By Luke Oliver Trevisani

Introduction: 

Western society in the present day has made it far too easy for individuals to consume processed foods. With the persistent marketing, the short waiting time, and the low price of processed foods people are attracted to processed foods as a regular eating option. Many individuals are aware that this is unhealthy as opposed to consuming whole organic food, however, few people have the knowledge of why organic food is healthier or the beneficial effects which eating organic foods has on an individual. According to Healthline, research has proven that processed foods have a negative effect on our gut microbiome. The gut biome can be defined as “The collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your bowels that affect everything in your body, from inflammation to heart health” (Healthline.com). The consumption of processed foods (such as fast food) can lead to an increase in unhealthy bacteria, fungi, and viruses that inhabit an individual’s body. An increase in these unhealthy toxins may lead to “Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as diabetes and even cancer” (1). Facts such as the ones listed above provide evidence that organic whole foods are superior to processed foods. Prior to contemplating all the ways in which organic food may be superior to processed foods, the history of how humans have shifted towards a dominantly processed food system must be exposed.

      (Photo of processed food items)

The History of Processed Foods:

There is history behind how we as a western society have moved  away from organic whole foods and have become dominated by processed food in our everyday food choices. Automated Process Equipment Corporation states that we as a species began processing food thousands of years ago. Simple acts such as using fire to heat food or using unique places to store foods count as “processed”. These processed foods in the past remained healthy for the human body because there were no artificial toxins added to the product. Furthermore, we did not use toxic chemicals added to the soil to alter the item during the growing stage of a food item. Processing food became more complex and organized in the 19th century when processes such as canning and pasteurization were developed. (2). In the 20th century, the alteration of food items became harmful to both the health of humans and our ecosystem.. A different and unique form of food processing was introduced by Paul Müller. Born January 12th 1899 in Switzerland, Müller created a toxic substance which could be used as a pesticide. Müller created this dangerous compound while he was involved in the Nazi party during World War 2. “Four years of intensive work led to the synthesis of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and the basic Swiss patent was granted in 1940… Field trials now showed it to be effective not only against the common housefly, but also against a wide variety of pests, including the louse, Colorado beetle, and mosquito” (3).  DDT was found to be a very effective pesticide. It could kill insects which could potentially harm plants. As it was effective, the compound itself is extremely toxic. That same toxin which is used in crops and consumed can cause harm to the human body. This would mark the beginning of our shift away from organic foods. 

(Photo shows dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

Personally, I find the history of processed foods (specifically the discovery and deployment of pesticides) disturbing. Knowing that I am consuming chemicals that were developed by the Nazi regime in World War 2 does not sit well with me. I believe that this history and first fundamental step towards the creation of processed foods should wave a red flag. The Nazi party was responsible for the murder of over 6 million Jewish individuals. They wished to annihilate whole races which they concluded were inferior to themselves (4). Do we really want to consume vegetables and meat products that contain chemicals which were used and created by one of the most horrifying regimes of all time? 

Defining Organic Food:

Organic food is commonly perceived as a healthier option because of the lack of harmful toxins used in the creation of the food. Jason Vogel provides a stronger and more specific definition of what makes food organic: “organic food is grown or raised without the use of synthetic chemicals. In the production of vegetables and fruits, no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers may be used, and no hormones or antibiotics” (5). Vogel states that organic food is food that has been naturally raised and not chemically modified. Because of the lack of modification and purity of the product, organic foods are appealing to many consumers. The composition of processed foods is far different than organic. 

(Picture from an organic farm)

Defining Processed Food: 

Joseph Hyder defines processed foods as “methods used to transform raw ingredients into different forms of food. Food processing often produces foods that have extended shelf lives and contain flavor-enhancing food additives, exhibit enhanced appearances, and/or have undergone processes to inhibit the growth of pathogens” (6). Hyder refers to the present day use of processed items for his definition of the term. In the present, we commonly see foods going through chemical changes. This alteration is seen far more frequently in developed countries such as the United States. “In the United States, for example, processed foods account for approximately 90 percent of food consumption” (6). The majority of food consumed within the U.S is processed. There are pros to businesses creating processed foods. This is far different from claiming that it is healthier than organic. By using unnatural processes to create food it is possible to alter the size, shape, color, consistency, and other factors of the product. By doing this, the product can become more appealing to the customer. However, toxins used to create the product pose potential harm to the human body. 

