Pamphlet 2

8 Conclusion

Healthy

Balanced diet Tasty Omega-3

Organic food have become the daily necessities to many people, concerning their health and safety. It is wise for us to choose food carefully before buying. The appearance of organic food has also increased the awareness of people on notifying the nutrition value of food rather than the taste. Anyway, most evidences show that organic food is healthier and safer to eat. The organic farming skills can also contribute to the sustainable development and protection of the environment. Next time when you buy some vegetables, do not hesitate to buy some organic ones, or at least try to pick some with holes on them!

Links for reference


Organic Consumers Association
Organic & Quality Foods
USDA

Related topics:

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Fresh Delicious Green food

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About the pamphlet

Arguments on organic function

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The food production and style of dining has changed a lot since the 19th century.

Although lots of researches and information showed that organic product is more

As people started to concern the quality of food, the term “organic food” was first

nutritious than inorganic ones, but some still argues on this point with other sound

introduced in the 1950s. Nowadays you can easily find organic agricultural

evidence.  No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food. And the USDA

products in various shops. The topic of this pamphlet is called “Is organic food more nutritious?”, which is a popular doubt among lots of customers worldwide. We will discover and

--- even though it certifies organic food — doesn't claim that

introduce “organic food” in-depth in this pamphlet.

these products are safer or more nutritious.  Some experts explain that the dramatic changes in nutrition value may due to the improvement in weather and soil

Introduction to Organic food

The production of organic food is in a sustainable manner. They are produced according to certain production standards. For crops, it means they were grown without using artificial

condition.  The experiments carried out are not qualified and the results may be affected or disrupted, thus become inaccurate.

fertilizer. For animals, it means they were reared without We can find organic products easily.

using growing hormones. Also, organic products must not be genetically modified.

Buying Tips

We have known that dining with organic food can give a hand to sustainable

Origin of Organic Food

Modern agriculture have large amounts of chemical inputs

development, as well as improving our environment and food quality.  Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality.

and intensive farming methods. Indeed, it is obvious that almost the entire history of agriculture consists of what

 Read food labels carefully.  Don't confuse natural foods with organic foods. Ask if you are not sure.

would be now termed "organic farming", as in previous Crops were naturally centuries there was no technology to modify natural food. Produced in the past.

 If you're concerned about pesticides, peel your fruits and vegetables and trim

 Certification bodies are responsible for verifying farmers and manufacturers to meet the standard. CitySuper --- one of the biggest chain stores in Hong Kong --- sells different organic products. 

Enrichment

outer leaves of leafy vegetables in addition to washing them thoroughly

Comparison between organic and inorganic food (II)

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Vitamin / Minerals

Places that plants organic food

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United States

We take in lots of nutrients from our daily meals. It is useful for metabolism and body activities. Reported in the Journal of Applied Nutrition, organic fruits

Austria Italy The United Kingdom

contains more vitamin and minerals, even a double compared

Poland

to non-organic ones.

Cuba

Organic-produced corn, peaches and pears contain 60% more ascorbic acid than non-organic ones. Monitoring the organic products, the USDA admits that

Some organizations monitoring organic food

Pros of Organic Food

not enough evidence shows that organic food is more

Organic food became more popular as it has lots of advantages compared to

nutritious than non-organic food.

inorganic food: Organic farming lowers water pollution and builds soil fertility.  You cut down on the chemical load that you take in

Some experts says the dramatic differences in nutrition value are not directly caused by organic farming.

 The food reaches you in a natural state with its nutrient content intact.



Other useful chemical compounds

 A research from America found that kiwi foods produced by organic methods contain more mineral sources, 14 % more Vitamin C and 17% more polyphenol, which can control the amount of cholesterol inside our bodies.  A research in U.K shows that milk produced by organic methods

 Organic food is often fresher than non-organic food

Cons of Organic Food

 They are more expensive.  Organic products must be thoroughly washed because it may be contaminated

contains 50% more Vitamin E, 75% more beta carotene, which will be converted to Vitamin A in our body, and higher concentration

by animal fertilizer.  Organic products are also not always available.  Require a longer time to produce fewer products

of omega-3 fatty acid, which is important for brain functioning.

 It requires a lot of labour force and raises the production cost heavily.

 Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic fruit and vegetables compared with conventionally grown products.

Comparison between organic and inorganic food (I) Further discoveries in organic products Pesticides and artificial fertilizers

The sale of organic food accounts for only 1% of the total food sales worldwide, and the market is still growing rapidly. The reason is that organic food is classified as more healthy and safe to eat. Organic food has some advantages as well: (1) Organic fruits taste sweeter than non-organic ones (2) they are more fresh as they are delivered locally (3) they cause no harm to the environment.



Pesticides and artificial fertilizers are harmful to Human bodies. Researches pointed out that they will cause long-term diseases such as cancer. A study published in 2002 claimed that organic foods have one-third pesticides of conventionally grown foods. Meat produced organically has more nutrients, and the meat has lower content in hormone and endocrine.

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Taste

Classification of Organic food

 Actually some people claim they can classify organic food. They describe the taste as “fresher” and “sweeter”

Processed organic food usually contains only organic ingredients, or where there are a number of ingredients, at least a minimum percentage of the plant and animal ingredients must be organic. Labels of “organic products” are shown on the packaging on the organic products.

for organic ones. Can you classify which Apple is the organic one?

Most customers are willing to buy organic products directly in the farm. This can ensure that they are fresh and organic. Appearance

The word “organic” becomes the selling point of agricultural products. It is estimated that 20% of the worldwide food consumption will be supplied by organic products in 2050.

But is organic food so nutritious? Does it bring only advantages to us?

 Taste heavily depends on personal feeling. There are still disputes going on.



Organic foods meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods. Both are safe to eat. You may find that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster because they aren't treated with waxes or preservatives Also, expect less-than-perfect appearances in some organic products, such as smaller in size, with worm holes on it, etc.

Most organic products may have holes on it. It shows that the vegi is free from fertilizers.