Thursday 18 August 2011

The First BCNH Couple finally tied the knot!



 

We are delighted that Tom and Elizabeth have finally married this summer in Italy. Tom and Elizabeth met on BCNH 4-year Degree-level Diploma course, and while studying produced two beautiful little girls - Ella and Darcy. 

Their company Houston’s Nutritional Therapy based in Tunbridge Wells, provide nutritional guidance to help their clients optimise their physical and mental health and well being.

Tom’s background is in health and fitness, having managed corporate Fitness & Health clubs for a variety of corporate clients. He is also a qualified personal trainer & sports and remedial massage therapist, which includes deep tissue and relaxation massage.

Elizabeth has worked in health and beauty and also in childcare and is currently a full time mother to the two beautiful little girls.

We wish them lots of happiness and success in the future!


Tuesday 14 December 2010

Merry Christmas!

We wish you all a very merry Christmas & happy, healthy & prosperous 2011.
This card was designed by Rosie - the first BCNH baby - now 4 years old!

Monday 5 July 2010

FOR A LAUGH! No, I Haven't Seen Your Lipstick !



No, I Haven't Seen Your Lipstick !


Why would you even ask me that? I'm insulted! Every time something goes missing around here, everybody looks at me! For your information, I don't even wear that shade - it doesn't flatter my complexion and it tastes terrible.

Wednesday 12 August 2009

BCNH is in the process of Stage 2 NTC Accreditation

As far as I know, BCNH is the first nutritional therapy college to submit the Evidence File, demonstrating that we meet the fundamental criteria of stage 2 accreditation - the ‘NTC’s 17 Essential Requirements for Accreditation’. Although it has been a long, expensive and laborious process, at the end of the day it has given us a sense of achievement and it has been very worthwhile.

Whilst academically we had very little to do, the most challenging aspects for a relatively small college like BCNH were administrative issues. We have had to put in place various policies and procedures which, I agree, are essential to maintain high standards of professional education and are also crucial to running a business.

The second stage will be an on-site visit by the NTC Visiting Panel. This will entail the Panel observing lectures and clinics and holding discussions with the course team, students and the college management. They will scrutinise samples of key documentation at this stage and the Panel will meet with our team to discuss any issues raised during their visit. This will also be an opportunity for the Panel to explain the likely recommendations that they will be making to the Accreditation Committee, which will then decide whether or not we have passed the stage 2.

Further details are available from NTC Accreditation Handbook, published on the NTC website: –

http://www.nutritionaltherapycouncil.org.uk/Accreditation%20Handbook%20March%202009.pdf

We are cautiously optimistic that the outcome for BCNH will be positive & I look forward to the end of a long and challenging process.

Breda Gajsek

Principal BCNH

Wednesday 22 July 2009

SWINE FLU - BCNH Diet & Lifestyle Measures to Reduce the Risk



To protect ourselves against any viral infection, it is important that we boost our immune system. To boost our immunity we need to:-

a) avoid exposure to pathogens by following strict hygiene procedures (eg washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, etc)

b) ensure adequate rest and sleep

c) ensure adequate nutrient intake - see the Food Standards Agency The eatwell plate:- http://www.food.gov.uk/healthiereating/eatwellplate/

There are several simple measures that we can do to boost our immunity:-

  1. Avoid refined carbohydrates - refined carbohydrates such as white bread, polished rice, biscuits, cakes, pastries, etc. are ‘empty calories’; they are stripped of any nutrients and will utilise your own nutrient reserves for their own metabolism. They will effectively deplete your nutrient status, contributing to malnutrition, which will render you more vulnerable to infections.

  1. Avoid sugars - excess sugar suppresses immunity and can reduce the white blood cells’ ability to kill pathogens such as viruses. The immune-suppressing effect of sugar may last up to five hours and it can start within 15 minutes of ingestion. Avoid obvious sources of sugar such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice creams, etc.

