Organic Foods

In a society that is concerned with being active and healthy, there are a variety of “health foods” available at the grocery store. With all the fancy labels and claims of being “lower in calories” or “fat free” it can be confusing which of these foods are healthiest. The answer can be found most obviously in the produce section. Organic foods offer an alternative to conventional products. Produce, meats, and a variety of other products grown organically are available at most grocery stores. With this in mind, there are many benefits from choosing an organic lifestyle. Primarily, these foods harbor considerably fewer amounts of pesticides, additives, processing aids, and a variety of other unnatural chemicals. Organic products also benefit …show more content…
The organically grown products are rich in vitamins and minerals that their chemically grown opponents lack. “A study out of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom reported that organic produce boasted up to 40 percent higher levels of some nutrients (including vitamin C, zinc and iron) than its conventional counterparts” (Lippert, 2009, para. 2). The human body craves these nutrients that result in healthier lifestyles. Vitamin C protects the body from illness, helps heal wounds, and prevents bleeding through small blood vessels called capillaries. Similarly, zinc and iron are essential minerals the body uses to boost the immune system and help in new blood cell development. Addition results claim that “…organically grown berries and corn contained 58 percent more polyphenols—antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease—and up to 52 percent higher levels of vitamin C than those conventionally grown” (Lippert, 2009, para. 2). These studies’ results have shown that leaving chemicals and supplements out of the growing process results in healthier and more nutrient rich foods, but why? Alyson Mitchell, Ph.D., an associate professor of food science and technology at the University of California, Davis explains how growing crops naturally results in these findings. Mitchell states that “with organic methods, the nitrogen present in composted soil is released slowly and …show more content…
They limit exposure with harmful chemicals such as pesticides, preservatives, and other unnatural additives. Growing practices are safer for environments, in addition to being safer for animals. Furthermore, organically grown products offer higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants that the human body craves and needs for a healthier way of life. While some people may argue that organic growing practices are too expensive, there are individuals and programs willing to assist people with living healthy lifestyles. Having the option to consume chemical free, environmentally friendly, and nutrient rich foods can truly make all the difference now and years to