That is the question. Often in the world of health, it's just assumed that organic is always better. It's become this belief that if the O-word is in any part of the food's name, it's automatically "cleaner," "more natural," and less likely to cause disease, obesity, you name it. You can't blame the people who assume this, because in a world of information, how does one decipher the truth unless you have formal education on the topic? Some people choose organic just for the trend. Others might want organic, but can't afford the price sticker. Still others (probably most) are just confused on the whole thing.
Here is my stance, as a fitness professional and also someone who works at a large agricultural company. I've learned that when used properly, many chemicals, pesticides and genetic modifications have NO adverse effect on the human body. The company I work at engages in very responsible care of their products and techniques and have employees whose sole job is to study and report any adverse effects. We all hear horror stories of what goes into non-organic food...things like human feces, garbage, any chemical under the sun. You might as well drink a can of bug spray, right? However, when you look at specific case studies of where negative impacts were found on human health, many times it's because the offending product was used in a way that it was never intended to be used, like in too large of an amount that obstructed the product's directions for use. Can you always be sure that the food you buy was grown properly? No. But I would tend to blame the parties responsible for growing the food, not the product or company of the product itself.
I am by no means an expert on crop growing or organics--I leave that to the people who make it their profession--but here is what I can say. After working at this company for 5 years now, I have never met more educated, innovative people who are passionate about science and health--not just today but also for the future. If there was any question as to whether or not what they are doing is harmful to anyone's health or welfare, they would not be doing it. Is it too hard to believe that in 2013 we are capable of making chemicals that don't harm your health? No!!
Taking a different angle, choosing whether or not to eat organically is fine for someone in a country such as America where we have that luxury. Consider the fact that without any form of chemical or modification for crops, an overwhelming percentage of the world's food supply would be gone. Wiped out. Again, for America, food supply is never an issue, but imagine how quickly conditions would deteriorate worldwide with attempts to only go organic.
The world needs both sides, organic and otherwise, to function at its best. My only request is to do your research. When you say you are researching going organic, are you also researching the other side? Not many people do, leaving them with a very "educated," one-sided viewpoint. If you do choose to buy organic, do you know why you are doing so? If your answer is simply because you truly prefer the taste, that's fine, as long as you have a reason! If you are buying organic foods because you are concerned about chemicals or poisons in your body, then are you also doing the same for any other products you put on your body? Shampoo, soap, makeup?
Read. Research. Repeat.
No comments:
Post a Comment