Animal Research Essays (648 words) - Product Certification, Diets

The Cost of Food: Is Quality Worth The Cost Trade Off? There is a tremendous difference between natural and processed foods. The most fundamental differences are the method of growing and processing, the nutrient content of the food, and cost. Currently there is a trend towards healthier diet in the U.S., because of the diseases and health issues that have a direct relationship to the types and amounts of foods consumed. The natural or organic growing process is different, because do not use artificial fertilizers and pesticides to speed up growing times, or pesticides that leave residues that at toxic. Natural foods are simple and basic. Natural foods require no processing and are ready to eat off the vine or out the pan. Processed foods are altered from the beginning with fertilizers, pesticides, and other modifications that leave harmful traces or residues. Natural or organic foods are closer to their natural state and have more vitamins and nutrients and are better for your health. The conflict is that they are usually more expensive and have a shorter shelf life as a result of not having preservatives or additives. The primary goal of processing is to lengthen of the shelf life so that large amount can be sold over longer periods of time. This is more efficient in that it can be mass produced, use mass distribution, and be cost effective. The problem is that processing methods use additives, preservatives, un-natural genetic materials, and radiation and heat treatments that alter or destroy the natural healthy vitamins and minerals. Manufactures patent some of the processing methods that they use, and that means it is essentially a secret or mystery to consumer as to what they did or what was added. Natural foods are generally one or possibly two isles of the store, but the processed foods comprise the remainder of the store. There are not the only differences in the location in the store, the packages or containers, the levels of freshness, and the general appearance of the food itself. The processed foods are packaged for longer shelf life, whereas the natural food usually has a much shorter shelf life, because it is fresh and spoil much quicker due to the fact that it does not contain preservatives and other additives which drastically change the foods (appearances, texture, and nutrient content). Natural foods are simple and basic. Natural foods require no processing and are ready to eat off the vine or out the pan. Natural foods are simple and basic. Natural foods require no processing and are ready to eat off the vine or out the pan. Processed foods have been altered from the beginning with fertilizers, pesticides, and other modifications that leave harmful traces or res idues. . The cost or economics of natural foods in comparison to processed foods are also the determining factors. All the concerns the debate of natural versus processed centers around cost in one way or another. From the field (production) to the shelf (consumption) every aspect is viewed from the perspective of cost. The health issues that are associated with healthy food (food that has the natural nutritional value) to the processed foods (foods that possibly have negative side effects) that drive up health cost indirectly as a result. The corporations are constantly finding ways to cheaply process food and manipulate buyers, regardless of the detrimental effects on the health of Americans. In conclusion there are many influencing factors in this debate. The manner of marketing the products, production cost, the Western lifestyle (quick, easy to prepare, and inexpensive), the conditioning of taste choices, education, social position, and the economic behavior of both consumers and corporations. . References Healthy Eating Politics Alternative Views of Food and Health, Initials. (2008). Healthy eating politics alternative views on food and health. Retrieved from http://healthy-eating-politics.com/processed-foods.html Retrieved 6/2/2011