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Organic FoodsThe classification of what is sold as organic differs from country to country, but in the U.S., the classification is regulated by law. For crops, the law dictates that they are grown without conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and are processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means they are reared without antibiotics or growth hormones. Also, at all levels, organic food is produced without the use of genetically modified organisms. For most on anti aging diets, the use of organic dietary foods is targeted at fresh foods, such as vegetables and fruits, due to the avoidance of processed foods altogether. There are also processed foods, such as canned goods, frozen vegetables, prepared dishes and other convenience foods that are sold as organic. As for research on health benefits from organic dietary foods, most common argument is the reduction of pesticides in the diet. A study published by the National Research Council in 1993 determined that for infants and children, the major source of exposure to pesticides is through diet. Also, a study published in 2002 showed that "Organically grown foods consistently had about one-third as many residues as conventionally grown foods." From health perspective of organically grown foods, it is also important to notice that one study that was published in the Journal of Applied Nutrition found, that on a per-weight basis, average levels of essential minerals were much higher in the organically grown than in the conventionally grown food. Organic Foods - StudiesSmith BL. Organic Food is More Nutritious Than Conventional Food. Journal of Applied Nutrition 1993; 45:35-39. Lu, Chensheng, et. al. (2006). "Organic Diets Significantly Lower Children’s Dietary Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides". Environmental Health Perspectives 114: 260-263. Pesticide residues in conventional, IPM-grown and organic foods: Insights from three U.S. data sets. Food Additives and Contaminants 19 (5): 427-446. Trewavas, Anthony (2004). "A critical assessment of organic farming-and-food assertions with particular respect to the UK and the potential environmental benefits of no-till agriculture". Crop Protection 23: 757–781.
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