The Whole(some)
Truth
Unearthing the great debate: To be
or not to be (organic, that is). By Belinda
Wan
Mention the word
“organic” and images of pesticide-free fruits and vegetables,
healthier processed food and even skincare come to mind.
With organic food becoming increasingly readily
available (just check out your nearest supermarket), and organic
establishments mushrooming up everywhere, it seems like a foregone
conclusion that everyone should jump on the organic bandwagon
already, as the trend shows no sign of weakening. Nevertheless,
there is still much debate between the two camps of organic food
versus conventionally produced food—with both sides having their
fair share of detractors. Some say the health benefits of organic
food have been greatly exaggerated—while others claim that going
organic is the best way to better health. So what is the reality
for us, the confused consumer?
Organic produce refers to food that is harvested and
packaged according to certain production standards. This means
crops that are grown with the minimal involvement (if any) of
artificial fertilizers, conventional pesticides, chemicals
(including chemical engineering), human waste, as well as sludge
from the sewage.
It also means that in the rearing of animals, no
antibiotics, growth hormones and genetic modification can be used.
There is also a heavy emphasis on using natural methods of pest and
disease control, such as animal grazing, crop rotation programs and
effective placement of repellant plants—in short, produce in its
most natural, untampered state. In most countries (including
Singapore), organic food must obtain organic certification in order
to be labeled “organic.”
There are two main types of organic food—fresh and
processed. “Fresh” refers to perishable items like fruits and
vegetables, organic eggs and dairy products, while processed food
can be found in a supermarket alongside conventionally processed
food and includes organic beer, pasta, baby food, pet food, and
loads more.
THE PROs
While there are many perspectives and interpretations about the
whole organic movement, these are the most widely cited reasons
that proponents of the organic movement use to defend their
stance.
No Residue From Synthetic
Pesticides
One of the biggest reasons behind why many consumers
have ditched conventionally produced foods and rushed to get
organic produce is because non-organic, conventionally-grown food,
especially fruits and vegetables, contain pesticides and herbicide
residue. Mindy Chua, the manager of Four Seasons Market says,
“Organic produce is pesticide-free. It is also free from
antibiotics, food additives, any form of added hormones,
genetically engineered organisms, irradiation, mycotoxins and
pathogens. Best of all, organic methods produce nutritionally
superior produce.” It’s a statement that pretty much puts
everything into perspective.
The alarming thing is that not only is it
difficult to quantify exactly how much pesticides and chemicals
farmers are using during crop growth, but remnants of
less-than-healthy pesticides can remain on fruits and vegetables
even after washing. The harmful effects of these synthetic
pesticides are not imagined—the herbicide atrazine, at
concentrations as low as 0.1 part per billion, can cause male frogs
to produce eggs in their gonads, turning them into hermaphrodites,
cites the 2003 study, Environmental Health Perspectives. In humans,
it’s thought that allergies, cancer and illnesses can develop as a
result of these types of substances.
Organic produce does not use synthetic pesticides, but
plant-based, natural pesticides instead. While it’s not conclusive
that this is healthier than using synthetics, another Environmental
Health Perspectives study conducted in 2006 showed that the level
of organophosphorus pesticide exposure dropped significantly in 23
children after they had switched to an organic diet. So while it is
difficult to determine the exact degree to which pesticides really
cause diseases, why take chances?
Good For You, Great For
The Environment
Organic systems of farming are also environmentally friendly.
Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers have enough chemicals in them
to devastate wildlife and the natural environment. A large,
uncontrolled amount of these substances released into the
environment can seriously kill plants and animals and throw food
chains out of balance.
Organic methods of farming will maintain delicate
ecosystems far more effectively than conventional farming can.
Statistics and calculations have also shown that organic farms use
less energy, are more energy-efficient, and produce less waste. For
instance, a conventional farm generates a lot more waste in the
form of the packaging material used for chemicals.
Just think about it—farming methods that are
comparatively more beneficial for the environment can only be a
good thing—as all our food comes from the environment anyway. You
don’t want mutated fish and deformed tomatoes now, do
you?
