People often tell me they don't buy organic food because they don't see the value in the extra cost.  In the case of conventionally grown foods vs. organically grown foods it's not so much what you see in the food but what's in the food and how the farming practices effect our world that makes the biggest difference.  Today, I will touch on some of these primary differences and the importance of organic and sustainable farming practices for our food.

Here are some of the basic differences between "conventional" and "organic" farming:

Fertilizers and Nitrates

Fertilizers provide plants with nitrogen which allows the plants to grow bigger.  This can be achieved with both chemical fertilizers and animal derived manure.  One difference in these approaches, however, is the concentration of nitrogen supplied to the plants.  Chemical fertilizers provide more nitrogen than the plants need. This nitrogen surplus can be stored in the plant's leaves or it can remain in the soil until it is subsequently washed away to our lakes, rivers, and eventually oceans.  The excess nitrogen in the plant leaves is stored not as nitrogen, but as nitrate.  Nitrates are normal in small amounts in vegetables, especially spinach and eggplant, but too much nitrate isn't good for the plant, nor the animals eating those leaves, whether it be you, the human consumer, or domestic animals that then get eaten eventually by the human consumer.  Why are excessive nitrates bad?  Nitrates can affect oxygen transportation and nitrates can decompose into a carcinogenic form.  Organic produce grown with more natural forms of fertilizer, that are lower in nitrogen, have lower amounts of nitrites. 

Soil Management

Proper soil management allows for good "bugs" to remain in the soil.  Microorganisms in the soil produce enzymes that help minerals become more available to plant roots.  This is one reason produce grown with proper soil management techniques has higher mineral content.

Antioxidants

Plants that aren't given chemicals to fight for them, have to fight for themselves.  How do they do that?  With their own defense system called antioxidants.  Yes, the same antioxidants that have been talked about for years as being good for you to promote heart health, prevent some cancers, slow the aging process and just fight those nasty free radicals.  Plants that are stressed by their predators may not look perfect as they get part of a leaf bit here and a hole there, but they are stronger because of it!  Remember perfect looking produce isn't always the healthiest!

The choice.... 

I recommend choosing organic, or better yet, visiting your local farmer's market, or becoming part of a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).  Here is a website that can help you find a local farmer to work with. Also, just talking to the farmers and asking them about their farming practices is important.  If they have sustainable farming practices, then you can trust their produce is healthier for you and for the environment, with or without the organic symbol (certification can be too expensive for some small farmers).  Many farms allow people to visit and sometimes even take part in the growing and harvesting process.  This isn't only great fun, but a wonderful learning experience for children.  

Remember to wash your produce with soap and water and enjoy full flavored and highly nutritious organic food!

About the Nutritionist

Amyjo Johnson has a Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and is currently working on her Certification and Masters in Nutrition through the nationally accredited American Health Science University and the National Institute of Nutrition Education.  For two years, Amyjo has been providing nutrition consulting to the on-site food service team and employees at Google, Inc. She provides information on assuring nutritionally balanced menus, excellent ingredients, and food choice nutritional education for ideal productivity and health. Through her company, Food for Change, Amyjo provides individuals and businesses counseling and consultation on a variety of nutritional situations and needs.  Contact her at:  This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it