  1. Increase FRESH fruits, vegetables and salads to minimum 5 a day - see government recommendations above. Ensure a rainbow of colours; antioxidant nutrients such as phytochemicals (plant compounds, which have been found to have potent immune boosting properties, among other functions) are found in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables such as berries, dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, etc. Make sure that you buy foods in season and locally grown (farmers markets are ideal) to ensure freshness and minimal chemical exposure. If you can afford to buy organic, even better.

  1. Increase fibre rich foods - fibre binds toxins and speeds up their elimination. Fibre also provides substrate for gut flora, which stimulate immunity through GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, which protects the body from invasion by pathogens. Considering that 70% of the body's immune system is found in the digestive tract, it is important to pay attention to this area.

  1. Ensure adequate protein intake - protein is digested to amino acids, which are components of all body tissues including immune system components. Good sources of protein are lean cuts of red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, tofu, nuts, beans, lentils and seeds.

  1. Ensure daily intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs) - EFAs are polyunsaturated fats/oils required for all body functions. There are two types of EFAs - (omega) n3 and n6. They are called essential as we cannot synthesise them in the body and must obtain them from the diet on a daily basis. EFAs are involved in all body functions, including gene expression and immune system regulation. Good sources of EFAs are oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon, etc), nuts and seeds.

  1. Avoid processed foods and fried foods - these foods contain chemicals that will compromise your immunity (‘trans’ & hydrogenated fats, colourings, flavourings, preservatives, etc.) rendering you more vulnerable to infections.

  1. Avoid excessive alcohol - the government recommendation is max. 2 - 3 units of alcohol a day for women and 3 - 4 units for men, with at least two or three alcohol-free days each week. A unit is:-

· Half a pint of standard strength (3.5%) beer, cider or lager

· A pub measure of spirit

· Half a standard glass (175 ml) of wine

· A pub measure of sherry, vermouth or liqueur

  1. Drink plenty of fluids - all body functions depend on adequate hydration, including waste elimination.

  1. Avoid excessive stimulants (tea and coffee and drinks containing caffeine - eg cola, Red Bull, etc.). As the name suggest, these contain chemicals which stimulates the production of stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Elevated levels of these hormones can contribute to insomnia . Elevated cortisol suppresses immunity, rendering one vulnerable to infections. Stimulants are also diuretic and will contribute to mineral loss from the body; minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium are vital for optimum immune function.

  1. Avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juices - apart from chemicals, which add burden to immunity, these drinks are also high in sugar.

  1. Ensure adequate sleep - our immune system can recharge when other body functions are at rest.

  1. Avoid excessive stress - in response to stress we produce excess stress hormone cortisol, which suppresses immunity. Insomnia is very often a symptom of elevated cortisol.

  1. Ensure some exercise - exercise stimulates lymphatic circulation. The lymph fluid transports nutrients like proteins and fats to the cells and waste materials such as dead cells, poisons, toxins and excess water from the cells. Research in mice showed that sedentary mice which begin to exercise regularly developed significantly stronger immune system. A brisk walk, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, etc. are all suitable.

  1. Increase zinc-rich foods. Zinc is a mineral abundant in fish, shell fish (oysters), pine nuts, pecan nuts, cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds, among others. The role of zinc in immunity is well researched and it has been found to be involved in various aspect of immunity from the barrier regulation (eg gut integrity) to immune cell production and activation.

  1. Supplements - research into supplementation is controversial, however, at times like this, one should try everything to minimise the risk of infections. At BCNH we recommend 3 basic supplements:-

1. A good multivitamin-mineral complex

2. An antioxidant complex (A, C, E, Se, Zn)

3. Vitamin C with flavonoids - 3 x 500mg a day

We do not favour any supplement company in particular, but the brands we would recommend are Allergy Research, Biocare, Biotics, Lamberts, Higher Nature, Nutri, Solgar, Thorne, Veridian, etc.

