The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established strict regulations for certifying organic foods. Organic foods must not only be grown but also handled and processed in accordance with USDA organic standards. With the extra cost and regulations, the decision to buy organic foods often rests with whether they truly are healthier. Discovering the true health benefits of organic foods can help your heart as well as your in-store decision-making.
Definition of Organic
Organic food can be labeled either "100 percent organic" or just "organic." If a food is completely organic or made of completely organic ingredients, it can be labeled "100 percent organic." Foods labeled "organic" need to be at least 95 percent organic. Organic foods are grown with natural fertilizers instead of the chemical fertilizers used in conventional food growth.
Fruits and Vegetables
According to the American Chemical Society, organically grown food contains a higher amount of antioxidants than conventionally grown food, and antioxidants are considered to be cancer-fighting chemicals. ACS research shows that it is possible that the chemicals contained in pesticides and herbicides could hinder the development of these antioxidants in conventionally grown foods. The ACS found that the level of antioxidants in organically grown food was 50 percent to 58 percent higher than in conventional food.
Meats
Grass-fed organic beef has lower saturated fat content than conventional grain-fed beef, according to Natural-Health-Guide.com. Additionally, it might have a greater amount of omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E than conventional beef. Organic beef contains a high amounts of conjugated linoleic acid, which reduces animal fat and cholesterol. Chicken and other meats are reported to be leaner and possibly more flavorful than conventional versions. Overall, organic meats are exposed to less chemicals than conventional meats.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com asserts that overall it is still unknown if organic food are truly more superior in health benefits than conventional food. However, it is true that some organic foods do not have the chemical exposure of conventionally grown foods. Two lists created by the Environmental Working Group, an organization of scientists, researchers and policymakers, show the fruits and vegetables with the highest chemical exposure rating. "The Dirty Dozen" are the produce with the highest chemical exposure rating and "The Clean 15" are those with the lowest rating. Though some foods might be more beneficial in organic form, this is not necessarily the case with all.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?
- Organic Consumers Association: Report Confirms More Health Benefits of Organic Food
- Natural Health Guide: The Benefits of Organic Grass Fed Beef
- American Culinary Federation: Purely Organic
- Organic. It's Worth It.: Animal Health and Welfare
- The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 of Produce
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