Organic vs. Conventional Growing Methods

Organic vs Conventional Essay

Organic food, which was once only found in health food stores, is now a regular feature at most grocery stores, and has created a bit of a dilemma in the produce aisle. On one hand, you have an organically grown apple. On the other hand, you have an apple that was grown conventionally. Both of these apples are shiny, red, and firm. Both provide us with vitamins and fiber, and both are free from sodium, fat, and cholesterol. Which should you choose? For many reasons I would have to go with the organic apple, and I will explain why. Organically grown produce is not grown with pesticides, does not have food additives, and growing food organically helps the environment. Farmers who grow their food conventionally use pesticides to protect their crops from diseases, insects, and molds. When these farmers spray the crops with pesticides it can leave a residue on the produce. By purchasing organic food you are limiting your expose to these residues. Pesticides can affect the nervous system, they can irritate the skin or eyes, they may affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body, etc. Instead of risking pesticide residue exposure, it only seems logical to shop in the organic section of your grocery store. Organic food regulations also ban the use of food additives, processing aids and fortifying agents, which are all commonly used in conventional farming. All of these nonorganic foods can have preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings and flavorings, or monosodium glutamate. Preservatives can have harmful effects on your health, such as breathing difficulties, behavioral changes, heart damage, and risk of cancer. Artificial sweeteners can cause migraines, change in vision, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, etc. Artificial colorings and flavorings can cause nervous system depression, indigestion, chest pain, headaches, fatigue, and many other health concerns. The effects of monosodium glutamate are headaches;