Organic Foods vs Conventional Foods Essay

The purpose of this study is to test whether or not organic foods have more health benefits and are safer than conventional foods. The word organic refers to how farmers grow and process agricultural products. Farmers use nonconventional methods to fertilize, control weeds and to prevent disease in livestock. This study included seventeen studies in humans which carefully studied the biomarker and nutrient levels in serum, breast milk, semen and urine. The participants involved in this study were tested for pesticide levels. Pesticides can be absorbed into fruits and vegetables, and leave trace residues. Foods were tested for pesticide levels as well as bacterial contamination and Escherichia Coli contamination. The study shows that eating organic foods in place of conventional foods lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritional than the conventional foods. The study did however find that consumption of the organic foods may help reduce exposure to antibiotic resistant bacteria as well as pesticide residuals. I was shocked by the results of this study. I believe the majority of people have always believed that organic foods are far healthier than conventional foods. Organic foods generally cost 20% more than the nonorganic varieties. A good question to ask yourself is whether or not it is worth it to pay the extra money for organic foods. Although the organic foods do not provide the extra nutritional punch as once believed, I feel it is worth paying the extra money for these items. Any reduction in exposure to harmful pesticides may be beneficial to your long term health. Pesticides have been proven to cause skin irritation, eye irritation, nerve system damage as well as certain cancers and hormone disruption. The authors of this study did a great job identifying the benefits of consuming organic foods. I believe this is an area that will continue to be researched as we continue to learn more about the effects of the foods we put in our bodies. Christain Nordqvist (2012. September 5). â€Å"Organic Food Has No Benefits Over Conventional Food, Says Study.’ Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles249848.php.