Comparative Analysis- Eating organic vs non organic

Do  you ever hear people say “I only eat organic” and not understand what “organic” is? Is it just another food trend that your friend  currently swears by? According to the website of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic foods are “produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.” With the emergence of social media, and the promotion of wellness lifestyles on social media, healthy living and diet food fads are at the epicenter of our focus. Social media influencers will continuously preach what they believe are “healthy” recipes, thoughts and updates about their new diets when most of their information is derived from non credible sources and often false. However, when the organic diet is explored and researched in comparison to a non organic diet, there is an overwhelming amount of information and evidence that it is not only beneficial to you, but can be beneficial to society as a whole.

There are many benefits to eating an organic diet and buying non processed foods . Firstly, a non organic diet which includes the consumption of pesticides and antibiotics exposes the system to certain chemicals which cause the immune system to weaken. Second, when a diet consists of a large amount of processed foods, the sugars and other artificial ingredients can effect certain behaviors and development in pregnant women and infants. Third, organic foods are grown and produced in an eco friendly manner which is proven to be beneficial to the environment. Lastly, contrary to popular belief, organic food is cheaper at various health food stores and locations.

The absence of harmful antibiotics is one of the leading benefits of eating organic produce, meats, dairy and products. According to a study conducted by organic-center.org, the problem with antibiotics originally started with the overuse of antibiotics to fight off bacterial infections. Once the antibiotics were overused, antibiotic resistant bacterias developed in our immune systems and were able to combat antibiotics that are actually supposed to make us feel better. As a result, it was reported that antibiotic  resistance causes 23,000 deaths a year. Similarly, with the rise in antibiotic treatments in livestock and produce, our systems are even more exposed to harmful antibiotics then ever before.  On the other hand, organic produce and livestock is treated with organic treatments that are devoid of harmful chemicals and are all natural. Therefore, it is proven that eating organic products leads to less of a consumption of harmful products and pesticides.

To distinguish if a product is pesticide free, organic, or free of any chemicals and antibiotics check the packaging for the symbols presented above.

The organic diet is the diet our bodies were originally meant to follow, the diet of the hunter gatherers. This diet is better knows as the “Paleo Diet”. During the Paleolithic Era, there was no such thing as processed foods and snacks, only naturally derived food sources such as meat, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables free of chemicals.

The pyramids depicted above illustrate two diets that are recommended. The first pyramid outlines the USDA’s diet recommendation while the second pyramid illustrates the Paleo Diet recommendation. The clear difference between the two diets is that the Paleo Diet cuts out all sugars, dairy and carbohydrates that were not included in the hunter gatherer diet but also have potential to become heavily processed.  Pure and natural foods free of chemicals, dairy, sugars and certain carbohydrates all fall into an organic diet which our bodies  are meant to follow. In a book called A Conversation About Healthy Eating, a discussion about processed foods is documented and  explains why naturally derived foods are better for our development as well as behaviors. For example, when foods are pumped with artificial sweeteners and loads of sugar, our cells are not able to process those chemicals and lead to a breakdown in the bacterias of our gut which can lead to weight gain and diabetes. Additives that are meant to keep foods from growing and to keep them colored also can cause the bacterias in our gut to breakdown. The book then goes on to discuss how processed foods contain certain pesticides that when ingested by pregnant women or infants, can cause conditions such as ADHD or lower IQ’s. Therefore, the book recommends that pregnant women and women with younger children should eat and feed their children organic products and foods.

Not only is organic food and organic production beneficial to the human system, but it’s also beneficial to the environment. According to an article published by the Washington Post, the soil that is used to farm organic produce has a dramatically less amount of chemicals, if not any, then soil that is used to farm non organic produce. When non organic produce is farmed, pesticides and antibiotics are tilled in the soil and are emanated into the atmosphere. Organically tilled soil also uses less energy and is more fertilized (more profitable).

In the chart depicted above, the USDA records how farmers who farm organically make a larger profit because they spend less on chemicals and other harmful fertilizers. Therefore, not only is organic farming and produce more profitable to farmers, but is also better for the environment.

There is a common perception that healthier food, specifically organic food, is more expensive then non organic food. However, according to an article published by Huffpost, there of many stores and locations that offer discounted prices for organic foods.

The logos depicted above are two of many stores that offer organic produce and products at an affordable price. These chains are located in major cities all around the country. These stores and markets can also be found in thousands of suburban areas because they are large chains.  These chains are specifically targeted to supply customers with affordable as well as healthy alternatives.

In the chart depicted above, the USDA provides an account of how the organic food industry sales are growing yearly. Specifically fruits and vegetables which are becoming more affordable due to less usage of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Another common way to obtain cheaper organic produce and products is to shop locally and support local farmers. Not only does this benefit the local economy but is at times the only option for some people who do not live in centralized suburban areas. By visiting farmers markets and local farms, people are able to buy organic, pesticide and antibiotic free products at a lower price.

In conclusion, there are many reasons to eat organic and follow an organic lifestyle. Not only are there organic foods but there is also many organic products to use such as makeup, detergent, deodorant, soaps as well as many other useful products. What we put into our bodies is extremely important. It can affect the environment, the way we look, the way we behave and the way we feel. When following Instagram and Twitter influencers , remember they are not doctors and do not know the real facts. Evidence and research are the most important when choosing a lifestyle that works for you and your environment.

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