What is the difference between organic foods and natural/processed foods? Organic food has no preservatives, added chemicals or other types of fertilizers. Animals are not given any antibiotics or growth hormones. Natural, conventional and processed products can have preservatives, chemicals fertilizers and pesticides added to them, and the animals are given antibiotics and growth hormones.

Organic refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat.  Organic Farmers don’t use conventional methods to fertilize fruits and vegetables or to prevent livestock diseases. They use plant and animal matter such as manure, worm casting, turf, seaweed, humic acid and guano to feed soil and plants.

Processed foods have been treated with synthetic pesticides which are mixture of chemicals to prevent, repel or kill any pest. They are hazardous! They are designed to kill living organisms that are conserved “pests”. Pesticides are toxic to human health and the environment.Processed food contains preservatives, which is a substance used to preserve foodstuffs against decay. Preservatives, such as Nitrates and Nitrites are used to preserve ham and bacon and are known to cause asthma, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Sodium nitrate preserves salami, hot dogs, pepperoni, bologna, ham, bacon and SPAM. In animal studies it caused high rates of cancer. Benzoic acid aka benzoate added to margarine, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages. It can produce severe allergic reaction. Sulfur dioxide is a toxin used in dried fruits and molasses as well as to prevent brown spots on peeled fresh foods such as potatoes and apples. It bleaches out rot, hiding inferior fruits and vegetables. In the process, it destroys the vitamin B contained in produce. Artificial sweeteners are linked to behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and allergies.   Because saccharin was shown to increase the incidence of bladder cancer in animal testing, all foods containing this sugar substitute are required to carry a warning label.

Organic food does not contain preservatives and therefore no traces of strong chemicals and taste better than non organic food. Since harmful chemicals or preservatives are not used in organic farming, there is less environmental pollution and the welfare of the animal is an important aspect when consuming animal products. An organic food is also more nutritious because it retains more vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids because they don’t have to undergone chemical alterations like processed foods.

Choose organic food to prevent ingestion of pesticides and insecticides and live a healthier lifestyle.