For further information on Swine Flu, please check this government website:-

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831?CID=SFlu&TYPE=sponsoredsearch&CRE=2

Disclaimer:

Supplements are not substitutes for a healthy diet and should be used in addition to DIETARY changes. SUPPLEMENTS MUST NOT REPLACE ANY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS! If you are taking any prescribed medications you must consult your GP first. If you have any concerns about your healh, pleasae contact your GP.

Thursday 25 June 2009

'NUTRITIONAL' JOKE


One of my tutors emailed me this joke and I loved it so much that I decided to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


Breda


I LOVE THIS DOCTOR!

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
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Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism for delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable) and a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
-------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?


A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
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Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
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Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

--------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me?

--------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride!!!

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Cola is a killer - its official


Drinking cola 'can kill' say experts

http://www.metro.co.uk



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Experts have issued a warning against drinking large quantities of cola, saying it could lead to muscle problems, an irregular heartbeat and bone weakness.

As well as tooth decay, diabetes and "softening" of the bones, doctors have seen patients suffering from hypokalaemia - where potassium levels in the blood drop too low.

This can increase the risk of muscle problems and heart rhythm abnormalities, which could prove fatal in some cases.

Experts say cola can cause fatal conditions

The number of cola-lovers suffering health issues is on the rise, they said, adding there had been a food industry push towards an "increase in portion sizes".

"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralisation and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes," said Dr Moses Elisaf, from the University of Ioannina in Greece, who led an academic review of the issue.

"Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions."

His study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, detailed cases where patients drank two or more litres of cola a day.

In one case, a 21-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to the hospital suffering tiredness, loss of appetite and repeated vomiting.

Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions

The patient had consumed more than three litres of cola per day for the previous six years and was found to be suffering from severe hypokalaemia and a heart blockage.

Once she was taken off cola and given potassium replacement substances, she made a full recovery. Another pregnant woman found to be drinking six or seven litres of cola a day suffered similar problems but also made a recovery when she dropped her intake.

Other case studies of people drinking between two and nine litres of cola a day found they suffered muscle problems ranging from "mild weakness to profound paralysis".

The authors said their findings were relevant because we now live in an era when the food industry sells drinks in large sizes.

"In an era where the food industry presses towards an increase in portion sizes of these preparations, (these) observations may have important public health implications," they wrote.

One theory is that the sugar content of cola could lead the kidneys to excrete too much potassium, while another is that the caffeine content of cola leads to a redistribution of potassium in the body's cells or increased excretion from the body.

The most common ingredients in cola drinks are glucose, fructose and caffeine, Dr Elisaf said. "The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalaemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," he added.

Dr Packer said: "In 2007, worldwide consumption of soft drinks reached 552 billion litres or 82.5 litres per person. "This is projected to rise to 95 litres per person by 2012.

Dr Elisaf said: "Although most patients recover when they stop drinking cola and take potassium supplements, cola-induced chronic hypokalaemia can make them more susceptible to potentially fatal complications, such as an irregular heartbeat.

"We believe that further studies are needed to establish how much is too much when it comes to the daily consumption of cola drinks."

A spokeswoman for the British Soft Drinks Association said: "The examples used in this paper by the International Journal of Clinical Practice are all very extreme cases - moderate consumption of cola drinks is completely safe and people can continue to enjoy such drinks as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle."

She said nutrition labelling is included on packs so people can make an informed choice about the products they are drinking.

Breda's comment


I agree that we should not deprive our kids of everything; no chocolate, no cola, no biscuits, no this, or that, as it will turn them into food obsessive nervous wrecks who will eventually end up with an eating disrder. Moderation is the key. However, how many kids drink cola in moderation? I have a habit of peeping into peoples’ shopping trolleys, especially when there is a mum with a kid or two. And what do I see? Litres of cola and huge packets of crisps for good measure.

