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Organic food better for you
https://www.dirtdoctor.com/efl/dirtDoctor/organic-food-better-for-you-t10461.html
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Author:  Doug [ Wed Aug 05, 2009 6:55 am ]
Post subject:  Organic food better for you

More minerals and more vitamin C - research comparing the nutrient contents of organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables reveals a strong trend toward higher levels in organic produce. Of 27 valid comparisons of the mineral and vitamin C contents of organic and non-organic crops, 14 showed significantly higher levels in organic produce while just one favoured non-organic.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/4 ... enDocument

More protective antioxidants - plants contain some 5,000–10,000 naturally occurring compounds (known as phytonutrients) that are often involved in protecting the plant from pests and diseases. Because organic crops are not artificially protected with pesticides they tend to produce more naturally occurring phytonutrients, many of which are now known to have protective (antioxidant) properties. Some are proving useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Fewer pesticide residues - these are rarely found on organic food. In contrast, pesticides are found on one in three non-organic foods tested each year, and multiple residues of up to seven different compounds are not uncommon. Pesticide safety is tested for individual compounds, but we know very little about the 'cocktail effect' of multiple residues. Some research suggests that they may be hundreds of times more toxic than the same compounds individually.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/c ... enDocument

Fewer food additives - while food manufacturers can use more than 500 additives, organic food processors are prohibited from using a host of ingredients that researchers say may be harmful to our health such as aspartame, hydrogenated fat, phosphoric acid, sulphur dioxide, monosodium glutamate, or artificial flavourings and colourings.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/4 ... enDocument

GM free - there is insufficient evidence to prove that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe, and some animal feeding trials have revealed unexpected toxicities.
http://92.52.112.178/web/sa/saweb.nsf/c ... enDocument

Cuts antibiotic use - antibiotics are used extensively in non-organic farming to promote growth and to prevent disease in intensively reared, overcrowded farm animals. High standards of animal welfare in organic farming minimise the need for antibiotics and other veterinary drugs which are used only when strictly necessary.
http://www.soilassociation.org/Whyorgan ... fault.aspx

Minimise food poisoning risks - a government survey gave organic food a clean bill of health and confirmed expectations that organic methods, such as the careful composting of manure, minimise pathogenic risks such as E.coli o157

Source: http://www.soilassociation.org/

Author:  northwesterner [ Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Organic food better for you

Doug, this is good information; thanks for posting links back to that web site. Here is a little more I found about The Soil Association in the United Kingdom:

Quote:
Who we are

The Soil Association was founded in 1946 by a group of farmers, scientists and nutritionists who observed a direct connection between farming practice and plant, animal, human and environmental health.

Today the Soil Association is the UK's leading organic organisation, with over 200 staff based in Bristol and Edinburgh and working as certification inspectors across the country. The Soil Association's director is Patrick Holden, who reports to the Council of Trustees.

You might expect something so vital to be organised and supported by the government. But in fact the Soil Association is a charity, reliant on donations and on the support of its members and the public to carry out its work.
Charitable status

The Soil Association is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Our charity number is 206862. Soil Association Certification Ltd is a subsidiary of the charity which undertakes certification. As a subsidiary company, any surplus income is passed on to the Soil Association charity to raise awareness, and develop and safeguard the entire organic sector.


And over on their history page, it starts:

Quote:
The Soil Association was founded in 1946 by a group of far-sighted individuals who were concerned about the health implications of increasingly intensive agricultural systems following the Second World War. Their principle concerns were:

* The loss of soil through erosion and depletion
* Decreased nutritional quality of intensively produced food
* Exploitation of animals in intensive units
* Impact of large intensive farming system on the countryside and wildlife


I'll enjoy reading through these pages. Sites like this provide an opportunity to compare and contrast gardening and agricultural practices. Even if you don't agree with everything they publish, chances are there is a good opportunity to study the reasons for the choices they made. Thanks again!

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