Organic Vs. Inorganic Foods
Heather Ransdell
DeVry University

Organic Vs. Industrial Foods Industrial foods contain pesticides that can lead to many health problems, and in choosing to buy organic foods will help prevent those health problems in the future. In a local grocery store, there are many food choices, and this can lead to confusion on which choice is the healthiest. When looking in the produce section, there are labels saying organic or natural, as well as others that just state what the item is. When reading the ingredients of pre-packaged food, there are so many extra substances added into it, and some of the ingredients cannot even be pronounced! Pesticides on industrial foods can lead to health problems in children and are harmful to animals and land, whereas organic foods are high in nutrients and create a healthy lifestyle for all. Researchers at the University of California found 58% more antioxidants in organically grown berries and corn than that of conventionally grown crops(www.eatingwell.com). According to this study, insecticides and herbicides reduce the amount of nutrients found in food. Researchers have also found that exposure to even low levels of pesticides during early brain development has the potential to cause permanent changes in behavior, often resulting in hyperactivity. Health experts have long debated whether organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods. Organic farmers use natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants, and rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds, and typically produce less wasted and use less energy. They also give animals organic feed and allow them access to outdoors, as well as using preventive measures such as grazing, a balanced diet, and clean housing to minimize diseases. The process of organic farming is also good for the overall environment. However, if a farmer says no to chemicals and pesticides, he runs the risk of losing a harvest due to pests, and if he does not feed hormones, his animals grow slower and can cost more. The way they compensate this cost is a higher consumer price for the organic food. Industrial farming uses chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth and use synthetic herbicides to manage weeds, and can help to control contamination with potentially dangerous toxins and bacteria. Animals are given antibiotics, growth hormones, and medications to prevent diseases and spur growth. The synthetic pesticides used in the food production process can be harmful to the local wildlife, and can cause permanent damage to the land, making it less fertile. The farmer’s investment in pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals usually pays off. Although nutrient levels in organic foods tend to be a higher percentage than that of inorganic foods, they can vary considerably, whereas inorganic foods contain standardized levels of nutrients in the same foods. There is no conclusive evidence on whether or not levels of pesticide residue on industrial produce are high enough to be harmful. They want you to believe the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables in general far outweigh any potential health risks. You can reduce your pesticide exposure for conventional fruits and vegetables by washing and peeling them. Levels of antioxidants in organic milk are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Some organic vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, and onions have between 20% and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods (www.organicconsumers.org). Organic foods also contain a higher level of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron that are depleted in foods grown on pesticide and nitrate