Less Health Hazards For
Farmers And Producers
Farmers working in organic farms run far less risk of suffering
adverse health effects that come from prolonged exposure to
pesticides and chemicals. When used, pesticides stay in the air,
and the skin and bodies of producers for a long time. Studies
indicate that organophosphorus pesticides are associated with
ailments like dizziness, abdominal pains, nausea, headaches,
vomiting, and skin and eye problems. Other more severe side effects
of prolonged pesticide exposure include memory malfunction,
respiratory difficulties, skin problems, depression, cancer,
neurological disorders, and more.
Of this, Chua says, “For the last three decades, the
study of contaminants in food focused on cancer-causing chemicals
and additives...Ailments like breast cancer, prostate cancer,
immune system dysfunctions, low sperm counts and brain
irregularities may result.” Enough said.
Better Taste And Higher
Nutritional Value
As the old adage says, you get what you pay for. Organic produce is
definitely more expensive than produce grown in the conventional
way.
Many advocates swear, however, that it’s worth every
extra cent you pay, because of the better flavor. A 2001 study
undertaken by Washington State University researchers concluded
that organic apples taste sweeter. In fact, Iris Teo, marketing
communications executive of Aramsa Spas and The Green Room Cafe
says, “Without the presence and use of synthetic herbicides,
pesticides and chemicals used on the fruits and vegetables,
consumers do not ingest any of these and thus run no risk of
pesticide toxicity. Some studies have also shown that organic
produce has a higher content of vitamins and important trace
minerals.”
THE CONs
The pros of going organic cannot be refuted easily—but to get a
more holistic picture, you should know the other side of the story
too.
The Question Of Safety
Organic agriculture does use pesticides—plant-based ones and not
synthetic and chemical-based ones. Also, pesticides used in
conventional farming undergo loads of tests before they are finally
approved, but the pesticides used in organic agriculture do not
need to be tested. It has been proven that organically grown food
contain about one third as much residue as conventionally grown
food—which is a big consolation. But some say that it is also
difficult to determine if less pesticide residue necessarily has a
positive effect on health. In fact, many scientists argue that even
natural chemicals have the potential to be “toxic”—a line of
argument that casts much ambiguity over the debate.
Some even maintain that the focus should be ensuring
that one eats at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per
day—regardless of whether there are pesticide residue on these
fruits and vegetables or not—because, even if they exist, it’s
probably only in minimal and non-life-threatening quantities
anyway.
Sustainability
Organic farming has widely been lauded to improve soil quality,
which is presumed to be just one example of how the organic
movement is good for the environment. Yet studies have shown that
improved soil quality is due primarily to crop rotation—not a
strictly organic strategy.
Organic food producers also lose a large portion of
their crops to natural causes like pests and mould—so they need to
use significantly more land in order to produce the same amount of
products. A study done in February this year by UK’s The
Independent shows that a crop of organic tomatoes used a
staggering 642 percent more land than conventional crop-growing
methods.
Too Pricey
The biggest stumbling block that the organic movement faces is
price. Although organic produce is a lot more readily available
these days, prices for organic produce are typically (though not
strictly) 10 to 40 percent higher than conventionally grown and
produced food.
This is because most organic establishments are
small—and don’t have economies of scale to help lower prices. The
probability of crop failure is also higher on an organic farm, so,
depending on the season, prices can skyrocket. Unethical organic
farms or producers can also capitalize on consumer ignorance and
jack up their prices.
But there is more to organic food than just price
griping. Teo adds, “It’s all about educating people. Organic
products may be costlier, but prices are higher because organic
produce is produced on a smaller scale. Without the use of
pesticides or other chemicals, it is also more labor intensive and
the yield is generally smaller. Singapore’s standard of living has
risen greatly over the past years and this slight difference in
price for the long term benefit of health is a small price to
pay.”
There is much that is probably not known about the specifics of the
organic movement, and some studies and tests are far from
conclusive. Nevertheless, the benefits of going organic are still
solid enough to show that switching to an organic diet may be the
answer to a more wholesome lifestyle.
Go Organic
If you’ve fervently decided to live an organic lifestyle, you’ll be
pleased to know there are more places than you think in Singapore
where you can get your organic fix.
CAFES AND
RESTAURANTS
Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food
8 Smith St., 6225-9026.
This small nook in busy Chinatown has organic brown rice set meals,
all types of noodles, porridge, desserts, snacks with less oil and
no MSG, and also fruit juices available.
Glow Juice Bar &
Cafe
2/F, Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Rd., 6730-3397.
This cafe has healthy food and drinks which are 80 to 85 percent
organic. They include salads, sandwiches, lemongrass chicken and
make-your-own juices.
