The organic food industry has vastly grown in recent years, from £1.3 million in 1988 to more than £330 million in 2007. There are several reasons as to why people buy organic food- some believe it is better for the environment whilst others buy for a better taste. Nevertheless, there are still some that believe there are no actual health beneficial qualities to organic food.

The organic food debate has once again come to light because of recent research carried out in August of this year published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers came to the conclusion that organically grown produce and livestock had a similar nutrient offering to conventionally grown food. Dr Alan Dangour, the principal author, commented on the differences found during the studies, “A small number of differences in nutrient content were found to exist, but these are unlikely to be of any public health relevance. Our review indicates that there is currently no evidence to support the selection of organically over conventionally produced foods on the basis of nutritional superiority.” However, common with this topic of debate, there are other parties that tell us different.

Another health study claimed that Organic food is healthier than conventional produce and may be better at preventing cancer and heart disease. The researchers, for example, claimed that organic milk has 60 to 80% more nutrients than conventional milk in the summer, and 50 to 60% more in the winter.
With all these contradictory findings it becomes very difficult to make a decision as whether to buy organic produce or not!

The Pro's:

• Purchasing organic produce is most definitely kinder to the environment as it encourages sustainable crop growing and adds no toxins to the land.
• Due to the lack of chemicals being used in the growing process, none of these toxins are going into your body that could be potentially harmful.
• People who eat organic food say that there is a definite taste difference between this and non-organic food (for the better!)

The Con's:

• Organic food is much more expensive than conventional produce
• As previously mentioned it is clear that there is conflicting evidence as to whether organic food is any more beneficial for your health than conventional produce

The organic food debate is not one that will be settled quickly or easily! It is only you that can make the decision as to whether you eat or organic or not. However, the topic does pose the question, “is it better to be safe than sorry?”

Lottie Williams