Organic foods, those produced with little or no exposure to synthetic substances, have become a popular alternative to conventional produce, grain, meat and dairy products. More research needs to be done before any health benefits associated with organic foods can be confirmed, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the natural methods used to produce organic products make them an attractive option for many consumers.
Features
Organic food producers employ practices that promote environmental conservation and reduce pollution. Organic farmers avoid the use of most pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Organic farmers who raise livestock feed the animals organic food, do not give them antibiotics or growth hormones and allow them to have access to the outdoors. Organic farmers rely on natural fertilizers, beneficial insects and birds, crop rotation, rotational grazing and other natural methods of reducing pests and promoting the health of plants and animals.
Identification
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sets standards that certified organic products must meet. You can identify organic foods by the USDA Organic Seal that appears on, or on a sign near, certified products. Only products that are at least 95 percent organic may contain the USDA Organic Seal. If a product contains the phrase “Made with Organic Ingredients,” it is made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients, according to the USDA. Products containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients only list the organic ingredients in the ingredient list.
Benefits
If you are concerned about being exposed to the chemicals, antibiotics and hormones that are typically used to grow produce and raise livestock, organic foods can give you peace of mind. When you purchase organic products, you are supporting farming practices that focus on water and soil conservation and other environmentally friendly methods of food production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the limited research that has been done on organically grown foods has shown that they contain slightly higher levels of trace minerals, vitamin C and antioxidants than non-organic foods.
Drawbacks
Organic food production methods are more expensive for farmers, and the cost is passed on to the consumer, according to the Mayo Clinic. For this reason, organic foods typically cost more than non-organic products. Organic farmers do not use waxes, preservatives or unnatural means of producing large, attractive produce. This means that some organic produce may look less attractive than conventional produce, and it might also spoil faster. While the USDA certifies organic products, it does not claim that organic foods are a better choice than non-organic foods, and evidence has not conclusively shown that organic food is more nutritious, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Warning
If buying organic foods is important to you, make sure you read and understand the labels of the products you purchase. Some product labels may contain phrases such as "natural" or "hormone-free," but you should check for the USDA Organic Seal to make sure the product is truly organic, warns the Mayo Clinic.
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