The Green Room
Cafe
Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1, 6556-1533.
This organic cafe set in the lush environs of Aramsa Spas has an
extensive menu made up of fresh, natural and organic ingredients.
70 percent of the ingredients used are organic. Vegetarian food is
also served here.
Mezza9
Grand
Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd., 6732-1234.
The mezzaorganic menu here boasts of a delicious variety of organic
dishes, such as the yummy tomato salad.
OrganicCafeXperience
#B1-09A Century Sq., 6786-8191; #01-53 Velocity @ Novena Sq.,
6352-7837.
With two outlets to its name, this cafe has a sturdily reliable
menu made up of organic juices, sandwiches, yogurts, salads,
spaghetti and brown rice. Only the meats and fish here are not
organic. A third outlet is slated to open near Somerset MRT in
August.
Poison Ivy
Bollywood Veggies, 100 Neo Tiew Rd., 6898-5001.
The restaurant in Bollywood Veggies uses the farm’s organic produce
in most dishes and does catering too.
Whatever Cafe &
Whatever Lounge
18 & 20 Keong Saik Rd., 6224-0300.
You’ll find vegetarian food, organic fruit juices, cocktails,
healthy cakes and more here.
YogiHub
28 Stanley St., 6220-4344.
The menu here changes every day. Although it’s only 60 percent
organic, fans of organic chow can find lots of variety here. The
raw veggies here are completely organic.
SPAS
SK-II Boutique Spa
Senze Salus, 31 Scotts Rd., 6836-9168.
Organic essential oils are used in body treatments.
STORES
Brown Rice Paradise
#03-15/16 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6738-1121.
There’re fresh wholemeal breads, organic vegetables and fruit,
macrobiotic ingredients, household cleaners and more to be found at
this
store.
Bunalun
#01-70 Chip Bee Gardens, Blk. 43 Jalan Merah Saga,
6472-0870,
www.bunalun.com.
Get everything from organic skincare products, creams,
ointments,
pre-cooked organic food, sauces and dips, and even cakes and pies
here.
Four Seasons Market Pte Ltd
#B2-07 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6836-1855.
This is a wonderful one-stop shop where you can get everything
organic—like frozen poultry, ice-cream, pet food, baby food,
chocolate bars, canned food, toiletries, fruits, vegetables and,
ahem, even sanitary pads.
Just
Wholefood
#B1-66/67 United Sq., 101 Thomson Rd., 6259-4528.
Organic and natural juices, energy bars, cookies, seeds, nuts,
beverages, brown rice, spreads, honey, tea, grains, supplements and
loads more are stocked up in this store.
L’Organic
Market
Blk. 18 Unit A Dempsey Rd., 6474-7142, www.lorganic.sg.
This Tanglin Village organic nook has a cafe and deli as well. You
can also get organic juices, ice-cream and seasonal fruits from
different countries.
SuperNature
#01-21 Park House, 21 Orchard Blvd., 6735-4338.
Stock up on 100 percent organic vegetables, fruits, dried fruits,
grains, breads and more here.
ONLINE
Organic Online
www.organiconline.com.sg.
Look for household products, skincare items, and fruits and
vegetables at this handy site.
SkyOrganic
6288-3326, www.skyorganic.com.
Get organic produce delivered to your home, and check out the
recipes available.
SKINCARE
Dr Hauschka
Red White & Pure, #02-141, #03-09 1 HarbourFront Walk,
6827-0088.
This well-known brand is free from synthetic chemicals, colors or
preservatives in its products. It’s also guaranteed by the IMO—a
certification body for organic produce.
MASK Cathay
#02-11 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6836-4456.
The new line of facials that use Eminence beauty products are made
from pesticide-free vegetables, fruit and herbs, and completely no
animal ingredients. They even come with yummy names like Apricot
Whip.
Sccube the
Apothecary
#03-19A The Centrepoint Shopping Centre, 176 Orchard Rd.,
6737-8482.
This newbie stocks a large range of skincare products which are
made of fruit juices—perfect for those with sensitive
skin.
Youngblood Mineral
Cosmetics
The MedSpa, #12-03 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd.,
6887-3087.
Comprising of a unique, customized blend of minerals and pigments
that’s termed mineral makeup, YoungBlood is perfect for those with
sensitive skin.