Go organic or not?
Monday, May 7, 2007
Here's the word from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: No broad-based scientific evidence has declared organic food more healthful than conventional food, according to governmental regulatory agencies and even expert advocates of organic food.
The American Dietetic Association's stance is: "Although organic foods generally are grown with lower levels of pesticides, no scientific evidence shows that these foods are healthier or safer than conventionally grown foods."
The American Dietetic Association's stance is: "Although organic foods generally are grown with lower levels of pesticides, no scientific evidence shows that these foods are healthier or safer than conventionally grown foods."
The Organic Trade Council agrees. "There is no conclusive evidence at this time to suggest that organically produced foods are more nutritious," documents from the council say. "Rather, organic foods and fiber are spared the application of toxic and persistent insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers."
"Everyone approaches this from where they make their living or from their philosophy on what they feel is the right answer," says Millie Mattfeldt-Beman, head of nutrition studies at St. Louis University.
Nutrition
Regardless of whether you eat conventional or organic, if you eat more fruits and vegetables and watch portion sizes, you'll be healthier, says Connie Diekman, head of nutrition for Washington University and president-elect of the American Dietetic Association.
Consumers spent $13.8 billion on organic food in 2005, says a study at the University of California at Davis. And sales have been growing by about 20 percent a year.
"Everyone approaches this from where they make their living or from their philosophy on what they feel is the right answer," says Millie Mattfeldt-Beman, head of nutrition studies at St. Louis University.
Nutrition
Regardless of whether you eat conventional or organic, if you eat more fruits and vegetables and watch portion sizes, you'll be healthier, says Connie Diekman, head of nutrition for Washington University and president-elect of the American Dietetic Association.
Consumers spent $13.8 billion on organic food in 2005, says a study at the University of California at Davis. And sales have been growing by about 20 percent a year.
Labels: Ideas, Organic Food, Products
