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What Are the Benefits of an Organic Diet?
by Dr. David L. Wick, D.C.
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I am both excited and intrigued by the growing number of certified organic products appearing in supermarkets and natural food stores everywhere, but what are the benefits of eating organic foods?
One of the primary considerations in eating organically-raised foods is the quality of crop production. Organic crops are produced without potentially harmful chemicals such as pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and sewage sludge. Organic crops are also produced without ionizing radiation or bioengineering, two relatively new processes that raise the eyebrows of many concerned about nutritional health.
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While the USDA does not assert that organically produced foods are safer or more nutritious than conventionally raised foods, some studies have shown significant differences in the nutritional contents of organic versus commercial foods. Consider this table compiling research by Rutgers University:
Key nutrients are found in greater amounts in those foods grown organically.
It is important for consumers desiring organic foods to better understand how to identify what they are looking for. First, "natural" and "organic" are not interchangeable. It is possible for a product to be "natural" without being organically produced. Only food labeled "organic" has passed the USDA certification as meeting its organic standards. While the USDA set regulations regarding use of the use of "organic" and the USDA organic seal, the label "organic" may still be used in a wide variety of conditions that do not mean 100% organic ingredients.
Foods with more than one ingredient may be a little confusing in their descriptions. Here is the explanation the USDA offers regarding terminology and percent of organic ingredients:
The sample cereal boxes show the four labeling categories. From left: cereal with 100 percent organic ingredients; cereal with 95-100 percent organic ingredients; cereal made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients; and cereal with less than 70 percent organic ingredients. Products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients may list specific organically produced ingredients on the side panel of the package, but may not make any organic claims on the front of the package. Look for the name and address of the Government-approved certifier on all packaged products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.
I remind you that junk food, organic or otherwise, is still junk food. Many foods are being produced that have little nutritional quality but still qualify for organic labeling. These may be "healthier" junk foods, but they're still not going to contribute to the healthiest diet.
Organic foods may provide consumers with more nutritious and less chemically-altered food alternatives to those foods produced commercially. While consumers will pay more for organic foods, it is likely that they are also getting significantly more for their money. This is the primary benefit of looking for the organic label or seal.
For more information about the USDA's organic guidelines, visit their website.
©Copyright 2005 Dr. David L. Wick, D.C. All rights reserved.
This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness. Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor of chiropractic or other licensed health care professional. Please use this article for informational purposes only. This information does not replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare provider.
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