I have assiduously avoided the topic of organic products as there are so many different issues involved in the choices we make when we shop. I am very sensitive to the issue of cost, which with organic products can vary greatly, but is almost always more expensive. Often double the cost of conventionally grown. And the main focus of this blog is health. So is eating organic healthier?
That depends.
You can take a trip to Whole Foods, or your local natural food purveyor, and fill your cart with organic junk food. I think a friend of mine even mentioned something about organic Doritos!?! And you can certainly find organic versions of everything from Oreo cookies to Poptarts to frozen yogurt to French bread. If you think you are eating something healthy, just because it has the word "organic" on the label, you are really just kidding yourself. Those cookies are still full of sugar, although on the label you might find "evaporated cane juice" instead of the word "sugar". But your body doesn't know the difference. The organic version of refined carbs will still spike your blood sugar levels just as effectively. Whether that product is sweetened with honey, maple syrup, raw sugar, or some other organic refined sweetener, to your pancreas, it is all just sugar.
But what about the nutrient levels in organic foods vs. conventionally grown? This is another thorny issue. Decades ago, when organic produce was nearly impossible to find, I read studies that showed a clear advantage in organically grown veggies and fruits. Charts comparing the samples tested showed organic vegetables to have significantly higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Clearly better. But recent studies conducted by well-respected university programs claim little difference now between organic and conventional. It is difficult to know if something has changed in the way organic or conventional products are grown, if the original data I saw was simply wrong, or if the results of the more recent studies are somehow off.
So what is a health-conscious shopper to choose?
If you want the freshest, healthiest produce possible, the very best choice is to grow your own. You can create the healthiest soil by composting instead of purchasing commercially made fertilizers. This rich, organic soil will insure that your veggies are high in all the nutrients you need. You will know that your veggies have never been sprayed or contaminated because you will be in control of every aspect of their growth. And you will discover the most delicious varieties which are no longer commercially grown. I highly recommend growing SOMETHING yourself, even if it is just a few pots of herbs.
When it is not possible to grow your own, the next best thing is to find a local source. We are very lucky in Howard County, Maryland to be surrounded by farms and markets that sell the freshest produce available. Even if everything you buy at the Farmer's Market is not organic, it will be so much fresher than the organic produce sitting in your grocery store (which was probably transported from California or Florida or Chile!) and freshness makes the biggest difference in nutrient content. Most of your smaller farms are using either organic or reduced pesticide programs, even if the produce is not specifically labeled organic. And you can always speak with the farmers right there and learn more about their growing methods.
And when you must turn to the regular grocery stores, during the winter months, perhaps, you will have to decide if your budget allows for organic produce. There is no doubt that organically grown fruits and veggies are better for the earth. Keeping pesticides and excessive chemical fertilizers out of our soil and water sources positively affects much more than just the food that is grown in that soil. So I believe if you can afford to purchase organic, it is a better option for reasons beyond just your health. I have found that the prices at Trader Joe's and Costco are often pretty reasonable for organic produce, frozen veggies, and other products. Happy shopping!
HoCoFoods@@@
That depends.
You can take a trip to Whole Foods, or your local natural food purveyor, and fill your cart with organic junk food. I think a friend of mine even mentioned something about organic Doritos!?! And you can certainly find organic versions of everything from Oreo cookies to Poptarts to frozen yogurt to French bread. If you think you are eating something healthy, just because it has the word "organic" on the label, you are really just kidding yourself. Those cookies are still full of sugar, although on the label you might find "evaporated cane juice" instead of the word "sugar". But your body doesn't know the difference. The organic version of refined carbs will still spike your blood sugar levels just as effectively. Whether that product is sweetened with honey, maple syrup, raw sugar, or some other organic refined sweetener, to your pancreas, it is all just sugar.
But what about the nutrient levels in organic foods vs. conventionally grown? This is another thorny issue. Decades ago, when organic produce was nearly impossible to find, I read studies that showed a clear advantage in organically grown veggies and fruits. Charts comparing the samples tested showed organic vegetables to have significantly higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Clearly better. But recent studies conducted by well-respected university programs claim little difference now between organic and conventional. It is difficult to know if something has changed in the way organic or conventional products are grown, if the original data I saw was simply wrong, or if the results of the more recent studies are somehow off.
So what is a health-conscious shopper to choose?
If you want the freshest, healthiest produce possible, the very best choice is to grow your own. You can create the healthiest soil by composting instead of purchasing commercially made fertilizers. This rich, organic soil will insure that your veggies are high in all the nutrients you need. You will know that your veggies have never been sprayed or contaminated because you will be in control of every aspect of their growth. And you will discover the most delicious varieties which are no longer commercially grown. I highly recommend growing SOMETHING yourself, even if it is just a few pots of herbs.
When it is not possible to grow your own, the next best thing is to find a local source. We are very lucky in Howard County, Maryland to be surrounded by farms and markets that sell the freshest produce available. Even if everything you buy at the Farmer's Market is not organic, it will be so much fresher than the organic produce sitting in your grocery store (which was probably transported from California or Florida or Chile!) and freshness makes the biggest difference in nutrient content. Most of your smaller farms are using either organic or reduced pesticide programs, even if the produce is not specifically labeled organic. And you can always speak with the farmers right there and learn more about their growing methods.
And when you must turn to the regular grocery stores, during the winter months, perhaps, you will have to decide if your budget allows for organic produce. There is no doubt that organically grown fruits and veggies are better for the earth. Keeping pesticides and excessive chemical fertilizers out of our soil and water sources positively affects much more than just the food that is grown in that soil. So I believe if you can afford to purchase organic, it is a better option for reasons beyond just your health. I have found that the prices at Trader Joe's and Costco are often pretty reasonable for organic produce, frozen veggies, and other products. Happy shopping!
HoCoFoods@@@
Organic is best for me when it means fresh produce not being sprayed with chemicals.
ReplyDeleteFour CSAs in Howard County are either certified organic, or follow organic practices. The freshness and safety of the food is worth the cost.
And, they are all way cheaper than grocery stores when it comes to organic pricing.