A little while ago I started talking about “perfect” eating and the long list of food “noes” that some people think need to be followed in order eat a healthy diet. This includes processed foods, anything not organic, foods high on the glycemic index, sugar, alcohol, chemicals, salt, trans fats, white flour, grains and dairy. It’s a long list so I’m trying to ease some guilt one item at a time.
How about organic foods? I talked a little about the term organic in my post about health halos and there has been a movement afoot for a few years now when it comes to organic foods, but what are they? In order for a food to be labeled Organic, producers must meet the guidelines set by the USDA and are subject to inspections, audits, and testing. Food that has been produced organically reduces the amount of synthetic fertilizers used and promotes more biodiversity and ecological balance among other things, so overall is better for the planet. Is organic food more healthy? There have been mixed results when it comes to increased nutrient content of organic vs non-organic foods. The biggest benefit probably comes from the lack of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers used in producing non-organic food that you could possibly ingest.
Should we all go organic to be healthier? Just the fact that a food is organic, doesn’t make it a healthy choice. For example, organic candy is still candy. Organic foods can be very costly and not always a health bargain. When buying organic, it is important not to be drawn in by the health halo of the word. If you are worried about pesticides but your budget is tight, then consider going organic for the dirty dozen which are typically highest in pesticide residue. Overall, the benefits of eating a diet high in vegetables and fruit outweigh the risk of pesticide exposure.
Another approach to consider is buying locally. Since going through the process to meet the organic labeling guidelines is a very expensive proposition, some small farms do not even attempt it. Very often at local farmers markets you can find products that were raised using organic methods but cannot be labeled as organic. Get to know your local growers, ask them about their growing practices, and purchase produce directly from them. By getting food directly from local growers you will be supporting the local economy, burning less fuel (than getting food from halfway around the world), and you’ll probably eat more vegetables and fruit because it just looks so darn good!
The bottom line: You don’t have to eat only organic foods to be healthy. Read labels carefully and load your plate with plenty of vegetables and fruits!