Organic Foods are Healthier - Powerpoint Text

Essay by thekingandqueenA-, January 2009

download word file, 2 pages 3.0

What Are Organic Foods?Any food labeled organic must meet a strict set of standards.

Organic farming severely restricts the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs and antibiotics common in intensive livestock farming.

How To Tell If What You Are Buying is OrganicCheck the labelIf it has a USDA Organic seal, then it means that its produced and processed according to the USDA standards and that at least 95% of the food's ingredients are organic producedIf it has wording on the label:100% Organic --> completely organic or made of all organic ingredientsOrganic --> product is at least 95% organicMade with Organic Ingredients --> product contains at least 70% organic ingredients (therefore seal can't be used)Organic MeatsTend to have more omega-3 fatty acids compared to their corn-fed animal counterpartsReduce the risk of coronary heart diseaseAnti-cancer effectsOrganic MilkHigher in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) and certain other antioxidants than non-organic milkOrganic ProduceOn average, has more vitamin C, higher mineral levels, and higher phytonutrients plant compounds that fight cancer than non-organic foodsConventional produce tends to contain more water than organic produce, which tends to dilute the nutrient contentAll Organic ProductsBecause of the standards of organic food:Don't have artificial pesticides or fertilizers (use natural fertilizers such as manure or compost)Over 311 pesticides can be routinely used in non organic farming and therefore, the residues of these pesticides, are present in the non-organic foodPesticides can increase the risk of autism, delay puberty and cause birth defectsDon't contain antibiotic additives (used to speed animal growth) and are linked with bacterial resistance in humans to the same or related antibioticsAlso related to asthma, heart disease, and immune system suppressionWhat Foods Are Most Important to Eat OrganicallyFruits and vegetables, especially strawberries, apples, pears, and bananas...