Organic produce is all the rave these days. Although there hasn’t been enough research yet to decide if organic is better than non-organic there are reasons as to why certain foods would be better bought organically. Some foods do contain pesticides, growth hormones among other chemicals. It is however important when buying non-organic products to wash them thoroughly.
There is a small amount of scientific evidence to show that organic food is better in quality than conventional food. Scientific research conducted thus far on various organic food items has not been able to give strong evidence about the superiority of organic food over non-organic food. This is more so because bulk of the scientific research is based on funding provided by the governments and industry.
As a result, even the FDA and the USDA clearly mention that non-organic food is as healthy as organic food. However, there are some scientific studies that have proved organic milk and organic tomatoes to be better than the non-organic varieties. Studies are ongoing about a variety of other types of organic food that may have additional health benefits compared to the non-organic varieties.” (Organic Facts)
What does organic mean?
Food, meat or produce derived from living matter. It is produced or involves production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals.
Health Benefits Of Organic Food
Organic food consumers, manufacturers, and farmers, in general, strongly believe that organic food has the following benefits compared to conventional food.
- Antioxidant Capacity: They tend to have more of an impact. This may be due to the fact that foreign chemicals are not negatively interacting with the different vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that are so essential for the positive impact of fruits and vegetables in the prevention of things like cancer, heart disease, premature aging, vision problems, and cognitive malfunction.
- Reduction of pesticides: Toxins consumed aren’t made for the human body therefore can be harmful.
- Heart health: Increased amount of grazing on grass also increases the amounts of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) that can be found in the animal products. CLA is a heart-healthy fatty acid that can boost cardiovascular protection, and it is found in higher quantities in breast milk and in meat for animals that have been raised free range or cage-free.
- GMO free (Genetically modified organisms) GMO’s are genetically engineered foods are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding, most commonly in order to be resistant to pesticides or produce an insecticide.
- Immunity: In animal testing genetically modified food showed a major reduction in immune system strength, an increase in birth mortality, as well as in certain sexual dysfunctions, cancers, and sensitivity to allergens.
- Fresher: As they don’t contain preservatives. The produce is often local as the food doesn’t last as long. However some are not so just check where its coming from.
- Organic meat and milk are richer in certain nutrients. Results of a 2016 European study showed that levels of some nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up to 50 percent higher in organic meat and milk than in conventionally raised versions.
- Antibiotic resistance: Organic farmers and dairy farmers do not use antibiotics in their animals therefore our immunity remains as it should. When antibiotics are used in animals this can weaken our immunity by giving us an extra dose. Eventually our immunity system won’t be able to defend itself.
- Overall health: Only natural fertilizers such as manures are used.
- Environmentally safe No harmful chemicals are used, therefore aren’t entering our water ways, minimal air and soil pollution.
- Animal welfare: Animals are respected and free to roam and are nor kept caged up or mistreated.
Buying foods
100% organic: Must contain 100% organically produced ingredients.
Organic: Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
Made of organic ingredients: Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
Contain some organic ingredients: May contain less than 70% organic ingredients.
Foods best to buy organically
These are the most common foods containing pesticides and are best bought organically and worth paying for. Starting at the most contaminated.
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Celery
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Spinach
- tomatoes
- Sweet bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
Foods you don’t need to buy organically
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Cabbage
- Sweet peas
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Kiwi fruit
- Eggplant
- Honeydew melon
- Grapefruit
- Cantoulope
- Cauliflower
Where you can buy organic products
- Directly from an organic farm
- Local organic food markets
- Health food and whole food stores
- Online
If your on a budget, take note of the lists, as some you can buy cheaper at your local supermarkets, others are best from local markets.
In the end, it’s your decision and belief with whats best for you.