Benefits of Organic Food make up for prices
By Seth D. Torregiani, D.O.
Organic foods have grown in popularity and are widely available throughout Delaware. Most supermarkets now dedicate at least a small section of their stores to organic and natural products, and some specialty grocery stores, such as Trader Joe's and the Newark Natural Foods co-op, feature these products in abundance. Even stores like Wal-Mart and Target have gotten into the act, selling a variety of organic foods. And regionally grown organic produce is available at a number of local farmer's markets.
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, sewage and other toxins. Organic meats come from animals that are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones. In addition, these animals may be allowed to roam free, exercise and graze on open pasture.
Organic products have become popular largely due to the perception that they are healthier than conventionally grown foods. However, they often cost significantly more, and some people question whether the added cost is justified.
In my opinion, the answer is yes. To begin with, several studies have shown that organic products may contain higher levels of nutrients than many of their conventionally grown counterparts. For example, a study by the University of California-Davis found that organically grown tomatoes contained higher levels of phytochemicals (which contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds) and vitamin C than conventionally grown ones. Another study demonstrated that organic corn had antioxidant levels that were nearly 60 percent higher than conventionally grown corn. And organically raised beef, especially grass-fed beef, is higher in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than beef raised conventionally.
The real benefit of organic foods, however, may be in what they don't contain rather than in what they do. Organic fruits and vegetables, as mentioned above, are grown without the use of pesticides, which is likely one of their greatest health benefits. Conventionally grown products can contain pesticide residue, and some active ingredients in pesticides have been implicated in the development of cancer, nervous system diseases and other serious illnesses.
Organic cow's milk is free from a synthetic hormone given to many conventional milk cows called recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rBGH. The hormone may boost milk production, but it also appears to increase the risk of illness in these cows. Cows given rBGH have higher rates of an infection that affects the udder. Such an infection requires antibiotics for treatment, and those can make their way into the milk we drink.
Furthermore, rBGH stimulates the production of a protein called insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1, in cows. This molecule, which is present in both cows and humans, accelerates the growth of cells. Thus, the hormone can be beneficial for rapidly growing infants, but in adults, high IGF-1 levels have been implicated in the development of breast, colon and prostate cancers.
When choosing organic foods, make sure to read labels. A "100 percent organic" label certifies that the food or product contains all organic ingredients. An "organic" label signifies that at least 95 percent of the ingredients are from organic sources. If the product says it is "made with organic products," then at least 70 percent of the ingredients must come from organic sources.
When considering the cost of organic foods, remember that organic farming is more labor-intensive than conventional farming and is done on a smaller scale, plus organic farmers don't receive the federal subsidies that commercial farmers do. If your budget is an issue when it comes to purchasing food, consider buying at least a couple of organic items. Every little bit can make a difference.
Dr. Seth Torregiani is an attending physician at Christiana Care's Center for Integrative Health and maintains a private practice in holistic medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and acupuncture in Newark.
This article originally appeared in The Delaware News Journal on May 6th, 2008
Dr. Seth Torregiani practices osteopathic manipulative medicine, acupuncture and integrative medicine in Newark, DE. He has recently added facial rejuvenation acupuncture to his practice. For more information, call (302) 266-9010 or visit www.dr-seth.com.