Photo: Stock.Xchng

The rising cost of organic food has lead many to wonder whether this highly priced produce is worth the extra cash. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2007, David Milibrand, claimed that it was no healthier than their inorganic alternatives. Organic farmers rebuked this claim and the Soil Association, which promotes organic food, agreed that there is genuine proof that claims that it food is much more beneficial to our health and that of our environment.

Your health

According to the Soil Association research has shown that organic food contains valuable minerals and essential vitamins and amino acids. It also contains higher levels of vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and Omega 3 than food that has been genetically modified. In research by the French Food Safety Agency, it was found that it contains more anti-oxidants (such as phenol and salicylic acid) which are used to prevent cancer and heart disease.

Photo: Stock.Xchng

Pesticides which build up a resistance in the plants to bugs and weeds are used as a key argument against inorganic food. Even though many experts have claimed that ordinary inorganic food are safe for most adults it has been reported by the National Academy of Sciences that pesticide can be extremely toxic for children and pregnant women.

The environment

Research done by the Soil Association has reported that ‘over 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from food and farming’ and that nitrogen fertiliser is one of the worst causes of it. It has been reported that by organic farming reduces pollutants in water and creates richer soil which reduces soil erosion.

Photo: ShareGraphic

Advisers for the UK government have found that bird, insect and plant life on organic farms have been increased by up to 50%. Wildlife is relied on in organic farms for pest control so pests such as bees, birds and bugs are not sprayed away by fertilisers.

The ultimate choice

The decision of whether or not to buy organic food lies within your lifestyle choice. There is evidence that it does reduce health risk and improves the environment but there is also proof that it is not much more beneficial than that of inorganic food. In the end we are all responsible for the environment that we live in and the choices we make must now reflect what the world will be like in the future. We can all make a difference, just by spending a little extra money.

Tags: healthy Eating, Organic food