Organic versus inorganic ingredients: research and comparison

Ingredient Research

This list will provide information about each of the ingredients below, and will state the health benefits and risks associated with each ingredient.

Organic Oleic Safflower Oil:

The safflower, or Carthamus Tinctorius, is an annual plant that is related to the sunflower. This plant looks much like a thistle and develops warm-hued flowers, which dry then drop, much like sunflowers, and expose safflower seeds. These seeds are high in oils, and can be either removed to be treated or left on the flower. If removed to be treated, they are dried and processed. Eventually, they are pressed into oil and then classified into two types of cooking oils: monosaturated and polysaturated. The organic component of this oil is important in that it provides for natural processes for these plants, which may even involve leaving the seeds on the flowers and which will eventually give the seeds a bitter taste. The processes vary, but this oil is quite rich in nutrients. For instance, some of the benefits associated with this oil are alleviating the symptoms of coronary heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, according to studies. Though healthy, safflower oil may also cause allergies in those allergic to this plant family (i.e. daisies and such). Thus, there are some minor health risks but the benefits, especially those heart-related, outweigh these risks.

Information taken from: Safflower Oil. Health Benefits of Safflower Oil, History, Types, Uses of Oil, Nutritional Value, Dosage and Side Effects. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .

2. Sea Salt:

This type of salt, as the name implies, is derived from bodies of water (as opposed to table salt). The production involves the evaporation of sea water, and little processing to derive the actual salt. Because of the many minerals found in the sea, this type of salt is usually thought to be healthier, as it retains these properties. However, though rich in minerals, sea salt is in no way inferior to table salt. In fact, despite its mineral-laden benefits, sea salt must be utilized sparingly, especially in elderly people, as it can cause the same type of problems (i.e. kidney problems) that table salt may cause.

Information taken from: Zeratsky, Katherine. "Is Sea Salt Better for Your Health than Table Salt?" Mayo Clinic. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .

3. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

This type of olive oil is thought to have less acidity and taste better than regular olive oil, which involves less processing. Extra virgin olive oil, according to Live Strong, "is olive oil from the first pressing of the olives. Chemically, extra virgin olive oil contains less than 1% acidity […] Good quality extra virgin olive oil should have a richer flavor and color than other types…" Thus, extra virgin olive oil can have many positive properties. Yet one must beware, for this is quite rich in calories and this latter facet can add to various health risks as it is still fat (even though it is healthy fat). Thus, one must beware of too much olive oil.

Information taken from: "Extra Virgin Olive Oil Nutritional Facts | LIVESTRONG.COM." LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .

4. Organic Cane Sugar:

Cane sugar is derived from sugar canes, and can be made into a variety of sugars. Organic signals that the sugar has been processed with regards to various standards, though these vary upon the country at which one looks. In the U.S. organic sugars are thought to contain less pesticides. Organic sugar is also brown in color, as some of the molasses properties remain. Thus, organic sugar is healthier for a person, yet just as inorganic sugars, the risks may outweigh the benefits if one eats too much sugar.

Information taken from: "What Is Organic Sugar Cane?" WiseGEEK: Clear Answers for Common Questions. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .

5. Corn Syrup Solids and High Fructose Corn Syrup:

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) puts both corn syrup solids and high fructose corn syrup on its cut back list, which means that this agency believes that these elements are not very healthy for the public, if consumed in large quantities. Though extracted from corn, the risks associated with these two food additives outweigh the benefits, and the greatest risk is weight gain and the problems that come with it or its extremes, such as obesity. Thus, though corn may be healthy, the solids and syrups derived from it may not be. This is one of the reasons why America has grown in weight. Corn syrups are consumed in our country in large quantities, and are therefore not healthy, as well as contribute to an increasing number of problems.

Information taken from: "Corn Syrup Solids vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup | LIVESTRONG.COM." LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .

6. Citric Acid:

This type of acid is more commonly found in citrus fruits and some berries. Lemons and limes have high concentrations, whereas oranges, tangerines, raspberries and blackberries have lower concentrations. The benefits of this type of acids and manifold. It can be utilized when cooking, and even in cleaning products. It mixes well with almost anything, and can also be used to flavor Vitamin C Citric acid can also be used in preparing photographs. Some of the risks associated with citric acids are various allergies, as well as stomach sensitivity.

Information taken from: "What Is Citric Acid?" WiseGEEK: Clear Answers for Common Questions. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .