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Some Americans realizing the benefits of organic food

Vince Tassi, Daily Vidette Staff Writer

Issue date: 8/25/08 Section: News
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Normal resident Jennifer Dellinger and her son Logan, 6, fill up bags of dried fruits on Tuesday afternoon at Common Ground Grocery.
Media Credit: Jill Weaver / Daily Vidette Staff Photographer
Normal resident Jennifer Dellinger and her son Logan, 6, fill up bags of dried fruits on Tuesday afternoon at Common Ground Grocery.

For many health-conscious Americans, organic foods have become the centerpiece of a balanced diet.

"The benefits of an organic diet are [that] they contain no preservatives, no pesticides, 40 percent more antioxidants, and the food is overall healthier," Jacquleen Ludwig, senior nutrition and dietetics major, said.

According to consumerreports.org, new studies show that by eating organic food, you can greatly reduce your exposure to chemicals found in conventionally produced food.

"Conventional farmers use chemical fertilizers to support plant growth while organic farmers apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants," Ludwig said.

Some students are starting to change their eating habits as well.

The price of organic foods is relatively 10 to 20 percent higher than conventionally grown foods because organic farmers must put additional time and effort into their work.

For example, organic growers may weed vegetables by hand to control weeds, leading the consumer to pay more for these vegetables.

"I started an organic diet about a half-year ago," Reggie Nievera, senior sociology major, said.

"I didn't like the fact that I was eating food containing chemicals. Organic is overall a lot…healthier."

"It [organic food] is much more fresh. The fruits and vegetables are outstanding," Nievera said.

Organic food retailers are growing from small markets to retail stores, and organic foods are making an impact in the marketplace.

Every Saturday morning through the end of October, the Farmers' Market in downtown Bloomington sells a wide variety of organic foods.

"Organic food is definitely on the rise. Our society promotes health and this is the healthiest form of food you can get," Ludwig said.

"So many stores such as Trader Joe's and Kroger have become much more popular."

According to the Hartman Group, a market research firm, about 70 percent of Americans buy organic food occasionally and nearly one quarter buy it every week.

Organic foods are also making an impact in the meat market.

Many farmers are now monitoring what they feed their livestock to include natural grasses, allowing for a much healthier life.

Ludwig conducted a study to exhibit how unhealthy much of the food served in our dining centers on campus is.

"I compared our dining centers to fast food restaurants. I was surprised to find that the dining center food has way more calories and a much higher fat content than most fast food restaurants," Ludwig said.

Campus Dining Services was unavailable for comment.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8

Susan Goatman

posted 3/12/09 @ 5:17 AM CST

Great article. I agree totally.

Alice Heaton

posted 3/16/09 @ 7:51 AM CST

Thanks to author! I like articles like this about , very interesting.

Wilma Todhunter

posted 3/20/09 @ 10:29 AM CST

I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.

Elisabeth Alverston

posted 3/21/09 @ 12:36 AM CST

wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!

Russian Women Marriage

posted 3/24/09 @ 6:59 AM CST

Your article is fine for all its distinctive features.

ISU Student

posted 3/24/09 @ 12:47 PM CST

Even though the prices of organic food is typically a little higher than foods injected with random hormones and a million other ingredients...you won't be suffering the problems that those extra ingredients may cause and paying for hospital bills later in life due to poor health. (Continued…)

Paula Wathen

posted 4/16/09 @ 4:21 PM CST

What an awesome article! You must have spent a lot of time and effort on it-needless to say, awesome job!

upbeatdad

RegularGuy

posted 4/17/09 @ 12:10 AM CST

Organic farmers use pesticides, just not synthetic pesticides. In fact, some of the pesticides 'approved' for organic farming are far more deadly to humans and animals than the biodegradable ones used in conventional farming. (Continued…)

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