As organic food becomes an increasingly popular trend, it fundamentally impacts many people’s lives, including Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Generation Y and Z. Some people claim that paying a higher price for organic food is worthwhile because of its health benefits. Others argue it is not worth the higher cost because the quality distinction is not significant enough. For me, it is worth buying organic food at this point in my life.
I buy organic food because it does not contain chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides, which may leave harmful residues on the food. According to Lisa Herzig, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of California State – Fresno, said “The pesticide content will be higher with conventional products, but it is still within safe levels” (qtd. in Lazarus). I disagree with this statement because when I eat conventionally grown strawberries or spinach, I often experience digestion problems and stomach discomfort, even if they were produced within acceptable pesticide limits. For this reason, I shop at Sprouts Farmers Market twice a week, and when I do, I look for fruits and vegetables in the organic section because I know they do not harm my health.
Another reason I eat organic food is that it is more nutritious and beneficial to my health. Organic foods contain nutrients with a higher antioxidant power compared to conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants prevent oxidation and cell damage caused by harmful elements known as free radicals, which contribute to aging and the development of degenerative and coronary diseases. Additionally, organically grown foods have fewer contaminants than conventionally grown foods, increasing their nutritional value. The health benefits of antioxidants include:
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Strengthening my memory.
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Helping me stay sharp while studying.
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Giving me more energy to work throughout the day.
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Boosting my immune system to avoid colds, especially in winter.
For this reason, I disagree with Lisa Herzig, who said, “Buying organic products does not necessarily mean there are more health and nutritional benefits” (qtd. in Lazarus). On the contrary, eating organic food strengthens my health and keeps me well.
Some people argue that paying a premium for organic products is not justified. Mintel, a market research company, found in a study that “only about 40% of Gen Xers believe organic is truly organic. And roughly half of all consumers think labeling something as organic is just an excuse to charge more” (qtd. in Lazarus). This may be true, but this study does not consider that Gen X and Millennials are well-informed, detail-oriented, and highly concerned about their health and physical appearance. For example, in my particular case, when I buy processed food, I make it a point to read the nutritional label and its health benefits. Additionally, when I buy organic food, I know it is free of harmful chemical contaminants. Therefore, paying a premium for organic products is justified because it benefits my health.
Ultimately, eating organic food is worth it at this stage because it positively affects my health. Choosing organic food over processed food from the Western diet helps me stay healthy and strong. Moreover, it prevents me from contracting degenerative diseases caused by processed foods. It also makes me more mindful when selecting the food I eat.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Luis Henry Contreras Del Aguila
Food Industries Engineer Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva- Tingo Maria- Peru
Master in Agribusiness Administration ESAN University – Lima-Peru
CEO, Country Agribusiness
REFERENCES
Lazarus, David. “Is organic food worth the higher Price?” Many experts say no”.
Los Angeles Times.com, 19 May 2015. wwwlatimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus-20150519-column.htlm.