“I’ve heard that buying organic is money wasted. Is that true?”
No, it’s not. When I’m discussing organic in this article I’m referring to produce, grains and meats. I agree that there are many companies creating “organic packaged junk food”, and in that case I’d steer clear of them. Organic oreo type cookies aren’t much better than non-organic ones.
However, choosing organic whenever budgets allow can have a large impact on your digestive and hormonal health. At the bottom of the article I provide suggestions as to what products are most important to consider when choosing organic.
What exactly is organic? Organic food is certified by the government to be free of the pesticides that have been proven to be very harmful to our health. (Side note: these chemicals are illegal in MANY countries other than Canada, which is one reason why when you go overseas you don’t react to the wheat the way you do here.)
As well, the farming practices that are used when crops aren’t sprayed with chemicals results in a richer soil and therefore far more nutrients. That also means that any meat products that are fed organic produce (and fewer drugs) are also far healthier.
Below are four benefits of eating organic:
- Better Nutrition:
Organic fruits and vegetables may contain up to 69% more antioxidants than pesticide-treated produce. Studies have also shown that antioxidants tend to have more of an impact when they come from organic foods. This may be due to the fact that toxic chemicals are not negatively interacting with the different vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds. One study showed that organic fruits and veggies contain 27% more vitamin C, 21.1% more iron, 29.3% more magnesium, 13.6% more phosphorus, and 18% more polyphenols.
- Heart Health:
Organic meats contain a much healthier fat ratio. that are more heart healthy than the fats found in non-organic meats fats.
- No GMOs:
Genetic modification is still in its early stages, so the long-term effects on human health aren’t understood as well as we would like. In animal testing genetically modified food showed a major reduction in immune system strength, and an increase in certain cancers, and sensitivity to allergens.
- No Toxic Pesticides:
Higher exposure to specific weed-killing chemicals is associated with higher sensitivity to foods and increased food allergies. Ask yourself: Did you even know anyone gluten sensitive in 1985?
These chemicals are absorbed directly into the plant when it’s sprayed, so it may not be as simple as washing your fruits and veggies to reduce toxic effects. Many common pesticides are known neurotoxins and carcinogens that build up in your body over time and gradually poison your nervous system, among many other negative impacts on human health.
Are you wondering what are the crucial foods to purchase organic?
A wonderful company called The Environmental Working Group tests the foods we eat and puts out a recommendation as to what’s most and least important when choosing organics.
Dirty Dozen – These foods contain the highest amount of pesticides and are the most important to purchase organic when possible.
Clean 15 – These food contain the lowest amount of pesticides so no need to purchase them organic!
You can also download a free healthy living app that will rate your cosmetics and food choices!
Do you want to clear up all the “noise” telling you what foods to eat and avoid? Work one on one with one of our registered nutritionists and create a program that’s personalized to you!
