123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Health >> View Article

Buying Organic: Is It Worth The Extra Cost?

Profile Picture
By Author: Dr. Victor Marchione
Total Articles: 90
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

By now, you’ve probably at least considered the possibility of buying organic.
After all, even the biggest grocery store chains now carry organic products.
But is it the smart way to go for today’s economically conscious shopper?
Do conventional foods contain enough pesticides and other agricultural chemicals that they can be harmful to your health?
And do these toxins cause long-term complications?
Or perhaps you might have some thoughts for the environment. What about the added burden that these chemicals cause to the land and air? Then, of course, there is the issue of the exposure to chemicals that farm workers and farming communities endure for the benefit of those of us who live in urban centers.
It is estimated that two out of every three shoppers is now purchasing organic products along with their usual groceries. Organic-food sales in the U.S. have grown 17% to 20% in the past few years. Sales of conventional food, on the other hand, have grown only an average of two ...
... percent to three percent.
In addition, 73% of conventional grocery stores now carry organic products. Two-thirds of all organic milk and cream and half of all organic cheese and yogurt are sold at conventional grocery stores.
The organic industry has become a big moneymaker. This is both good and bad. You’ve probably noticed that buying organic costs more. Farmers lose a certain amount of produce to natural cycles of invading pests. Organic produce is also often not “perfect.” As buyers, we have become used to looking for that perfect apple, unmarred by scars and just the right color and shape.
Many people will overlook organic produce in favor of these chemically treated and modified fruits and vegetables with shiny wax coatings. As a consequence, organic farmers must deal with a smaller customer base, raising the price of their produce even more. Also, organic farming is more labor-intensive.

About Pesticides & Insecticides
That pesticides and insecticides are being widely used today in crop production is an understatement. But many of these chemicals are known toxins and may have serious health and environmental consequences. Many pesticides are actually classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as carcinogens, but they continue to be used on a large scale.
Why worry so much about pesticides? Besides causing tumor growth, pesticides could affect your nervous system, hormone system and immune system in harmful ways. Pesticides have also been found to interfere with reproductive ability.
Children are especially at risk from the damaging effects of these chemicals. Research studies have shown that higher instances of brain cancer, leukemia and birth defects occur in children who are exposed to pesticides at an early age.
You may be unaware of the risk that pesticides and insecticides pose to you when you buy produce at the local grocery store. After all, you can’t see, smell, or in most cases, even taste these harmful chemicals. However, those in the farming community that have direct exposure could be all too aware of the devastating effects of pesticides. Many are coming forward with stories about illness and disease.
Though your exposure to pesticides is considerably less than those working on the front lines, you are still at risk. Why not take a moment to consider the impact chemicals have on other people who work to get produce to the store so that it is available for you to buy?
Last, but certainly not least, pesticides are now known to pollute almost every lake, river and stream, endangering wildlife and water resources.

Organic vs. Conventional Farming
The use of the word “organic” when talking about farming has traditionally meant the adoption of certain practices. Organic farming uses natural fertilizers like manure and compost to feed soil and plants. Conventional farming uses chemical fertilizers to encourage plant growth. Organic farmers will use beneficial insects, birds, mating disruption and traps to reduce pests and disease. Conventional farmers spray insecticides to control pests and disease. Organic farmers rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to control weeds. Conventional farmers use chemical herbicides to control weeds.
Organic farmers give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. They also use preventative measures like rotating grazing fields, feeding a balanced diet and maintaining clean housing to prevent disease. Conventional farmers give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and encourage growth.

Should You Buy Organic?
There are many factors that can influence your decision to buy — or not buy — organic food. Let’s take a look at some of these.

Nutritional Value
Many people feel that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), even though it offers the organic certification program, won’t get involved in claiming that organic products are safer or more nutritious. What is known is that pesticides and insecticides can be harmful to your health.

Quality & Appearance
Organic foods have to meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods. The difference, as was just mentioned, involve the way that foods are produced, processed and handled. Some say that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster because they aren’t treated with waxes or preservatives. On the other hand, these waxes and preservatives are not exactly adding healthy nutrients to your diet.
Detractors for organic produce might mention the less-than-perfect appearance of some organic produce: odd shapes, varying colors and, perhaps, smaller sizes can be common occurrences. In most cases, however, these cosmetic blemishes have no effect on the nutritional value of organic fruits and vegetables.

Environment
Some people buy organic food for environmental reasons. Organic-farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil. Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce, soil, water and plants as the chemicals become airborne and spread.

Cost
Organic food can cost you more than conventional food products do. You have to weigh the possible health benefits against the extra cost and decide if it is worth it to you to buy organic.

