By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH it is unclear whether organic food is more nutritious than its more ‘conventionally’ grown counterpart, one group is saying it is best for parents to feed their babies and children organic food.

Natural Port Bahamas, a family-owned company who are distributors of the international organic food line HappyFamily, told Tribune Health it believed a better choice for babies and children was food free from chemicals or pesticides.

Over the years, organic food has become a popular alternative to ‘traditional’ produce.  What has attracted many people to organic food is the way it is grown and processed, according to Mayoclinic.com.

“The word ‘organic’ refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat,” says the website.

“Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat do not use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease.”

Natural Port Bahamas distributes dozen of organic baby meals, baby cereals, yoghurts, organic baby food pouches, and veggie fruit snacks.

Olivia Porteous, from the company, said: “Processed foods, both organic and conventional, are those that are treated to be sold commercially, sometimes with high levels of heat, light or preservatives in order to extend shelf life.  This processing can lower the nutritional value of the food.

“One example of this is the heat processing used in jarred baby foods. Ever wonder why vegetables from the baby food jar look duller and less appealing than the ones in the produce section?  It’s because the vitamins and pigments have been altered by high levels of heat. Minimal processing is the best way to preserve all the nutrients, flavour and texture of fresh food.”

Mispah Ferguson said it was a costly alternative.

“I guess anything that is good for you will cost money. I have been in between organic food and eating conventionally for the past three months. I found a store that sells all sorts of organic products but I cannot purchase a lot of things at one time because that would run up all kinds of bills. But you will get whatever you pay for,” she said.