Talking about the Pros and Cons of Eating Organic Food

Karen likes to eat organic food. However, her friend, Elizabeth, is very sceptical about the

health benefits of organic food. They are discussing the advantages and disadvantages of

organic food together…

Elizabeth: Karen, is everything you eat organic?

Karen: Well, I always try to choose organic foods in the supermarket.

Elizabeth: You know I’m very sceptical about this kind of stuff, don’t you?

Karen: Yes, you’ve told me many times before… but why are you so strongly against the

idea of eating natural foods?

Elizabeth: Undoubtedly, eating organic food does have benefits but research also shows that

there can be adverse effects too…

Karen: What adverse effects? Where did you read that?

Elizabeth: I read some articles online from reputable sources. Organic products can have a

negative impact on your health because they still have harmful pesticides on them.

Karen: But it’s been proven that organic foods contain fewer pesticides than non-organic

foods! Organic farming is much kinder to animals too…

Elizabeth: I still think that, nowadays, it has become a trend…Everyone wants to buy

organic food and drink because it’s supposedly much healthier. I think it’s all a marketing

ploy… Some research studies actually show that organic food is no more nutritious than non-

organic food!

Karen: I disagree with you. There are numerous studies which show that organic foods have

higher levels of antioxidants.

Elizabeth: Maybe that’s the only real advantage… but they go off a lot quicker and they’re

more expensive too, so potentially, you could double your grocery budget for food!

Karen: OK, I give up…I forgot you were a tough nut to crack… Why don’t you come with

me to the organic fair anyway? I’ll buy you a coffee!

Elizabeth: OK, it’s a deal…I’ll come with you, but I’m not buying anything!