Not all mums shop like that; for me its delightful to see a shopping trolley full of vegetables, fruits, wholemeal pasta or bread and lean meat or fish. The most common excuse is that healthy eating is too expensive. However, considering that 1Kg of Sainsbury's Fairtrade Apple Bag is £1.99; comparing weight for weight, with 1Kg of Kettle Chips, which is an astonishing £8.96 (almost 3 x the price of apples), the money issue is no excuse. At the end of the day, it all boils down to education and awareness. Thank you Metro for highlighting the Cola issue.



Thursday 14 May 2009

BCNH student published her first book



Avocado to Zucchini (published by AuthorHouse) is an illustrated A to Z of fruit and vegetables for children.

Rhea Hayes is a former model and student nutritionist. She is passionate about educating children about the benefits of fruit and vegetables, why they should be a crucial part of everyone’s diet, and why they can be cool and interesting.

Childhood Obesity has become a serious issue in modern Britain. Avocado to Zucchini is a book that will help children start off on the right track and get those disinterested in healthy food back on the wagon!

Rhea explains to children how they grow (i.e. on a tree or plant), their nutritional content, and why such nutritional content is good for the body. At the same time they will also be taught really interesting facts about each fruit or vegetable, such as why carrots help us to see in the dark, and what the Romans ate to stop them going bald!

Through her background in Pharmacy, Rhea learnt that medication isn’t always the answer. She realised that it must be better to try and prevent illnesses rather than treat the symptoms, when it’s often too late.

This book appeals to readers as it is an exciting and educational read for children and adults alike. And if nutrition is taught at an early age it will help children to grow and develop into healthy adults. This book aims to teach children information that they can build on through their formative years and beyond.

About the author: Rhea is a former model through Barbara Daley and was a L’Oreal Colour Trophy model, she is now a student nutritionist and healthy eating campaigner; she wanted to write a book aimed at children that would inspire them to get interested in fruit and embrace vegetables.

Members of the media can request a review copy or interview by contacting:
Publicity Coordinator
Tel (UK): 0800 197 4150
pressreleases@authorhouse.com

Wednesday 15 April 2009

BCNH Graduates' NTC Registration

BCNH Graduates are rushing to put their names on the NTC register. To our knowledge, our graduate and ex-tutor, Simon Lewis is the first BCNH graduate to be registered with NTC. May many others follow the suit.

Well done Simon and all others going through the process.

Monday 30 March 2009

URGENT NEED FOR REGULATION

Nutritional Therapy keeps receiving bad press, hence the urgent need of regulation. NTC is working very hard on this issue; our training courses are becoming more & more standardised, following the National Occupational Standards (NOS), so all Nutritional Therapy students receive rigorous academic and clinical training to ensure fitness to practice. This will, no doubt, in due course, elevate our professional status and minimize the negative press.

BCNH is preparing to apply for Stage 2 NTC accreditation by 31st July 2009.


We are NOT being accredited by FTNP and we have NO relationship with this organization.We do advise our students and graduates to join BANT and NTC.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

BCNH is moving offices


As from Monday 26th January 2009, BCNH will operate from its new offices in Barkat House, 116 - 118 Finchley Road, London NW3 5HT.

Barkat House is 2 minutes walk from Finchely Road underground station (Metropolitan and Jubilee line).

We look forward to seeing you there and we apologise for a minor disruption to our services while moving the premises.

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Merry Xmas and happy, healthy and prosperous new year


to everybody from all of us at BCNH.

The college is closed between 24th December 2008 and 4th Janusary 2009. We are open again, as usual, on 5th January 2009.

Wednesday 19 November 2008

Dr Ben Goldacre Bad Science lecture at BCNH was a great success

Last night’s lecture was informative, interesting and entertaining. Dr Goldacre is passionate about his topic as much as we are passionate about nutrition.

BCNH students and graduates asked the Principal to arrange another lecture with Dr Goldacre, this time on critical appraisal of research papers. They would very much like to hear his views on various trials.

A BSc student summoned it up: ‘everyone in attendance is in agreement that critical appraisal from outside (and inside) can be only beneficial, as it is the start point for improvement.’

