Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? Show
Discover the difference between organic foods and their traditionally grown counterparts when it comes to nutrition, safety and price. By Mayo Clinic StaffOnce found only in health food stores, organic food is now a common feature at most grocery stores. And that's made a bit of a problem in the produce aisle. For example, you can pick an apple grown with usual (conventional) methods. Or you can pick one that's organic. Both apples are firm, shiny and red. They both provide vitamins and fiber. And neither apple has fat, salt or cholesterol. Which should you choose? Get the facts before you shop. What is organic farming?The word "organic" means the way farmers grow and process farming (agricultural) products. These products include fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products such as milk and cheese, and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to meet the following goals:
Materials or methods not allowed in organic farming include:
Organic crop farming materials or practices may include:
Organic farming practices for farm animals (livestock) include:
Organic or not? Check the labelThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set up an organic certification program that requires all organic food to meet strict government standards. These standards control how such food is grown, handled and processed. Any product labeled as organic on the product description or packaging must be USDA certified. If it's certified, the producer may also use an official USDA Organic seal. The USDA says producers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic food don't need to be certified. These producers must follow the guidelines for organic food production. But they don't need to go through the certification process. They can label their products as organic. But they can't use the official USDA Organic seal. Products certified 95 percent or more organic may display this USDA seal. The USDA guidelines describe organic foods on product labels as:
Does 'organic' mean the same thing as 'natural'?No, "natural" and "organic" are different. Usually, "natural" on a food label means that the product has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. "Natural" on a label doesn't have to do with the methods or materials used to grow the food ingredients. Also be careful not to mix up other common food labels with organic labels. For example, certified organic beef guidelines include pasture access during at least 120 days of grazing season and no growth hormones. But the labels "free-range" or "hormone-free" don't mean a farmer followed all guidelines for organic certification. Organic food: Is it safer or more nutritious?Some data shows possible health benefits of organic foods when compared with foods grown using the usual (conventional) process. These studies have shown differences in the food. But there is limited information to prove how these differences can give potential overall health benefits. Potential benefits include the following:
Are there downsides to buying organic?One common concern with organic food is cost. Organic foods often cost more than similar foods grown using usual (conventional) methods. Higher prices are due, in part, to more costly ways of farming. Food safety tipsWhether you go totally organic or choose to mix conventional and organic foods, keep these tips in mind:
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. Which term applies to foods produced without the use of certain agricultural chemicals?Organic farming is the production of food without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified components. Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free, but the pesticide residues will be considerably lower than those found in produce manufactured with synthetic chemicals.
What term is commonly used to describe foods that are grown with little or no use of synthetic chemicals?Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as human-made pesticides and fertilizers, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic foods include fresh produce, meats, and dairy products as well as processed foods such as crackers, drinks, and frozen meals.
What does the label natural mean on a food product quizlet?The term natural on food labels means. that the food is organically grown. that the food contains no preservatives.
Which of the following nutrients must be obtained from the diet because the body Cannot produce them?Protein is a component of every cell, and your body uses it to build and repair tissues. Protein is made from amino acids, but your body is unable to produce all of them. Dietary protein, therefore, becomes the main source of these essential amino acids.
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