Organic is better for the rest of us because supporting the conventional food industry is also supporting the pollution of our water supply with agricultural runoff containing those same pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
The only way to determine is food is organic is by looking for the USDA Organic Seal. Foods may be labeled as natural, hormone free, or free range and not have the necessary qualifications to be certified as organic. USDA’s NOP certification requirements ensure that all products bearing the USDA organic label originate from farms or handling operations that are certified-organic by a program-approved state or private organization. Organically grown foods mean that these organic foods have been grown on land that is absent of any chemicals for a minimum of 3 years.
Pesticides and health effects
Pesticides, antibiotics, and hormone injections are frequently added to crops and cattle, creating many issues and worries in health minded citizens. A National Academy of Sciences study noted that "low-level pesticide exposure can cause serious, developmental risks to infants and children, some with serious lifelong consequences. Pesticide pollution can be driven by rainfall, with contamination of rivers and groundwater occurring from water draining off land or infiltrating to the water table.There's no doubt exposure to high doses of pesticides is hazardous to health: in countless studies, high doses given to laboratory animals have caused birth defects, sterility, tumors, and damaged organs.
University's organic farming programs
Organic food is so hot, you can now major in it. Washington State University, and University of Florida have just started organic farming program. Washington State says its new program reflect the fact that organics are already 2.5% of the market, a number expected to double by 2010. With stores like Wal-Mart and Target newly committing to organics, it may grow faster than that. And now, college grads will be there to meet it.
Studies
Studies show that on average organic food contains more vitamins and minerals than non-organic. Some studies, especially those reported by the organic farming advocate group, the British Soil Association, show that organic produce has a higher content of vitamin C, minerals and anti-oxidants such as flavonols, polyphenols, lycopene and resveratrol. "Recent long-term studies at the Rodale Institute have shown that organic soils are more resistant to both drought and floods, and yields in most products are equal or better in organic.
Conclusion
USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. But if if you want to be sure you don't get any pesticides or hormones in you body, go with organic products. They also taste better.
Matus Kubis
http://www.NurseProblem.com
Source: www.articlecity.com
