Is Your Food Really Organic? Does It Matter? (2024)

FAQs

Is Your Food Really Organic? Does It Matter? ›

Just because a product says it's organic or has organic ingredients doesn't mean it's a healthier choice. Some organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or calories. Wash and scrub fresh fruits and vegetables well under running water.

And while organic foods have a reputation for being healthy and nutritious, studies show that there is actually very little difference in nutritional value between organic and conventional foods.

There may be environmental benefits to buying organic and it may be important to your family. However, you absolutely do not have to buy organic foods if you don't already, especially if you are on a budget. It is are more expensive, not always representative of farming practices and might not be any better for you.

The bottom line. There is no strong evidence that suggests organic food is better for you. That said, organic farming may be good for the environment and can reduce your exposure to pesticides. But, ultimately, eating more fruits and vegetables is more important for your health than choosing organic options.

Anyone labelling their product as organic must be registered with an approved control body, such as Organic Farmers & Growers or the Soil Association, and undergo regular inspections to ensure that they meet the strict organic standards. Only then can their products legally be labelled and marketed as organic.

Environmental impact: Non-organic farming practices can harm the environment. For example, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can contribute to soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Nutritional value: Some studies suggest that organic foods may have higher nutrient content than non-organic ones.

Produce OK to buy as non-organic

Produce and other foods with lower-pesticide risk that shoppers can save on and go with non-organic include bananas, oranges, applesauce, canned peaches, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and broccoli.

There are many good things about organic olive oil that may be important to you when considering what kind to purchase, but there is little difference in taste between organic and non-organic olive oil. It has other benefits, however, that may justify its (usually) higher price tag.

Avocados are fine to buy non-organic, according to the EWG. The green fruit favorite seen around brunch menus across the country is said to be one of the safest fruits to consume non-organic due to the thickness of its fruit skin that guards against pesticides contaminating the inside of the fruit.

Organic items worth buying if money is no object: Asparagus, avocados, bananas, bread, broccoli, cauliflower, cereals, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, oils, onions, papaya, pasta, pineapples, potato chips, and sweet peas. Also included are packaged products such as canned vegetables and dried fruit.

Is USDA organic really organic? ›

While there are many marketing claims that add value to foods, consumers can be assured that USDA organic products are verified organic at all steps between the farm and the store.

Why eat organic blueberries? Blueberries are another type of berry with a high level of pesticide residue – concerning amounts in nearly 90% of samples in the data EWG analyzed – because the thin skin allows the chemicals to enter the fruit's flesh.

Roughly 40 percent of Americans say at least some of the food they eat is organic, so quite a few eaters clearly believe it is. However, there is no reliable evidence showing that organically grown foods are more nutritious or safer to eat.

Organic foods have been shown to have lower levels of toxic metabolites, including heavy metals such as cadmium, and synthetic fertilizer and pesticide residues [10,17]. Consumption of organic foods may also reduce exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria [19].

1. Tomatoes. The thin layer on the outside of tomatoes (particularly on the smaller “cherry” tomatoes) puts them at risk for a variety of plant diseases. This risk means non-organic tomatoes are loaded with pesticides.

Consumers of organic food give “better taste” as the major reason for purchasing organic fruits and vegetables. Second, the levels of some phenolic compounds are known to be higher in organic fruits and vegetables and third, many sellers, distributors and promoters of organic food claim that organic foods taste better.

Organic Farming Reduces Greenhouse Gases

Because fossil fuel-based fertilizers and most synthetic pesticides are prohibited in organic farming, it has a significantly lower carbon footprint. The production of these farm chemicals are energy intensive.

Organic food contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients than conventionally raised food. There is a growing body of evidence documenting how farming methods can influence the nutritional content of foods.