(Picture from a processed farm)

The Importance of Nutrition in Everyday Life and Athletic Performance:

When determining whether or not organic food is truly healthier, it is critical to consider the importance of nutrition. A sector of human lifestyle where nutrition is commonly discussed is within the sports world. Regardless of the spectrum of athletic competition or intensity, nutrition is essential to individuals who are “active”. With development of technology and the steady increasing popularity of  athletics in our culture, there has been a significant increase in scientific studies trying to understand the correlation between nutrition and athletic performance. Many of the nutrition exercises used in athletics can be used for general peak human performance as well. Nutrition exercises can be defined as a selection of specific nutrients used to help achieve peak human performance. Some common nutritional exercises used to maximize athletic performance are carbohydrate loading, intaking carbohydrates during an event, using fats as fuel, intaking protein, and consuming fluids and electrolytes (7). Kathryn Beck discusses the benefits of all of these athletic methods in her article, Role of Nutrition in Performance Enhancement and Postexercise Recovery. Carbohydrate loading has been found to delay the onset of fatigue by 20% and improve athletic performance by 2-3%. This method is found effective for exercises lasting longer than 30 minutes and athletes “should consume 10–12 g of carbohydrate per kg of body mass (BM) per day in the 36–48 hours prior to exercise” (7). Additionally, ingesting carbohydrates during an athletic competition for events can improve performance. This is due to the fact that ingesting carbs can prevent hypoglycemia. In other words, carbon ingestion throughout an exercise can prevent low blood sugar levels (7). Fat has been seen as a potential nutritional supplement for athletic events that last longer than 6 hours. Protein use prior to and during athletic events has been found to increase muscle protein synthesis, studies have shown that protein does not improve time-trial performance (7). However, protein is still a vital nutritional supplement for athletes interested in improving muscle growth. Athletes who lift weights and consume protein post exercise have found significant results in muscle growth and strength. Electrolytes and fluids are essential to maintaining hydration. Because of this, high level athletes take a great interest in constantly drinking water and electrolytes. Competitive athletes tend to be hyper aware of their bodies and what they put into it because they wish to compete at the highest level they possibly can. Additionally, some athletes look at nutrition as a potential way to get an “edge” over their competition. However, not only high level athletes should be aware of what they are consuming. Dr. Mark Hyman emphasizes the importance of nutrition for every individual.

(Photo above shows a bottle of protein powder, a popular dietary supplement)

Dr. Mark Hyman is a highly successful individual who specializes in nutrition. He is a 14 time New York Times bestselling author and hosts one of the most popular health podcasts: The Doctors Farmacy. Additionally, he participated in the 2009 White House Forum on Prevention and Wellness (8). Dr. Hyman strongly believes in the power of a nutritious diet. “Food isn’t like medicine, it is medicine, and it’s our number one tool for creating the vibrant health we deserve” (9). In Hymans article, Why Calories Don’t Matter, he debunks the myth that all calories are created equal. By doing this he proves that an organic calorie is superior to a processed food calorie. He does this by first comparing 1,000 calories of broccoli to 1,000 calories of soda. In a lab setting when these two are burned they would each release the same amount of energy. However, the digestive system is far different than a lab setting. Consuming the soda leads to a handful of negative effects such as an increase in inflammation, a rise in blood pressure, and a raise in triglycerides. When digesting the broccoli however, which is high in carbohydrates, is slow digesting and leads to no blood sugar or insulin spikes (10). What Dr. Hyman is trying to tell his readers is that the quantity of calories you eat does not matter, it is the quality of the calorie which matters. A completely organic calorie will have superior effects when compared to a processed calorie which contains harmful toxins. 

(Photo above shows Dr. Mark Hyman)

All individuals should gain nutritional awareness because of the strong benefits that come with it. As Dr. Mark Hyman states, an organic calorie is superior to a processed food calorie. When I am in my hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico I am surrounded by healthy organic foods. The farmers markets scattered across the city and the wide variety of organic stores make it easy to eat the best foods. At Bucknell University, I worry I do not have access to the nutritious food items which I was privileged to be surrounded by back home. Being able to compare how I feel after eating a processed meal on campus versus eating an organic meal at home has allowed me to see firsthand the power of nutrition. When eating an organic diet I noticed myself to have more energy and in general I felt healthier.

(Photo above shows the Santa Fe Farmers Market)

 I have tried a variety of the nutritional exercises which Beck lists above. Two exercises which I found provided great results were digesting carbohydrates during an event and consuming protein after  exercise. By consuming carbohydrates during a workout, I found myself filled with energy. It felt almost as if I was given a second wind when tired if I took carbohydrates. Additionally, in the past I would lift a lot and get poor results. I was confused why this was. However, once I started to drink protein shakes after workouts I began to notice changes in the weights I was lifting. I could notice myself getting stronger and recovering faster from workouts. 

