meat?

The Certification Process for Organic Foods

When you see an organic sticker on your food, it is natural to question what it took for that item to be considered organic. First, an organic system plan has to be developed, detailing substances used during the growing or handling process, monitoring practices for organic systems, record-keeping systems, and barriers that prevent commingling with non-organic products or contact with prohibited substances. Then, a certifying agent from the USDA must review that the products meet all organic standards. Following this, the site of the organic product receives an inspection of the receiving, processing, storage areas, ingredients, and finished product. The inspector reports to the certifying agent to compare their data to the system plan and will highlight any potential hazards and risks of contamination. An inspection is conducted at least once a year for the farm or facility. This thorough process takes about six to ten weeks, which is why organic food can be more expensive.

Cost Implications of Organic Foods

Organically produced foods are estimated to cost about 10 to 30 cents more than mass-produced foods, depending on the season. This is because organic foods are produced in smaller quantities, making it more difficult for producers to take advantage of economies of scale. Economies of scale help mass producers bring large amounts of crops to market prices, attracting consumers. By not using pesticides or preservatives, organic produce is more prone to disease or insects, leading to potential losses during growth and transport. The average American spends about $7,203 a year on groceries. If all groceries purchased were organic, the annual cost would be about $9,580. This seems like a significant difference, but by simply adjusting your lifestyle, it can be budgeted in. The health advantages outweigh the slight price increase.

Health Benefits of Organic Foods

Organic foods can offer more health advantages than mass-produced food. Pesticides are primarily used to ward off insects and harmful bacteria such as mold. Pesticides in organic produce are naturally derived, unlike synthetic pesticides. Synthetic pesticides are more likely to expose consumers to cancers, even in small amounts. Organic foods are also advertised to be more nutrient-rich, but this is often questioned. "Across the important antioxidant compounds in fruits and vegetables, organic fruits and vegetables deliver between 20 and 40 percent higher antioxidant activity," says Charles Benbrook from Washington State University's Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, a co-author of the study. Benbrook's studies suggest that health experts advise individuals to eat more fruits and vegetables to receive more antioxidants, and eating organically is a great way to get these nutrients. GMOs are genetically modified organisms, meaning their genetic material is artificially modified in a laboratory through genetic engineering. It is encouraged for consumers to stay away from GMOs because there are no long-term studies on their safety. Although there have been no reports of harm from genetically modified food, consumers should eat with caution and ensure they thoroughly wash their produce and meat before consumption.

The Role of Antibiotics in Livestock

Antibiotics are used in livestock to prevent diseases from the often-unhygienic conditions they are kept in and to aid in their growth processes. In European countries and Canada, there is a ban on sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics due to concerns over drug-resistant bacteria, yet in the United States, this practice is legal. Scientists worry that some strains of bacteria may not respond to standard antibiotics, potentially resulting in life-threatening illnesses. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), even small doses of non-therapeutic antibiotics in animal livestock “contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food-producing animals. These resistant bacteria can contaminate the foods that come from those animals, and persons who consume these foods can develop antibiotic-resistant infections.” These bacteria can also travel through water supply and the environment itself. The CDC states that 2 million people are infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and 23,000 people die from it annually.

Environmental Impact of Organic Agriculture

In the long term, organic agriculture offers many benefits to the environment. The main goal for agro-ecosystems is to produce food while also maintaining ecological balance. This balance is represented through soil and water quality, air, and climate change. Practices like crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers, and minimum tillage are necessary for organic practices. These techniques can improve soil structure and create stronger systems. Organic agriculture significantly reduces nonrenewable energy use by decreasing agrochemical needs. Many researchers claim that organic agriculture contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect due to its carbon-rich soil. Organic soil is abundant in carbon release, which raises productivity. However, more research is needed in this area, as current research on organic carbon stocks is limited and not entirely reliable due to numerous influencing factors.

Conclusion: Is an Organic Lifestyle Worth It?

There is ongoing debate about whether an organic lifestyle is worth the effort, and statistics suggest it can pay off in the long run. When shopping at the grocery store, it's easy to question whether an organic sticker is genuine or if the produce was truly grown organically. To be certified organic, producers must undergo a lengthy process to ensure USDA confirmation of organic practices. Yes, organic food can sometimes cost significantly more than mass-produced foods, but the benefits outweigh this. The benefits include health advantages, such as minimal pesticide use, richer nutrients, and non-GMO status. Organic livestock are not fed animal byproducts or given antibiotics, and organic practices have long-term positive effects on the environment. By adopting an organic lifestyle, you can improve your health without even realizing it.

References

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3. USDA National Organic Program. (Year). Title of the document. Retrieved from URL
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