Organic foods market has been grown swiftly over these recent decades. And the consumer demand for organic foods is increasing rapidly. One of concerns in comparing organic foods to conventional foods is the cost. Higher prices of organic foods are due to the costly ways in farming. Some data does show that in some ways that organic foods are proved to have health benefits over the conventional foods, such as nutrients (more antioxidants), omega-3 fatty acids (higher level in livestock), lower toxic metal in organic foods, and lower level of pesticide residue in organic foods. On the other hand, some researches show, such as Stanford University and European scientists, whether organic and conventional fruits and vegetables provide the same level of nutrients.
However, organic foods are usually good for the environment, but not necessarily pesticide-free. Synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are not allowed to use in organic food. Even natural ingredients that have been used in organic farms can be dangerous to our health. Here are some suggestions for go organic or non-organic food:
1. Buy organic foods
- Beef: non-organic farms are given sex hormones, where organic farms don’t. Using the sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, is to force cows to grow faster. Children and pregnant women are suggested to consume organic.
- Peanuts butter: Sugar and fat are often found in regular peanut butter for making it creamy and shelf-stable. Hydrogenated oil, artery-clogging saturated fat, are used in some brands. That raises up the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Poultry and pork: Organic poultry and pigs are free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizer and do not use antibiotics to them. If you prefer to buy conventional meat, trim off the fat and skin, where pesticide hides.
- Microwave popcorn: scientists believe the chemicals that replace perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) FDA banned is not safe. It could cause breathing problems. Organic popcorn or air-popper/stovetop popcorn are the better choices.
2. Buy conventional foods
- Seafood: There isn’t a USDA standard for organic seafood. A better choice is to shop for fish that is low in mercury. Choose the seafood that is smaller in size would be better.
- Maple syrup: It is usually harvested from forests, and is usually not given pesticides or fertilizers. Just make sure to buy 100% maple syrup.
- Buy local
- Strawberries: They are very delicate and are often sprayed with multiple chemicals. But a research shows that the dose still falls below the risky amount. You are then to find a local farm that does not use pesticides. These local strawberries are fresh and may last longer.
- Apples, peaches, and nectarines: If you eat the peels of these fruits, you’re getting any pesticide lingering on skins. Scrub them under running water for at least 30 seconds. It’s smart to buy them from a local farmer who uses minimal pesticides.
- Spinach and kale: They are usually high in If you can, buy them from a local farmer’s market where they’re grown without synthetic chemicals.
- Potatoes: The pesticides and fertilizers can be added to the soil. Both conventional and organic potatoes then may have chemicals. It’s safest to choose locally grown potatoes that aren’t treated with chemicals as often.
3. Your decision
- Avocado: it has thick skin that protects it away from pesticides. Other produces with thick skins you toss away are also your decisions, such as pineapples and melons. Just make sure to wash them clean before cutting it.
For the food safety, no matter where you get your food, local or organic/non-organic, make sure to wash, even scrub them thoroughly before you eat them, especially for fruits and vegetables. Buying fruits and vegetable in their season if possible. You will have better variety of nutrients if you choose from a variety of foods from whether organic foods or conventional foods. That would lower the chance of exposing to a single pesticide. When you buy foods, make sure to read the food labels carefully. Whether you choose organic or conventional or mix, save a buck or two, safety and health are more important. Don’t you think so?!
Reference:
- WebMD Should you buy organic food?
- Mayo Clinic: Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880
- The Diabetes Council: Organic Foods vs Regular Conventional Food: What is the Difference?https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/organic-foods-vs-regular-conventional-food-what-is-the-difference/
- PMC: A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019963/
- Harvard Health Blog: Organic food no more nutritious than conventionally grown food https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/organic-food-no-more-nutritious-than-conventionally-grown-food-201209055264
