WHY ORGANIC FOOD MATTERS

Summer 2008 from Organic Trade Association Summer Journal:

More nutrients: A report entitled "New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods",jointly produced by The Organic Center and professors from the University of Florida Department of Horticulture and Washington State University, provides evidence that organic foods contains, on average, 25 percent higher concentration of 11 nutrients than their conventional counterparts. The report was based on estimated differences in nutrient levels across 236 comparisons of organically and conventionally grown foods.

AND

Pasture-fed cows: Organic cows grazing on fresh pasture produce milk with higher levels of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-three fatty acids, according to research findings from Newcastle University published online in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture. The study involved 25 farms across the United Kingdom.

Ann's NOTE: The above is NOT new information, we have studies that discuss both issues. But it is more support for good ideas. Grazing on pasture is referred to as 'free-range' and is why that is considered better.

5/06 Update (from Organic Trade Association News)

St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN, is incorporating organic offerings, including organic fresh fruit, on its menu for patients.

5/03 Update:

NEW REPORT: Thirty-nine percent of the U.S. population now regularly uses organic products. (Source: Organic Consumer Trends Report produced by The Natural Marketing Institute)

When you look at the small label placed on a piece of fruit or vegetable: If it starts with the number 9 and has 5 digits, it is organic. If it starts with 8 and has 5 digits, it may be genetically modified. Four digit numbers starting with 4 or 3 are conventionally-grown.

This section used to contain an article that was supposed to indicate that Rutgers Ag School had looked at organic food versus non-organic and found lots more vitamins and minerals in the organic food.

However, we received notification from Rutgers that this was NOT what the study was about at all. We have therefore removed it.

Organic produce is grown without pesticides. Certified organic is a standard that growers adhere to. California has led the nation in creating standards. Recently the USDA (Dept of Agriculture) produced its own set of standards, which after some battling have been set similarly to currently accepted standards. This mean that they would NOT accept sludge as fertilize or genetically modfied ingredients, no use of pesticides, etc.

To view their standards,go to the link below for USDA.

From Nutr Health, v6, n2, 1988 pp105-109 "Organic food in cancer therapy" author: B. Bishop

Abstract: This paper describes the principles of dietary therapy for malignant diseases, as developed by a few medical pioneers since the 1920's, in particular by the late Dr. Max Gerson, MD (1881-1959), who insisted on the exclusive use of organic produce in the treatment of cancer patients. Dr. Gerson's claims for the therapeutic value of organic fruits and vegetable are reviewed in the light of current research.

Ann's NOTE: I am hoping to get a complete copy of this article to post. Current research only includes what has been looked at, it is not all the information possible.


Cascade Organic Food Company

Information on organic foods and more

Ecology and Health

A link to a resource

What is Translational Organic?

Safe, less chemicals than conventionally grown food

Horizon Organics

A Link to this company

United States Dept. of Agriculture

LINK to Organic Standards papers English and Espanol

Shopping for Organic Food

Check that label for the number 9

Home Delivery of Organic Foods
Spices from the Organic Side

An article from E Magazine, May 2001

UK article on Organic Food Safety

June 14, 2001

Cancer Concern over Vegetable Nitrates
Organic Produce: Information/Guidelines

Purple Mountain sent this article adapted from First Magazine, 8/01

Elson Haas, MD: 10 Healing Foods- ORGANIC
Organic Apples

Nature Journal, 8/01

Study Finds Less Pesticides-Apples/Pears
Phosphorous Acid Residues on Apples After Fertilization
Organic Apples Higher Phenolic Compound
Village Organics

Link to an Internet source for Organic Foods, Coffee, Tea

Living on Earth

LINK to page on "Ten Must-Eat Organic Foods" and more

All Organic Food.com

LINK-nothing for sale, just information

Organic MD-Hugh Mann

LINK to site with food/health info and poetry

Review of Studies on Organic Foods

Crop & Food Research, New Zealand, 5/02

Pesticide Residues Compared
Kids: Organic vs Pesticides
Organic Foods Greater Cancer-Fighting Chemicals
Organic Food:Review of the Evidence 9/03
Agricultural Methods & Nutritional Quality
More Produced w/less energy & resources

Swiss Research results, 5/02

Organic Farming=quality
Organic Agriculture and Large Yields
UN Food & Agricultural Org Supports Organic Farming
Organic Farming in Africa
More Vitamin C in Organic Oranges

American Chemical Society Meeting, 6/02

CSA Center

LINK to Community Supported Agriculture (local organic farms)

USDA Lowers Standards for Organic Chicken

Thanks to USA Today, 2/26/03

Organic Consumers Organization

LINK to Event page

Save Organic Wheat Org

LINK

Int'l Research Assoc for Org Food Quality &Health

LINK to Euro research org newly formed, 2003

Food News Special Edition

LINK to page on Conventional vs. Organic: Is there really no difference?

Biotech Costs Organic Farmers

Organic Farming Research Foundation,6/03

Organic Veggies

LINK to site to order organic foods

2000 US Hospitals to Serve Natural & Organic Food

NewsTarget.com, July 2006

Press Release

Nutrifit

LINK to Southern, CA provider of Personal Catering; Culinary & Nutrition EducPrograms & Health Fair Services; Culinary Products & Accessories

Organic Food Swap Coop

LINK to website describing international organic food swapping

Organic Milk

Healthy Child www.healthychild.org

The Organic Revolution

Article by Milo Lou Shammas, President & Chief Scientist, DR. EARTH®


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