Here’s what you need to know the next time you hit the organic section of the grocery store.
Some organic foods have additional nutritional and safety benefits, but buying only organic foods is not the only way to have a safe, healthy, and nutritious diet.
You’ve probably noticed the price difference between organic and non-organic food at the grocery store. So, is organic food good for you and worth the money?
A healthy friend may have told you that organic food is a healthier option. Either way, the price difference might leave you scratching your head to avoid.
So, we asked health and nutrition experts the benefits of organic food, what organic really means, if it’s better for you, and of course, if it’s worth your hard-earned money. We talked about whether there is
What is organic food?
You’ve seen organic labels and heard people talk about their organic produce. But what does organic mean?
Simply put, organic refers to how the food was grown and produced. These foods include fresh produce, meats, grains, and dairy products.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates and certifies whether food is organic. They label their food so you can tell if you’re buying organic groceries.
For food to be considered organic, it must be grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs (or genetically modified organisms). In addition, livestock must have fair living conditions, including being raised on pasture. Also, do not give antibiotics, growth hormones, or animal by-products to speed up growth.
Also, when shopping, be sure to look for the USDA Organic label. Some brands may label their foods as “natural,” but don’t be fooled. That’s that USDA organic label you want.
Is organic food better for you?
Based on the exact meaning of organic food, it’s easy, and often repeated, to assume that it’s better for you. why People believe so.
FWDFuel co-founder and Pureboost ambassador Kyrene Bogden, R.D., spoke with LifeSavvy about the risks of synthetic chemicals and antibiotics entering the diet through non-organic foods.
“A growing body of research shows that many harmful chemicals can be avoided when buying organic products,” says Bogen.
Bodgen explained to LifeSavvy that buying organic food is the best way to limit your exposure to toxic substances, because organic produce has fewer pesticide residues. This allows for a healthier and safer diet.
But it’s not just about safety. Buying organic foods also provides nutritional benefits.
“For consumers who can afford it, organic may be the right choice,” says Frances Largeman Roth, R.D., food and nutrition expert.
Largeman-Roth told LifeSavvy that organic dairy and meats have a healthy fatty acid profile, including omega-3 fats, and offer many health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health. I’m here.
Although there is a limited number of studies proving the benefits of organic food, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that it is the case. , agree that it is the best way to limit exposure to toxic substances and potentially improve the overall nutrition of the diet.
Should I buy all organic food?
Evidence seems to point to buying organic as a way to improve some aspects of nutrition and safety, but not everyone can afford it. We’ve seen food prices skyrocket in the last few months, making it more difficult for many families to buy organic.
So, should all food be organic?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created a list of produce that we recommend always buying organically. These foods have the highest pesticide residues and can lead to more exposure, according to the organization. The Dirty Dozen includes:
- strawberry
- spinach
- kale, collard greens, mustard greens
- nectarine
- Apple
- Grape
- bell and chili
- Cherry
- peach
- Pear
- celery
- tomato
On the other hand, produce on the EWG’s “Clean 15” list does not have to be organic. If you’re looking for ways to save money by going organic, these are the items with the lowest exposure to chemicals.
- Avocado
- sweet corn
- pineapple
- onion
- papaya
- sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- honeydew melon
- kiwi
- cabbage
- mushroom
- cantaloupe
- mango
- watermelon
- sweet potato
As for general rules about when to buy organic food and when to stick to conventional food, Bogden told LifeSavvy that if you can’t remove the most exposed outer layer, you want to buy organic produce. In terms of priorities, she suggested that we focus most on buying the “Dirty Dozen” in an organic fashion.
Organic food is not only agricultural products. There are also organic options for meat, but the science surrounding it is a little unclear. Some studies have found that organic meat provides more antioxidants, which are anti-inflammatory substances that help ward off disease. Buying organic meat just because you believe in it doesn’t give you any additional nutrition.
Some have pointed out that non-organic meat has antibiotics added to it, but in the United States there are strict regulations to prevent contaminated food from reaching the supply chain, so the level of antibiotics in meat is low. The National Residue Program monitors all exposures in the United States. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacteria, but the USDA is updating its regulations to account for overuse.
When it comes to buying organic meat, it’s one area you’re likely to skip as there’s very little research proving significant nutritional benefits and it’s highly regulated due to safety concerns.
What if I can’t buy organic food?
No matter how much you want to buy organic food, budget constraints may make it impossible for some families. Don’t be ashamed of your affordable needs.
However, organic farming is much more labor-intensive and requires more time, which affects prices. Certification is also costly, making organic feed for animals much more expensive. This means that organic food prices are unlikely to fall.
However, there is good news. There are still many ways to eat deliciously. For starters, thoroughly wash and scrub your produce under running water.
Not all pesticides can be removed by this process, but it can also be used to peel fruits and vegetables. Be aware, however, that this may result in the loss of some of the healthy nutrients found on the outside of the produce.
Bodgen also provided tips for saving money if you want to start buying organic slowly without breaking the bank. She suggested buying seasonal produce, shopping locally, and working with local organic farmers in exchange for potential discounts.
So, while organic food can be expensive, if you can’t afford it, washing and preparing food properly and looking for creative savings can help you eat healthier and eat organic. You can incorporate it into your meals.
Overall, is organic food worth it?
Good news for your budget. Both registered dietitians agree that you can eat well without buying all your food organically.
“The most important factor for your health is eating a variety of foods with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
She also points out that only 10% of the U.S. population eats adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables each day, suggesting that eating a proper diet is better than focusing on eating only organic foods. emphasized that it is important.
If possible, mix conventional and organic foods into your diet. Always be sure to buy a dirty dozen in organic form and wash produce thoroughly. please leave it. But above all, make sure your diet is balanced and nutritious.
