Are Organic Foods More Nutritious?

Organic foods are becoming more popular.  As people begin to evaluate their diet, and become concerned about what actually enters their digestive system, they are looking towards organic foods.  It is a controversial subject, as there are many people who believe that organic foods are healthier than traditional food, but there are equally as many who disagree.

The animals that produce organic meat are free from the usual chemicals that are used in meat farming.  The chemicals are there to stop the animals from getting ill when they are being raised, and encourage the animals to build muscle when they have little room to move around.  The animals that are more free range do not have these chemicals pumped into them.  Many people believe that these chemicals are harmful, and even medical professionals believe that these chemicals have caused a rise in diseases such as cancer.

Organically grown vegetables have about 40% more antioxidants than their traditionally grown alternatives.  It has been suggests that antioxidants can actually prevent people from developing health problems.  A 5 a day scheme that has been launched in the UK has made an active effort to ensure that the next generation does not have the health problems of those seen in recent generations.  Some researchers claim that with the increase in chemicals and the development of more industrialized farming, the medical world has witnessed a steep rise in the numbers of people who develop heart disease and cancers.  By encouraging children and young people to eat 5 portions of healthy fruit and vegetables a day and increase their antioxidants in the process, many believe that this will help reduce the number of cases of these terrible illnesses.  There are other healthy properties of such foods as organic garlic and organic olive oil that have been used to help with skin complaints, and even to prevent cancer.