Organic foods do not contain pesticides, chemicals, additives or preservatives. A research paper on the health benefits of organic food can include the dangers of these additives to our health. Organic food also contains more natural nutrients and vitamins; compare and contrast several organic and processed foods for your research paper. Include the ingredients and nutritional information. It is important to note that the USDA does not officially state that organic food overall is more nutritional than processed food. It does cite studies, however, that found higher levels of minerals, vitamin C and antioxidants in organic food.
The environmental benefits of organic farming include lessened groundwater contamination, better soil quality, increased biodiversity, conservation benefits and reusable waste options. A research paper on the environmental benefits of organic food could follow a fruit or vegetable throughout its growth and production. Compare the use of environmentally friendly practices and farming options to the process of more conventional crops, and discuss the harms of chemicals and preservatives on the environment.
Organic food minimizes disease in animals through the use of clean housing, rotational grazing and a balanced diet, whereas many processed animal source foods include medications, artificially introduced hormones and antibiotics to prevent disease and promote growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, runoff pesticides and artificial fertilizers can contaminate nearby bodies of water. Animals and fish that depend on these streams and rivers can be poisoned. A research topic on the benefits to animals from organic food and farming practices can be either a direct view at how animals raised for consumption are affected, or it can be a paper on the side effects of conventional food and farming on local species and habitats.
Consider formulating a research paper on growing your own organic food. Discuss what soil enhancers and alternatives to pesticides you used. Include what the options to your organic choices could have been in a conventional garden. For instance, you could state that you used natural compost instead of artificial fertilizers. If you decide to create a comparison garden using pesticides and artificial materials you could discuss the differences between the end results.