Taste
Many people can taste a difference between organic and nonorganic food. Even though taste is a subjective and personal consideration, it may be an important one for you when deciding whether to buy organic. Remember that fruits and vegetables that are in season will have the freshest and most intense flavors.

All Labels Are Not What They Seem
If and when you do decide to buy organic and spend the extra money, you are no doubt expecting that that is precisely what you are getting — organic food that was grown and processed without chemical pesticides, fertilizers or additives. Unfortunately, many companies are now trying to cash in on the term “organic,” realizing that shoppers will pay more when they see this word.
For example, a lot of fish are now being sold as organic, but Consumer Reports says that seafood has no existing rules or standards when it comes to labeling. There is nothing to distinguish a fillet that is labeled organic from one that is not. Clearly, some companies are using the word “organic” for the purposes of charging shoppers more. The same goes for fruits and vegetables. Organic does not necessarily mean what you think it means.

Look for “Certified” Organic Products
In the organic-food business, debate about proper labeling has lasted years. In the 1990s, when organic farming exploded in the U.S., the USDA implemented standards that food has to meet in order to be called organic. One year later, though, it permitted nearly 40 ingredients — all of them synthetic and not very natural — that could be in food that was still called organic. Many in the organic industry opposed this and are still fighting it to this day.
When you are shopping, be sure to look for products that have the USDA organic label. This label means that a product has passed all requirements in the organic-certification program.
Strict government standards regulate how organic foods are grown, handled and processed. If a food has a USDA organic seal, it means that at least 95% of its ingredients are organically produced. Depending on the number of ingredients, a product can be labeled as:
• 100% organic: products that are completely organic and are made of all-organic ingredients
• Organic: products that are at least 95% organic
• Made with organic ingredients: products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients (the organic seal cannot be used on these packages)
Beyond these three labels, there is a bewildering amount of terms that are meant to confuse and perhaps dupe you into buying more “natural” products without the benefit of true organics. If you’ve made up your mind to try to buy organic, it’s time to take a look at foods category by category and see where you can get the most for your money — and your health!

Buying Organic Produce
Fruits and vegetables may be labeled as “organically grown.” This is an unregulated term, and it is not the same as certified organic. It implies that a company and farming organization is following the regulations for growing organic produce, but without monitoring from the USDA, there is no proof that these practices are in fact being followed.
“Beyond organic,” however, is a label that you can probably trust. It is used by farmers who consider USDA certification too pricey or unreliable. They are go-it-alone types who have created this label to show that they abide by organic standards and ethical growing. You can usually believe this label, as its guidelines are often stricter than government legislations are.
Is it worth it to buy organic produce? Here are some statistics to consider. A recent article in Business Week cited the USDA’s findings on pesticide levels in some common fruits. Peaches were highest on the list, with 98% showing evidence of at least one pesticide. Other fruits with high residue levels were apples, pears and strawberries.3

sign up for the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin.
Visit:
http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/
100% Free Sign Up Online Now For NEWSLETTER
Visit:
http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/ads/dhpart/

Total Views: 86Word Count: 1644See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Health Articles

1. How Prp Therapy Helps Heal Venous And Arterial Ulcers
Author: Dr Sundhar

2. Colonoscopy Screening In Chennai: Protect Your Colon Health
Author: Dr Sundhar

3. A Quick Guide To Surgical Instruments For Infiltration Liposuction
Author: alixsteve

4. Discover The Best Hearing Aid In Pune With Hearzap – Your Gateway To Better Hearing
Author: Leeladevi

5. Enhance Your Hearing With The Best Hearing Aid In Coimbatore – Choose Hearzap
Author: Leeladevi

6. Hearing Aid In Navi Mumbai – Find The Right Hearing Solution With Hearzap
Author: Leeladevi

7. Natural Healing: Turmeric & Ghee For Fissures
Author: tech564

8. Jamun Fruit: The Tangy Superfruit With Surprising Health Benefits
Author: tech564

9. Main Advantages Of Patient Caretaker Services For Elders
Author: Care 24U

10. Top Tips To Choose The Best Doctor For Pregnancy In Mumbai
Author: thar womens hospital

11. 24/7 Medical Billing Services Launches Exclusive Offer: Free Credentialing For First 10 Payers For All New Clients
Author: Charlie Robinson

12. A Complete Guide To The Best Oncologist In Mumbai For Breast Cancer Treatment
Author: Anil Cancer Clinic

13. Top 4 Ways Dr Ranjit Jagtap Daughter Is Redefining Women's Leadership
Author: Dr Ranjit

14. Understanding Rules, Services, And Safe Practices For Home Massage Dubai
Author: Ninjawrites

15. Find Balance Og Healing Hos Umagamdrup Psykoterapeut I København
Author: umagamdrup

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: