Organic foods grow without using any pesticides, genetically modified organisms, petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage-sludge-based fertilizers. The term "organic" also includes livestock with access to the outdoors and raised on organic feed without any antibiotics, growth hormones or animal by-products. A growing number of people prefer organic food over conventionally grown food for safety, nutrition and sustainability. Although research comparing the nutrient content of organic and non-organic foods is inconclusive, environmental groups and certain health authorities encourage consumption of organic foods.
Growth Sex Hormones
Farmers of conventionally raised livestock often treat them with growth sex hormones (GSHs) to increase profitability. These hormones, however, may cause a higher risk of vaginal, breast and other form of cancers in humans.
Furthermore, growth sex hormones are implicated in the early onset of puberty in girls. According to a Cornell University study, steroid hormone residues in beef and poultry might lead to breast enlargement in young girls and boys. In fact, the European Union issued a ban on all meat from animals treated with growth sex hormones in 1989. Choosing organic foods without GSHs helps you minimize these risks.
Phytochemicals
Phytonutrients occur naturally in plants and are believed to lower risk of cancer and heart disease. Eating organic produce is an effective strategy for reducing risk of these chronic diseases. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic foods have a higher amount of antioxidant phytonutrients compared to conventionally grown foods
Pregnant Women and Fetuses
Pregnant women and their fetuses may benefit even more from organic foods. During pregnancy, women have weaker immune systems and are more vulnerable to pesticides. Pesticides can also pass from mother to child in the womb and through breast milk, directly adding stress to the developing fetus. Untreated with pesticides, organic foods are much safer options.
Children
Organic foods do not contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings and flavorings, monosodium glutamate, hydrogenated fat and phosphoric acid, all of which are associated with hyperactivity in pre-school children.
Children are also more susceptible to pesticides because their immune systems are still developing.
Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetically modified organisms have had their genetic material altered by having foreign genes forced into their DNA. Farmers of conventionally grown produce sometimes add GMOs to soybean, corn, cottonseed and canola to enhance growth. These GMOs might lead to toxic and allergenic reactions, such as soy allergy. By law, organic growers cannot introduce GMOs into their produce. The Food and Drug Administration warns that GMOs can create new diseases and nutritional problems; avoid these risks by choosing organic foods.
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