Conclusion

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

~THE END~

Healthy Balanced diet Fresh Delicious Tasty Omega-3 Green food

Related topics:

1 8

About the pamphlet

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

century.

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

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

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

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

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

fertilizer. For animals, it means they were reared without

using growing hormones. Also, organic products must not be

genetically modified.

Origin of Organic Food

Modern agriculture have large amounts of chemical inputs

and intensive farming methods. Indeed, it is obvious that

almost the entire history of agriculture consists of what

would be now termed "organic farming", as in previous

centuries there was no technology to modify natural food.

2

Arguments on organic function

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

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

evidence.

� No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more

nutritious than is conventionally grown food. And the USDA

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

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

condition.

� The experiments carried out are not qualified and the results

may be affected or disrupted, thus become inaccurate.

Buying Tips

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

development, as well as improving our environment and food quality.

� Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality.

� Read food labels carefully.

� Don't confuse natural foods with organic foods. Ask if you are not sure.

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

outer leaves of leafy vegetables in addition to washing them thoroughly

We can find organic products easily.

Crops were naturally Produced in the past.

���� 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

2 7

Comparison between organic and inorganic food (II)

Vitamin / Minerals

�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

contains more vitamin and minerals, even a double compared

to non-organic ones.

�Organic-produced corn, peaches and pears contain 60%

more ascorbic acid than non-organic ones.

�Monitoring the organic products, the USDA admits that

not enough evidence shows that organic food is more

nutritious than non-organic food.

�Some experts says the dramatic differences in nutrition

value are not directly caused by organic farming.

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

contains 50% more Vitamin E, 75% more beta carotene, which will

be converted to Vitamin A in our body, and higher concentration

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

� Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic fruit

and vegetables compared with conventionally grown products.

����

Places that plants organic food

United States

Austria

Italy

The United Kingdom

Poland

Cuba

Pros of Organic Food

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

inorganic food:

�Organic farming lowers water pollution and builds soil fertility.

� You cut down on the chemical load that you take in

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

� 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

by animal fertilizer.

� Organic products are also not always available.

� Require a longer time to produce fewer products

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

3

Some organizations

monitoring organic food

6

Further discoveries in organic products

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.

Classification of Organic food

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.

Most customers are willing to buy organic products directly in the farm. This can

ensure that they are fresh and organic.

But is organic food so nutritious?

Does it bring only advantages to us?

products. It is estimated that 20% of the worldwide food

consumption will be supplied by organic products in 2050.

The word “organic” becomes the selling point of agricultural

Comparison between organic and inorganic food (I)

Pesticides and artificial fertilizers

�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.

Taste

� Actually some people claim they can classify organic

food. They describe the taste as “fresher” and “sweeter”

for organic ones.

� Taste heavily depends on personal feeling. There are

still disputes going on.

Appearance

�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.

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may have holes on it.

It shows that the vegi is free from fertilizers.

Most organic products

Can you classify which Apple is the organic one?