Tom Brady and Nutrition: 

Tom Brady, a seven time superbowl champion, has an extremely strict diet. The 45 year old Tampa Bay Buccaneer football quarterback has managed to play one of the most punishing sports for 23 years. He has achieved this due to his extreme awareness about his overall wellbeing. Tom Brady provides living proof that a proper nutritional diet provided with organic food items can aid in achieving peak human performance and improve longevity. Tom Brady’s diet is a vital part of his daily routine. According to TB12 (Tom Brady’s Company), “Brady’s day typically starts at 6:00 a.m. His immediate focus is loading up on electrolytes and nutrients. “I wake up and drink 20 ounces of water with electrolytes,” he says. After that, a high-calorie, high-fat, high-protein smoothie follows. The usual fare is bananas, blueberries, nuts, and seeds. After about two hours, Tom starts his daily training session. At roughly 20-minute intervals throughout his workout, he’ll drink more water with electrolytes, but he won’t eat again until the workout is complete — around 11:00 a.m. At that time he wraps up the session with a quick and easy recovery drink: one scoop of plant-based protein powder in almond milk.Around noon, Tom assembles his lunch according to his core principle of “mostly plants.” About 20 percent of his plate is a healthy protein (like a piece of fish), and the rest is vegetables — “lots of vegetables,” he notes — whole grains, and dark leafy greens. For the rest of the day, it’s nuts and seeds as a snack, 2 to 3 more protein shakes, a plant-packed dinner, and — not infrequently — a steaming cup of bone broth.” (11)

(Photo above shows a picture of Tom Brady, a product from his TB12 brand, and several organic nutritious food items)

His absurdly strict diet gives him a nutritional edge (resulting in a physical edge) over his opponents. Potentially the most important part of Tom Brady’s diet is his rule regarding processed foods. Brady says: “if it is in a box, don’t take it out” (11). In other words, if it is processed food, do not eat it. The vast amount of research he has done and professional nutritional medical advice which Brady has received has led him to stay away from all processed foods. This is due to his knowledge of how important nutrition is in order to sustain peak human performance, and his knowledge about the negative effects of processed foods. 

Individuals like Tom Brady who are aware that what they are consuming is vital to their health and performance understand that what gets put into their food, gets put into them. Food that is given organic fertilizer or fed all organic hormones and undergoes no unnatural processes is what individuals who are passionate about their personal well being, peak performance, or increasing longevity should eat. 

Being a student-athlete at Bucknell, an individual who is willing to put effort into my well being, and a passionate New England Patriots fan I have always been extremely intrigued by the “TB12” diet. I have always found the amount of work that Brady puts toward his diet fascinating. He meticulously choses exactly what he puts into his body because he is aware of how nutrition affects his body. I hope to one day be able to eat like Brady. I want to not only put effort into thinking about what to eat and when to eat it, but where my food comes from. I want to question whether or not my food is raised or grown using only natural methods. I would like to do this not only for the sake of my nutrition, but for my moral values about the ethics of organic food. 

The Ethics of Consumption:

According to Tim Hunt, a successful British biochemist, it is more ethical to eat organic foods as opposed to food that has been processed. It is a well known fact that organic foods are created using more animal and environmentally friendly methods (12). If consuming processed foods negatively impacts the environment and treats animals worse than organic food, then it is morally incorrect to consume processed food. In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to completely stay away from processed foods. Especially in present day America where, as previously stated, 90% of our food is processed. Because of this, one should not feel guilty about consuming processed food that both harms the environment and the animals involved. Food Print writes about the lifetime of an animal within the typical processed food industry. “The modern, industrialized way in which we produce meat, eggs and other animal products has turned animals into units of production, subject to inhumane treatment, terrible living conditions and cruel deaths” (13). Many animals are force fed artificial hormones to alter the taste of their meat in order to further satisfy the customer. Many animals within the processed food industry never experience life outside of a cage. These are all important factors when considering the ethics of the food industry. Let’s contrast animal life in the processed food industry vs organic. Organic Trade Association writes about the life of an animal being raised on an organic farm. “Animal welfare is a top priority for organic farmers. By law, U.S. organic farmers are required to raise animals without the use of antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. Plus, organic farmers must provide animals with 100% organic feed and safe, clean, cage-free living conditions” (14). Buyers of organic meats are guaranteed by law to be consuming animals that have not been forced to take harmful hormones. Additionally, “organic farmers must provide their animals with access to the outdoors and pasture so that they can roam freely. In fact, organic standards require that cows graze on rich, nutritious grass for a minimum of one third of their lives” (14). Unlike in the processed food industry, the well being of animals is taken into account within the organic food industry. Not only is organic food morally correct, but it is also better for the environment.