BCNH Action Plan

1. Next week we will appoint a Scientific Advisor to the college with whom we will have regular meeting and reviews of the course material. We agree there needs to be better scientific rigour to our recommendations.

2. We hope to have a monthly debate with the Scientific Advisor to talk about recent studies, to give us an opportunity for critical self appraisal and to improve our research analysis.

3.
On our blog we should have a regular feature where we review quotes from our own profession, checking for bad science and highlighting spurious claims such as 'bilberries are good for eye strain'!

Deadline for change: 18 November 2009 (as challenged by Ben)


Monday 10 November 2008

NTC PRESS RELEASE


3rd November 2008

Press Release

Nutritional Therapy Council opens discussions on Possible Statutory Regulation of the Nutritional Therapy Profession

The Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC), along with representative of The British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT), met the Health Professions Council on 30th October to discuss the possible statutory regulation of practitioners of nutritional therapy.

The Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) is concerned that the provision of nutrition advice in the UK is currently unregulated to a large extent. At present, there is a voluntary regulatory framework in place that is intended to offer the public a route by which they can verify the credentials of practitioners of nutritional therapy. However, there are a number of inadequately trained practitioners who have done courses at institutions which claim to give them the skills to give individualised nutrition advice. As a regulator, the NTC has the protection of the public at its heart and is exploring the options for mandatory regulation of nutritional therapy practitioners

For further information on the Nutritional Therapy Council please see our website or contact ppr@nutritionaltherapycouncil.org.uk

www.nutritionaltherapycouncil.org.uk

Ends.

Carol A Granger BSc (Hons) MSc MIBiol CBiol MBANT

Registered Nutritional Therapist

Nutritional Therapy Council

www.nutritionaltherapycouncil.org.uk


Wednesday 5 November 2008

STUDENTS' COURSE WORK ACCESSED VIA BCNH WEBSITE

BCNH students can now download their course materials, lectures and assignments from a secure, password-protected website. This feature is great news as it enables students to acess material 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

BCNH students can also download research papers, provided by the college, free of charge. Students love it and we doo, too.

We hope to extend this facility to BCNH graduates in the new year, subject to sufficient interest.


Tuesday 2 September 2008

BEST STUDENT'S ESSAY ON ORGANIC FARMING


Sophie Leicester's essay was chosen as the best essay on the topic in the last academic year.

Discuss the nutritional differences in foods produced by organic and conventional farming methods.


The Food Standards Agency (FSA) currently state that there is no scientific evidence to prove that organic food is healthier or safer than food produced by conventional farming methods (FSA 2008). This essay will explore two of the major issues surrounding the debate – that of avoidance of pesticide residue and greater nutritional benefits of organic food.

Organic farming seeks to avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and instead rely on an ecologically sound approach. The Soil Association (2008) believes in a holistic approach to farming, claiming better taste, health and advantages for the environment, and seeks to improve soil and avoid pest damage through management and farming techniques (see Appendix 1).
Organophosphates are the most widely used group of insecticides in the world (Pesticides Trust 1996). Working by inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a neurotransmitter, in nerve cells, they may be related to various diseases including cancer, and mental, neurological and reproductive effects (Cohen 2007). Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to suicide (Jaga Dharmani 2007), reproductive disorders (Frazier 2007), cognitive and behavioural functioning in children (Lizardi et al 2008), childhood leukemia (Monge et al 2007), reduced semen quality (Swan et al 2003), among many others. Lopez et al (2007) showed agricultural workers showed decreased antioxidant enzyme activity which, it is proposed, may be linked to the adverse health effects. While the FSA claim all foods, both organic and conventional, have residues below recommended levels (FSA 2008) (see Appendix 2), even low level exposure may cause neurotoxicity (Jamal et al 2002) and have an adverse impact on fertility and the development of the fetus (Peiris-John, Wickremasinghe 2008). Lu et al, (2006) and Curl et al (2003) show that for children particularly, exposure to pesticides occurs through diet and an organic diet significantly reduces exposure levels. Cohen (2007) argues that children may be susceptible to adverse affects of exposure due to underdeveloped detoxification pathways and longer life expectancy to develop diseases with long latency periods. Therefore particularly vulnerable groups include those taking preconceptual care, breastfeeding and pregnant women, children, as well as those with compromised detoxification systems e.g. cancer patients.

