One of the latest trends in food and drink is a move toward organic food. Most people have heard the term, yet don't fully understand what the advantages of organic food are.
When most people think of organic foods, they usually think of vegetables and dairy products. However, organics also include wine, beverages (coffee, tea, juices, wine etc.), meats, soups and more.
Most organic consumers would tell you that a food is organic if no pesticides were used to produce it, no artifical flavors or colors have been added to it, and it hasn't been "processed" in any way. A more complete definition of Organic Food also means that the food has been produced in a manner that promotes ecological balance. This means it helps promote an environment far more likely to produce healthy plants and animals that are naturally resistant to pests and illness.
It should be noted that limited pesticides can be used by organic farmers under strict supervision. However, the pesticides are naturally derived and aren't "persistent." This means that those used under organic standards are rapidly broken down by either oxygen or sunlight.
There is an increasing amount of evidence that organic foods also contain more nutrients than those produced using methods barred by organic standards. Vitamin C, magnesium, iron and phosphorous have been specifically identified in studies to date.
Many people believe organic food simply tastes better. They point out that organic food is not forced to ripen out of season, and organic meat comes from animals that were only given organic feed and raised in less stressful environments.
Other benefits includes the reduction in annual environmental impact caused by pesticides. This includes harm to animals, birds, reptiles and more. Obviously, our water supply is also a major benefactor from any reduction in the amount of chemicals released into our environment. In the past, a shockingly large percentage of chemicals approved for use in agriculture were later found to be carcinogenic. Also, these harmful chemicals have to be cleaned up after their negative impact is finally discovered, and this is extremely expensive and often funded by taxpayers.
So, in general, organic foods taste better, are healthier for you and your environment, and they actually cost less in the long run than foods that do not adhere to organic standards. Most supermarkets will at least have some kind of organic foods, such as eggs, milk, carrots or apples. Give them a try!
For more information about organic food:
Organic Trade Association
USDA's national organic program
Organic Grocers:
Whole Foods
Wild Oats
