Are Organic Foods healthier than other Store-bought Foods?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's definition of organic is “food produced without using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, bioengineering and radiation.” The department's 2002 census said 11,998 farms, nationwide, were producing organic foods.

A recent four-year British study found organic food more nutritious than ordinary produce and might lengthen lifespans. The study said organic fruit and vegetables could contain as much as 40 percent more antioxidants which could help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Some government ministers took issue with the findings and said there were no significant differences between the two types of food.

I did some homework and found Ruth Kava, director of nutrition at the American Council on Science and Health, said there was no evidence of organic products being healthier than other products and thought much of the trend toward organic foods was the result of “enthusiastic marketing.”

The organic-food industry has experienced marked growth in recent times because of public health and environmental concerns. Sales have reached $6 billion annually, including some from supermarket chains such as Kroger, that are producing their own brands of organic foods.

From my perspective, the jury's still out, but remember, organic food and drink will cost two to three times more than ordinary food and beverage products.