There appears to be little research on the combined effects of the different substances in the body, and the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, (2002), commissioned by the FSA, recommend changes should be made to carry out combined risk assessments of exposures to more than one pesticide, assuming chemicals with the same toxic action will act cumulatively.
Many further issues surround this topic, full discussion of which are beyond the scope of this essay. For example, among other issues, use of nitrate fertilisers may contaminate water, potentially causing health issues (see Appendix 3); use of prophylactic antibiotics in conventional farming may lead to antibiotic resistant disease in both animals and humans; growth hormones may be passed on to people who consume the meat and have adverse effects on health; genetically modified food, which has not been subject to rigorous testing, may create situations where genes are transferred across species (World Wildlife Fund 2003).

Also, food additives have been linked to many illnesses, including affects on behaviour. However, any adverse impact of these issues is not relevant with organic food, which therefore must be a consideration in its favour.

The Soil Association (2008) claim significantly increased nutritional value in organic foods. The practice of mono-cropping for conventional crops inhibits the development of soil quality (Department of food and rural affairs 2008) which is likely to impact on the nutritional benefits of the foods grown. A comparative study (Gyorene et al 2006) claims organic crops contain significantly higher amounts of certain antioxidants such as Vitamin C, polyphenols and flavanoids, minerals and have higher dry matter content than conventional ones, as well as lower levels of pesticide residues, nitrate, and some heavy metal contaminations. Other studies also support these statements.

There seems to be some consistent agreement on the increase in Vitamin C, and other antioxidants such as beta carotene, Vitamin E, and flavanoids, as well as lower nitrate content (Williams 2002).

Mitchell et al (2007) showed that long term studies need to be undertaken, because as soil quality improves over time with organic farming, so do levels of nutrients in the tomatoes. Hajslova et al (2005) pointed out other factors which impact on nutrient quality such as geographical variation and changes in climate. Those studies that are more cautious (Williams 2002, Bourne Prescott 2002) call for further research in this area and the FSA themselves are currently undertaking such research (FSA 2008).

Mukherjee et al (2007) claim the possibility of greater faecal contamination from manure based fertilisers in organic food. However, the study involved a much larger proportion of organic than conventional farms, and other studies (Bourne Prescott 2002) show no evidence that organic foods are more susceptible to microbial contamination than conventional foods.

Organic farming systems can also affect the fat composition of dairy and other animal products, and appear to improve nutrient value in terms of fatty acids eg, improving the omega 3 to 6 ratio, linked to many health benefits (see Appendix 4). Faucitano et al 2008 showed that beef production systems that relied more on forage produced beef of higher nutritional quality in terms of higher omega 3 to 6 ratios. Jahreis et al (1997) showed milk from farms which used an ecological farming system had significantly higher amounts of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Rist (2007) also found that breastfeeding mothers increased the amount of CLA in their breastmilk as they switched to an organic diet, presumably from greater intake of these acids through organic food. The omega 3 content of fish can be manipulated in farmed fish through different feeds, but the pollutant content of even organically farmed fish makes wild fish a healthier option (Shaw et al 2006).

Organic farming methods seem able to produce food that can be both nutritionally higher quality and possibly safer. The impact of organic farming on the environment is positive, encouraging biodiversity and sustainability (Soil Association 2008). While both cost and the practicalities of feeding people on a global basis must not be ignored, those issues are beyond the scope of this essay (see Appendix 5).