(Photo above is taken from a cow farm in the organic food industry)

I believe it is important that we all become more aware of where our food comes from and how it has been made. If you have the resources (especially the financial resources) to eat only organic food then it is important to question where your food comes from. I believe every individual should question what they are eating. However, I also understand that many people around the world do not have the money to afford an organic diet.  I always question what I am putting into my body and how that food was made or how that animal was treated. I find some comfort in knowing that the meat which I consumed was raised using ethical practices. 

(Photo above shows a chicken farm in the processed food industry)

Processed Food and The Environment: 

Processing food not only depletes that food item of resources, but it also causes extensive harm to the environment. More specifically, the soil. According to the Ecological Society of America, our soil is responsible for storing 75% of the carbon on land (15). Additionally, there is a direct correlation between carbon in the atmosphere and our earth’s temperature. Because of climate change in our world today, it is essential to remove excess carbon (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere in order to halt the deleterious effects of global warming. Processed foods are negative for the environment because they damage our soil which reduces its ability to store carbon within itself. A common practice used by processed food farmers is the application of pesticides in the crops. Within the soil there is an advanced ecosystem which keeps the soil fertile and able to store carbon. The Center for Biological Diversity, conducted a study where they researched and analyzed the effect which pesticides have on soil. In the beginning of the study, they summarize the importance of the soil in our world. The Center for Biological Diversity has proved that in most cases, pesticides harm soil health. “We analyzed 394 studies encompassing 275 unique species or types of soil organisms and 284 different pesticides or pesticide mixtures. While previous studies have looked at particular pesticide classes or types of organisms, this is the first review to incorporate all pesticide types, invertebrates that live or develop in the soil, and types of health outcomes available in the scientific literature… According to the data, pesticides affect soil invertebrates in many ways, from directly killing them to reducing reproduction, growth, cellular function and overall species diversity. We analyzed relevant data in relation to the following health outcomes: mortality, abundance, biomass, behavior, reproduction, biochemical biomarkers, growth, richness and diversity, and structural changes. This resulted in an analysis of more than 2,800 separate “cases,” measured as a change in a specific health outcome after a specific organism’s exposure to a specific pesticide. We found negative effects in 71% of cases.” (16). The study showed that in 71% of the studies, they found clear evidence proving that pesticides have a noticeably harmful effect on soil organisms. The use of pesticides is only one of the processes which non organic food industries use on the soil. These corporations justify their damage to the soil by using harmful chemicals by claiming that they are doing it to provide food for a growing population. 

I believe that the best way for us as a society to combat climate change and save our planet is through saving our soil. Soil has been proven to be the largest carbon holder on land. If this is true, then it is vital that we maintain healthy soils. Processed foods do the exact opposite. The modern day agricultural industry uses pesticides and harmful chemicals on soils, causing extensive damage. If we want to combat climate change, we must change the processed food industry.

(Visual of a farmer damaging soil)

A Counter to Organic Foods: 

A reason why processed foods remain so popular is because they have the ability to provide food for the rising population of the human race. Eating an organic diet is more expensive than a processed food diet. Many individuals around the world do not have the luxury of choosing what they eat and are forced to eat processed food. Many people around the world can only afford to eat a processed food diet because it is cheaper than eating organic. 

A Solution to This Crisis:

A solution to this would be to make organic foods accessible for the whole population. A project such as this would require an enormous amount of money and planning. However, it could also provide a solution to climate change and perhaps world hunger. If individuals were given the resources and knowledge to grow their own food using natural and organic techniques used prior to our discovery of using harmful chemicals to promote agricultural growth, then we could both combat world hunger and climate change. Individual or community farms placed in low income communities would decrease the need to purchase processed foods while simultaneously increasing the consumption of healthier foods and the health of the soil. The health of the soil would also contribute towards the extraction of carbon from the atmosphere and promote a healthier environment. As a project such as this one would require a lot of resources and effort, it is a potential solution to individuals consuming processed food because they have to.

Conclusion:

There is now a significant amount of research available quantifying the differences between organic and processed foods. In the present day, processed foods are far more accessible than organic foods. Processed foods of course being food that has been altered and organic food being the raw or whole food item. Prior to 1940, processed foods were less harmful for the environment or for the human body. However, after the discovery and widespread use of pesticides, processed foods began to become more harmful for both human and soil health. Because organic food does not contain any of these chemicals and is composed of raw ingredients, it is more natural and healthy for human consumption. Eating organic foods is extremely important for those who take nutrition seriously. This includes, but is not limited to, professional or high level athletes. Nutrition can give athletes an advantage over their opponents. Some nutritional exercises which can be used to help individuals reach peak human performance are carbohydrate loading, intaking carbohydrates during an event, using fats as fuel, intaking protein, and consuming fluids and electrolytes. Additionally, athletes who are serious about nutrition must have a heavy interest in what types of foods they are putting into their body. One particular athlete whose nutrition choices have led to his athletic success is Tom Brady. Tom Brady refuses to eat anything that is processed and sticks solely to consuming organic foods. Beyond this, he has mastered what organic foods to eat depending on his routine and when to consume them. Not only does organic food contain far more nutrients and less chemicals than most processed foods, but it is considered more ethical and environmentally friendly. 

