Organic v. Non Organic: Breaking Down the Hype
The world of organic v. non organic is vast. Do I have to buy everything organic? How do I know if this product is truly organic? What are the negative effects of non organic foods? These are all questions that plague the average health-conscious American everyday. Aside from opting to grow your own food, buying organic is the more nutritious, less harmful choice when it comes down to it. When we take a look at gardening for yourself or your family, it makes the most sense to harvest your crops using organic soil and seeds because of how little food you will be growing. Conventional farmers, on the other hand, have tremendously large crops that yield more, attract more insects, and harder to maintain. Since some organic farms are smaller, not using as many pesticides (or none at all) is easier and more sustainable. There are also many alternatives to pesticides and herbicides that include crop rotation, mulching and biological control. Although organic farming is still on the rise, there is a lot to be said about the conventional farmers who mass produce many crops and douse them with harmful pesticides and chemicals in order to preserve them for extended periods of time and kill everything in its path. They are willingly and consciously using these harmful herbicides such as glyphosate (found in RoundUp) which has been proven to lead to cancer, just to ensure they make the most money. The consumers (us) well being and health are not considered. According to an article in Scientific American by Christie Wilcox, “to really know what you're in for, it's best if you know your source, and a great way to do that is to buy locally. Talk to the person behind the crop stand, and actually ask them what their methods are if you want to be sure of what you're eating.”
It is important to note that even though a product is listed as organic (with the organic shield seal) there still may be small portions that are not. Also, buying packaged organic foods does not ensure that there isn’t a bunch of sugar or refined oils in the product. For example, according to the USDA, products labeled as organic must consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water, salt) and in order for a product to be 100% organic, it must only contain organically produced ingredients and processing aids (excluding water, salt). You will be reaping more benefits when choosing to buy organic because there are more nutrients that are preserved in their natural state, without the help of synthetic chemicals. If you don’t want to buy everything organic, that’s ok! There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are harvested without all the bad stuff or with less pesticides and herbicides than their counterparts. For example, avocados, onions, pineapple, asparagus and cabbage are all part of the EWG Clean Fifteen list. EWG or Environmental Working Group is a non profit organization that sheds light on about the detrimental chemicals and ingredients that go into our food and body products. Their research and advocacy on topics such as water pollutants and agricultural subsidies help people to feel empowered to make the best choices possible for themselves and their families. I have been using the app for almost 4 years now, which has been super helpful in ensuring that what I am buying is good for me and not harmful to my health. Rest assured, you don’t have to buy everything organic you just have to do your research. A few foods from the Dirty Dozen list include: apples, spinach, tomatoes and celery. These lists are updated every year and give me great peace of mind when I am shopping for myself and loved ones.
Another reason why I chose to buy organic produce, be it at the grocery store or local farmers market, is because it promotes regenerative agriculture. Organic gardening is good for the environment. Organically grown foods are cultivated using farming practices that are more ecologically friendly (p. 768, Worlds Healthiest Foods). Conventional farming on the other hand, is detrimental to our environment because the toxic chemicals that are used on the foods are now draining into bodies of water, leaching into the soil and even ending up on our skin. Gross! These methods have all adversely affected major proponents of gardening/farming like water purity, soil quality (obviously), biodiversity, safety of farmers and health workers, etc. I really like how the author of The World’s Healthiest Foods broke it down so simply: “Organic farming partners with nature rather than altering or controlling its natural processes.” To me, this is IMPERATIVE to understanding the negative effects of conventional farming. I’ve learned from experience that the things that are the most beneficial to the human body are those that are closest to their natural state. With this knowledge, I am confident you will be able to make the best decision for you and your family, whether it be to just garden a few fruits and vegetables, or rely on the grocery store or local farmers market to provide you with the freshest, most organic options. Like I’ve said before, do your research. Being a conscious consumer in this day in age is so important- no matter what you’re buying. So next time you’re eating, or buying food, sit back and ask yourself- What is this made of? Where did it come from? How was it sourced?
Health is wealth!
*Although I am a CHNC (Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach) please note I am not a Doctor, medical professional, therapist or lawyer. I do not intend to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure disease. My blog posts are for informational purposes only and intended to motivate and empower readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. The information I provide is not intended as medical advice, nor as diagnoses to determine treatment for a medical condition. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
References:
(Peterson, D. 2018 Holistic Nutrition 18th ed. Portland, Oregon).
Mateljan, George. The World's Healthiest Foods: the Force for Change to Optimal with Health-Promoting Foods and Nutrient-Rich Cooking. GMF Publishing, 2015.