Ten reasons to eat organic

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 15 Apr 2004 - 0:00 PST

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Here are ten reasons to eat organic foods.

1. It's healthy

On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.

2. No nasty additives

Organic food doesn't contain food additives which can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporisis, migraines and hyperactivity. Amongst the additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate.

3. Avoids pesticides

Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in non-organic food. The UK government has recently found high levels of pesticide residues in baby food, spinach, dried fruit, bread, apples, celery, and chips.

4. GM-free

Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.

5. Reliance on drugs removed

There is growing concern about the high use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Soil Association standards prohibit the routine use of antibiotics.

6. No hidden costs

Compare this with the £120m that tax payers fork out in the UK to pay for chemicals to be removed from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming.

7. High standards

Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European law.

8. Care for animals

Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards and is supported by animal rights organisations such as Compassion in World Farming as well as the UK government.

9. Good for wildlife and the environment

The UK government has said that it is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas - and less dangerous wastes.

10. Top for taste

Many people prefer organic food because they say it tastes better. A number of top chefs choose organic, and every year many are involved in the Soil Association's Organic Food Awards.

From the Soil Association, UK.
http://www.soilassociation.org

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