Unfortunately, many large agriculture companies who raise farm animals do not treat their animals in a morally acceptable manner. Additionally, there are currently no laws which restrict these companies from abusing their livestock. The organic food industry, however, sets a high standard, they follow laws which organic companies have chosen to follow. These laws ensure that their animals are treated in a humane and healthy manner. This allows organic food consumers to be confident about where their food comes from, its high quality, and how it was raised. Processed food also causes extensive damage to our environment. This is because it is part of a key process that is damaging our soil. Soil has been proven to store 75% of carbon on land. Because there is a relationship between carbon in the atmosphere and global warming, it is important to maintain healthy soils that can store excess carbon. Processed food industries are responsible for destroying and killing the soil, decreasing its ability to store significant carbon. Studies conducted by the Center for Biological Diversity have proved that the majority of processed food industries use harmful pesticides which further damage the soil microbiome. Processed food industries excuse their treatment of our environment by claiming that they are doing a good thing. They’re feeding the majority of the world’s population. They claim to be feeding our growing population at the least expensive cost. As this is inarguable, there could be a potential solution to provide organic food to the entire population. Supplying the tools and education to communities around the world could give everyone access to organic foods. By doing this, everyone would have the opportunity to eat an organic based diet.

 Individuals around the globe should question their nutrition, health, and wellness. We are composed of what we put into our bodies therefore we should all strive to put the best nutrients into ourselves. As it is a challenge, personal goals could be set to achieve this. Achieving this would not only benefit all individuals’ overall well being, but could also be an important step towards reducing the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and saving our planet from the harmful effects of climate change.

References 

1. Curley, C. (2021, April 22). How fast foods harm your gut microbiome. Healthline. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fast-foods-harm-your-gut-microbiome-what-you-should-eat-instead#What-to-eat-for-a-healthy-microbiome 
2. apec_access. (2022, September 28). The history of Food Processing: How we got to what we eat. APEC USA. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://www.apecusa.com/blog/the-history-of-food-processing-how-we-got-to-what-we-eat/ 
3. The nobel prize in physiology or medicine 1948. NobelPrize.org. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1948/muller/biographical/ 
4. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). United States holocaust memorial museum. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/documenting-numbers-of-victims-of-the-holocaust-and-nazi-persecution
5. Vogel, J. M. (2005). Organic Foods. In C. Mitcham (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics (Vol. 3, pp. 1366-1368). Macmillan Reference USA. 
6. Hyder, J. P. (2011). Processed Foods. In B. W. Lerner & K. L. Lerner (Eds.), In Context Series. Food: In Context (Vol. 2, pp. 660-662). Gale. 
7. Beck, K. L., Thomson, J. S., Swift, R. J., & von Hurst, P. R. (2015). Role of nutrition in performance enhancement and postexercise recovery. Open access journal of sports medicine, 6, 259–267. 
8. About. Dr. Mark Hyman. (2021, May 7). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://drhyman.com/about/ 
9. Dr. Mark Hyman. (2022, June 15). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://drhyman.com/ 
10. Mark Hyman, M. D. (2018, March 12). Why Calories don’t matter. Dr. Mark Hyman. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://drhyman.com/blog/2014/04/10/calories-dont-matter/ 
11. So, what does Tom Brady Eat? introducing the TB12 diet. TB12. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17,2022, from https://tb12sports.com/blogs/tb12/what-does-tom-brady-eat 
12. Why buy… organic? Ethical Consumer. (2021, April 7). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/why-shop-ethically/why-buy-organic 
13. Animal Welfare in Food Production. FoodPrint. (2019, October 24). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://foodprint.org/the-total-footprint-of-our-food-system/issues/animal-welfare-in-food-production/ 
14. How are animals raised organically? OTA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://ota.com/how-are-animals-raised-organically 
15. Carbon sequestration in soils – ecological society of america. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.esa.org/esa/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/carbonsequestrationinsoils.pdf
16. Pesticides and soil health. Pesticides and Soil Health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/pesticides-and-soil-health/