Should you be Eating Organic Food? Getting to the "Root" of the Question
By: Sarah Remmer, RD, CDE
The term "Organic" refers to foods that have been grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones or other toxic substances. The use of chemical additives, hormones and antibiotics are also restricted. Traditionally, agricultural practices have followed the organic means of production. However, more recently conventional methods have turned to chemically assisted growing methods to increase food production. With the current health and environmental concerns of today, organic foods have begun to take the spotlight with many North Americans. As the organic food market continues to grow, many health claims have been made without much conclusive research, leaving consumers confused. In order to help you answer the question whether you should invest in organic foods, we’ve provided some of the benefits and drawbacks to eating organic foods.
Benefits of Organic Food
Higher Nutrient Levels
Organically grown produce have proven to have higher levels of phytonutrients compared to non-organic foods. Plants naturally produce phytonutrients, including antioxidants as a defence mechanism. The use of artificial pesticides and toxins used in conventional agriculture suppresses this defense mechanism resulting in lower levels of phytonutrients.
Environmentally Friendly
Organic farmers use natural organic matter and careful farming practices to cultivate nutrient-rich soil. This process uses less energy and minimizes the release of chemical byproducts that are potentially hazardous to wildlife and the ecosystem. Organic farming methods increase water conservation and biodiversity, providing a solution for long term environmental sustainability.
Antibiotic-Free
Conventional methods of animal farming use antibiotics and growth hormones to increase size and output. These substances are passed from the dairy and meat products we eat, into our bodies. This fact poses as a major problem considering the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Organic livestock farmers feed the animals organic feed and follow stringent government guidelines that forbid the use of such chemical compounds.
Locally Produced Food
A comforting thought that comes with buying organic foods, is knowing that your food was produced locally and didn’t have to cross any borders to get to your kitchen. You can also feel good about investing in your community by supporting your local organic farmers as they work hard year round to get good food on your table.
Drawbacks of Organic Foods
Expensive
Organic foods can be up to 50% more expensive than commercial foods primarily due to the lowery supply. Organic farming produces a lower crop yield compared to the intensive conventional methods. Also, without the use of pesticides, the greater frequency of crop failures contributes to the decreased output and increased price.
Shorter Shelf Life
Limited use of food preservatives in organic farming causes faster spoilage in organic foods. Although organic foods are typically not stored for extended periods of time, food spoilage is still a concern.
Just a Fad
As the attention has turned more recently to the benefits of eating organic, more and more organic products have been making their debut. It seems as though larger food companies have begun to treat organic food as a brand, as an excuse to inflate prices up to 50% compared to non-organic foods.
Potential Contaminants
Organic farmers may use manure or sewage as natural fertilizers which may contain harmful organisms. Organic foods may also contain residual pesticide residues found in the soil and water or from neighbouring farms.
Make Your Choice!
In the midst of the organic food hype, the decision on whether to buy organic food is up to you. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision that is best for your family. Many of those who buy organic foods do so because they find the taste much better than the non-organic equivalent. Concern for the environment may also be a reason to purchase organic foods. However, without a lot of conclusive evidence on the health benefits of organic foods, many find it not worth the price. Despite the various advantages and disadvantages, it is definitely worth experimenting with organic foods. Common grocery store produce like apples, strawberries, nectarines and potatoes have higher levels of pesticide contamination so it might be worth trying the organic equivalent. So next time you head to the grocery store, try a new organic food…you’ve got nothing to lose!
I have what I always thought was a fair amount of nutrition knowledge and have been applying it to my daily life but it wasn’t until I started meeting with Sarah that I truly understood all facets of nutrition and how even the smallest tweaking can lead to significant changes. For example - ridding my fridge & cupboards of the non-fat items and incorporating low-fat ones instead so that my body wasn’t holding onto the only fat stores it had; which was my body itself! Since making these small changes that Sarah has suggested, I have not only lost pounds, I have seen my body shape change which is no small feat for me personally as I go to the gym regularly and seemed to have been at a plateau for ages. The proper nutrition has now allowed me to train “better” and I feel stronger and healthier. The best part is to know that it is “ok” to have a little bit of indulgence each day if I so choose - like my small square of chocolate - as long as it is in moderation. (No guilt!) Thanks Sarah!
Suzanne P.
Human Resources Administrator
Trident Exploration Corp.