Eating organic is a topic that comes up a lot. Especially now that we are realizing some of the long-term effects of pesticides, like glyphosates, on health. So, in this edition of Wellness Wednesday I wanted to explore what does organic really mean and is it 100% necessary all the time?
Often there is an association between organic and being healthy and in many cases this can be true. However, just because something is organic does not mean it is good for your health. Take sugar for example. Organic sugar is still sugar and has just as many downsides as we discussed a couple weeks ago.
Organic foods are produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides. Now does this mean that just because there is an organic label that their food is free from synthetic pesticides and other non-organic compounds? Well, not exactly. This is why we lab verify our products. Simply put, there are cross contaminations that can occur. A simple wash before eating may help to remove any cross contamination. Generally, organically grown foods will be significantly lower in any unwanted chemicals and are a must for certain foods.
Each spring, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an updated guide known as the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. The guide aims to help consumers avoid fruits and vegetables that contain high concentrations of pesticides while saving money in the produce aisle.
2020 Dirty Dozen
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Bonus: hot peppers (So, maybe it’s a baker’s dozen)
2020 Clean Fifteen
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Cantaloupe
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
While I prefer going almost 100% organic for my family, it can be hard to take on all at once. This list can be a good place to get started and it is a little more friendly to your budget.
What about GMOs?
Another benefit to getting organic is that in order to be labeled as organic, it must be Non-GMO. This means that it cannot have any genetic modification. Just to be clear, all organic is non-GMO, but not all non-GMO is organic.
In the early 1990s the agricultural implications of genetic engineering were starting to be realized. With this type of advancement, they could produce a crop that could resist drought, herbicides, disease and increase or decrease specific profile traits of the crop. This sounds great! Right? Well, yes and no.
Over the years they have been able to develop a more robust crop with a better yield, but by changing the genetics of the plant itself they also changed some of the great health benefits. In fact, these changes have placed some GMO crops in a “high risk” category. Herbicides and pesticides are now able to be sprayed directly onto the crop.
So, what are some of the benefits or eating organic?
- Higher levels of antioxidants. When something is produced naturally, there is a higher level of antioxidants produced.
- Reduced chances of allergies. The use of chemicals that are in turn consumed have been shown to trigger allergies.
- Reduced chances of obesity and type-2 diabetes. The chemicals and hormones used in conventional production, in turn, can be passed on the product and consumed by people. This leads to higher chances of obesity and type-2 diabetes.
- Better overall nutrition. Conventionally grown food is produced in the soil where the nutrients are depleted therefor the food produced is less nutrient dense.
- Reduced chances of food borne illness. With the higher standards of organic growing and post-harvest practices, the chances of getting food-borne illnesses is greatly reduced.
- Better gut health. Many of the synthetic chemicals in non-organic growing have proven to be very harmful to gut health. This can lead to many health issues.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification program requires all organic food to meet strict government standards. Farmers, food manufacturers, and distributors should be aware of the labeling that USDA has set to check for meeting these standards.
USDA has set the following labeling with corresponding standards:
Organic Seal:
- 100% Organic – Made entirely from organic materials
- Organic – At least 95% organic materials, with remaining ingredients that are approved by USDA
No Organic Seal:
- Made with Organic Ingredients – At least 70% organic ingredients and can display 3 organic ingredients on the label.
- Non-Organic – If less than 70% organic ingredients
The certification process can be costly, and many companies are following these standards and better without the USDA Organic seal on their products. So, just because it is not there does not mean that the standards are not followed. You can generally call and ask about a company’s organic claims and certifications and they will happily provide them.
So, the next time you are cruising down the market aisles, reach for an organic version. Over time your toxic load can be reduced, and your health improved.
Until next time. Make good choices and stay healthy! 😀
