Pros and Cons to getting Organic Foods

You have probably heard the words “living foods” and “organic foods” used interchangeably. But technically and practically, they are very different. Living foods refer to a host of raw, uncooked foods rich in vitamins and mineral such as fresh vegetables and fruits while Organic foods refer to foods that are cultivated or processed without the use of fertilizers, insecticides, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, preservatives or other chemical additives.

In 2000, the USDA embellished the definition of organic by telling us how organic food cannot be made, rather than how it can be made, showing that it must be produced without the use of sewer-sludge fertilizers…synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic engineering (biotechnology), growth hormones, irradiation and antibiotics.

They continue by telling us that a variety of agricultural products can be produced organically such as grains, meat, dairy, eggs and “other processed food products.” Now, it is a commendable effort on the part of farmers to move to an organic means of food production, but for all intent and purposes, just because food is labeled “organic” does not mean it is healthy or that you should put it in your body. Making junk food sound healthy is a common marketing ploy in the food industry but organic baked goods, desserts, and snacks are usually still very high in sugar, salt, fat, or calories. It pays to read food labels carefully.

True organic produce is grown in mineral rich soil and composted so that it contains the most natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes. This results in far more nutrition per ounce than their conventionally grown counterparts, which are grown in large corporate farms in ever more depleted soil. Organically grown produce also tends to be tastier than conventional. Try a taste test between an organically grown tomato and a conventionally grown tomato. There is an incredible difference in flavor and the deep red color tends to run all the way through the organic variety. However, some people find significant obstacles to getting the best organic foods:

Organic produce is not always readily available. You may live in an area where natural foods stores or markets are in abundance. Visit them and you will see beautiful, healthy, organic fruits, vegetables, and grains. You are truly blessed if you live near one of these stores, and even more so if you have several in your community with such broad selection! But you may also be one of the thousands of people who live in areas where they don’t have easy access to raw, fresh, organic foods.

Organic food stores are like any other business - they need to make a profit to survive. If you live in an area where the particular demographics show the majority of people have little or no concern for health food or products, and their average buying habits don’t show a propensity for healthy foods, you are not likely to find a good organic produce store in your immediate area. You may have to travel to the nearest city in order to find what you need.

But there are a couple of things you can do. First, if going a longer distance is a problem for you, simply talk to your local grocer about carrying organic foods. Sometimes, grocers will special-order things for their regular customers. If you, and possibly your friend and families, buy your produce regularly, your grocer will likely start to carry the organic produce on a regular basis. You will be helping to create a market for true healthy eating in your community!

Organic produce is not always cost-effective. Whatever your food budget is, you will spend more money on organic foods-at least that’s what your food bill will say at first glance. Your standard, grocery store variety tomato uses the standard technology and methods of producing mass quantities quickly. Most mass production farms use chemical fertilizers and pesticides so that food will grow quickly, last longer and weigh more. Time is money and it is in their best interest to grow as much food as they can in the least amount of time.

But organic food takes time to produce. Organic farmers spend more time tending to the plants, measuring results based on quality rather than quantity. And ultimately, the consumer pays for this kind of care. So, is it worth it? You bet! The vibrant flavors alone are enough reason for many people to prefer organic produce and the assurance of a food supply free of toxic pesticides and chemicals makes it a wise choice, especially for those battling sickness. It takes the stress off your body. Besides, since it tastes better, you’ll want to eat more of it, thereby increasing the quality of your health.

But can you afford this? Here is a simple test to determine if it is cost effective for you to buy organic. First, calculate how much money you spent at the food store on the processed foods you previously bought, including the meats, dairy and other expensive processed foods. Measure how much food you eat during two weeks, for example, when you eat it and journal how you feel before, during, and after you eat. Then, buy only organic foods (fruits, vegetables and grains) and follow the same guidelines. Note how much you spend; journal how much you eat; when you eat it; and how you feel before, during, and after you eat. I think you will find a miracle has occurred!

On the organic diet, you will have eaten less, felt full sooner and longer, and you will have felt better before, during and especially, after you have eaten. Compare your numbers and see if the extra money you spent on organic foods was worth it in terms of your health and your finances.