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Page 10 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com What's the difference between organic foods and conventional foods? Which should you buy? What does it mean to eat organic foods? Opinions vary so let's gain a basic understanding of the topic. Organic foods are grown and raised with more natural farming methods and food processing techniques, including more natural herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and animal living conditions, etc. There are strict regulations on organic foods and products with the National Organic Standards Board, The National Organic Program, and the USDA setting the standards. From USDA.gov: "USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible." The substances below are generally prohibited in organic products: • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) • Synthetic substances • Nonagricultural substances • Ionizing radiation • Sewage sludge • Antibiotics • Hormones • Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors Some natural substances that are toxic are prohibited as well, such as strychnine and arsenic. However, some synthetic substances are allowed, such as pheromones and vaccines. In addition, in order to be labeled organic, no prohibited substances may be applied on the soil within the past 3 years. Processed, organic foods are allowed to contain some approved, non- agricultural ingredients like enzymes, pectin, or baking soda. "Made with organic", processed, multi-ingredient products are their own category with their own stipulations. They must contain at least 70% organic ingredients and cannot bear the USDA By Collin Gow, C.N.C. organic seal. In regards to animals, it is required that they are raised in accordance with more natural living conditions. For instance, they must be fed 100% organic feed and forage and be allowed natural behaviors, like grazing on pasture. Concerns over the pricing of organic foods and skepticism over their benefits have led some consumers in the past to not purchase organic products. However, I contend that eating organic is healthier for people, animals, and the planet. Synthetic chemicals pollute waterways and the environment at large. Synthetic pesticides have been shown to be neurotoxic and endocrine disruptors. Eating organically versus conventionally has been shown to reduce urinary pesticide excretion, meaning, eating organic foods reduces the amount of pesticides in one's diet and body. However, according to the researchers referenced that found this, there is insufficient evidence to show relevant and meaningful health outcomes. According to another study called the NutriNet-Santé Prospective Cohort study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Internal Medicine, "high organic food scores were inversely associated with the overall risk of cancer". This means that eating organic food was associated with a reduced risk of cancer. However, other studies have not shown clear benefits. Lastly, a systematic review on organic versus conventional food consumption published in the journal Nutrients stated, "Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitization, otitis media, pre- eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma." As far as pricing of organic goes, perhaps it is best to think about whether one prefers to pay now or maybe end up paying a doctor's bill later. If one wishes to save money in the short term however, eating more fruits and vegetables and less animal products may help, as healthy produce is almost always cheaper than healthy animal foods. In addition, one can just choose to only buy organic foods if they are on the "dirty dozen" list and buy the rest of their food needs from conventional sources. If it were me, though, I would buy all organic whenever possible. Eating Organic vs Conventional Foods