Organic vs. Natural: What Are They Anyway?

By Jamil Donith
While it might seem like they are the same, natural and organic are two different things. Natural refers to being lightly processed and does not contain any synthetic preservatives such as food dyes, growth hormones and other artificial products. Unlike organic foods, the government is not required to monitor natural products outside of health code regulations that apply to all foods, except with meat and poultry.

Organic not only refers to the food, but also the process that goes into producing the food. The National Organic Program must certify organic foods. Farming methods must promote recycling, biodiversity and cannot use hormones, pesticides, bioengineered genes and fertilizers that include petroleum or sewage sludge. For livestock to be considered organic, animals cannot be given growth hormones or any type of antibiotic and must be able to roam freely outside.

To get more information about organic certification you can visit the United States Department of Agriculture Web site on Agricultural Marketing Service at www.ams.usda.gov/nop/

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Top ten reasons to eat organic food!

By Harris Feibischoff
10. It helps your organs.
9. Because going green is the cool thing to do these days.
8. You might be able to pass organic chemistry.
7. The economy can’t get any worse.
6. Its better then being vegan.
5. It could help stop childhood obesity.
4. I watched a special about it on Food Network
3. St Patrick’s Day is a green holiday.
2. Did I say going green is the cool thing to do these days?
1. It protects the environment.