Discussion of the evidence seems to conclude that particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those with long term illnesses, organic food would be preferable and desirable if possible. However, for the majority of people, the impact of a healthy diet, whether organic or conventional, would be of paramount importance.

Appendix 1

Organic farming techniques
In their article ‘Organic Agriculture’ (2001), Brown and Haward outline the main principles of organic farming techniques.

  • These rely on optimising the health of the crops, through increasing soil fertility by building up the organic matter, maintaining soil structure, replenishing nutrients, reducing loss of nutrients by erosion and leaching (Brown Haward 2001 : 64).
  • Crop rotation ensures that soils don’t lose the same nutrients to the crops each year and also that the same diseases and pests that target individual crops don’t build up.
  • Sowing legumes or green manure crops put nitrogen back in the soil for future crops to use as well as avoiding erosion in sites that are fallow.
  • Manure and compost made from waste vegetable matter also build up the nutrients in the soil. Identified soil deficiencies such as potassium, can be replenished with natural substances such as potash.
  • Choosing to grow resistant crop varieties also helps avoid the use of chemicals to build successful crops.
  • Some natural substances act as pesticides eg soft soap against aphids.
The increasing soil fertility of organic farming is proposed to be the main reason why organic crops can have increased levels of nutrients (Mitchell et al 2007).

Appendix 2

Pesticide residues – organic and conventional foods
  • The Pesticides Safety Directorate is a government organisation that is responsible for monitoring the safety of pesticide use in this country.
  • They claim that 2/3 of the food monitored is completely free from residues, and that the Maximum Residue Level for pesticides which is set in this country is significantly below the safety levels for the pesticide (Pesticide Safety Committee 2008).
  • However, the Soil Association claim that the amount of residues that are being found, even if below the MRL, are unacceptable to the public and may cause health problems, as not enough is known about cumulative or cocktail affects.
  • Examples of the amount of residue found include lemons where in 2001 100% contained detectable residues with 90% containing multiple residues; potatoes, where in 2003 41% contained residues with 13% containing multiple residues, and prepacked salad where in 2004 40% contained residues with 18% containing multiple residues (Soil Association 2008).
Appendix 3

Nitrate fertilisers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) (2006) claim that excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause serious illness and deat, due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite in the body, which interferes with oxygen carrying capacity. Children, with lower body weight and smaller blood volume, are particularly vulnerable to this. They also claim that a lifelong exposure to higher than safety levels of nitrates can cause damage to the spleen among other health issues.

They are also:
  • Expensive to produce.
  • Bad for the environment to produce
  • Don’t replace nutrients in the soil or enhance soil quality, leaving soils barren and lacking in nutrients, leading to reliance on the expensive fertiliser to grow food
  • Damage the environment – flow off causes eutrophication of water supplies (overgrowth of algae, damaging the biodiversity of the environment)
  • Produce Nitric Oxide – a greenhouse gas

Appendix 4

The importance of the omega 3 to 6 ratio
Humans have evolved with a diet where the ratio of omega 3 to 6 is approximately 1. Simopoulos (2002) suggests that the current ratio in Western diets is approximately 15:1. He claims that this deficiency in the protective omega 3 oils is linked to many degenerative diseases, and produces studies which show that manipulating the ratio of omega 3 to 6 levels to lower ratios have many beneficial effects on diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and breast cancer.
The omega 3 cascade in the body produces the prostaglandins 1 and 3 which are anti inflammatory and therefore have a protective effect on many of the chronic diseases which are inflammatory in nature.

Appendix 5

Feeding the world
The Soil Association (2008) claim that organic farming is a possible solution to poverty and starvation, an alternative to both conventional farming and the production of GMO foods, as it is a system that doesn’t rely on expensive chemical inputs in the forms of fertilisers or pesticides. It is sustainable and relies on maintaining soil fertility. Yields have also been shown to be higher than conventional methods when used in developing countries, and the Soil Association claim that more should be done to encourage sustainable organic farming in developing countries.

References available on request.