Organic vs Non-Organic Foods

First of all, let me say something about research--it is possible for two different research groups to do similar research and come up with different conclusions. It is also possible for scientific findings to change over a period of time. So, when you read about conclusions made from research, you should take it with a grain of salt. Think critically.

Food Safety regarding pesticide levels:
Over the last several years, most research has come up with similar findings about organic vs non-organic foods: The difference between the nutritional value and safety of either type of food id not significant. The government has strict regulations on the limit of pesticide residue that is safe for people to eat. USDA (US department of Agriculture) and other data sources show most products to have pesticide residue levels well below the established limits. (article 1, 5th paragraph) I'm assuming that means the products that aren't "well below" that level are still at or below that level in order for them to be sold to consumers.

Nutrient Levels:
Nutrient levels of comparable non-organic vs organic foods are about the same (art. 1, 6th p). It depends on the research but even then the nutrient content is not significant enough to constitute buying one product over the other (art. 2, discussion topic 1) It is more likely that nutrient levels depends more on the area where the food is grown and the age of the product.

Here are some interesting research "conclusions" that promote buying organic foods:

- Eating organic meat may reduce the possibility of becoming resistant to antibiotics (art 2, DT 2)

- One study shows that eating organic dairy products may reduce the risk of eczema in the first 2 years of life (art. 2, DT 3)

My Opinion
- Based on the research I have seen, I don't see any reason why buying organic food is better in regards to safety and nutritional value.

- It's possible that growing food organically is significantly more sustainable and better for the environment--but if that is your goal, you should focus on buying LOCALLY GROWN food, especially since often it is organic even though it may not have the label (buying that "organic label" is expensive!)

- Many people claim to feel better after eating only organic produce. This could be because organic food is more expensive and those people are more likely to eat their produce than to forget about it while it rots in the back of the fridge, thus increasing their intake of fruits and veggies. Or, it may actually make them feel better.

- My advice is that, especially if money is an issue, focus on buying AND eating more fruits and veggies in general. (Almost) Everybody would benefit from getting more produce--and a variety at that--in their diet. Rather than spend the extra money on buying organic food, spend it on buying extra produce and learning how to incorporate it into your and your family's diet.

Here are the articles that I cited. Feel free to read them to get a more in depth look at the issue. Form your own opinions and comment!

Article 1: Advising Consumers About Organic Foods and Healthful Eating

Article 2: Perspective on the Benefits of Organic Foods

Also, I often hear about the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15" (the most and least pesticide contaminated fruits and veggies) but even though the "dirty dozen" are the most contaminated fruits and veggies, they still should fall within the regulations the government sets for safe levels of pesticide residue for human consumption. Therefore, buying the non-organic versions of the "dirty dozen" is still safe and fine. I stand by that opinion but here is another dietitian's perspective on the issue (click here). I do agree with her completely though that improving eating habits is far more important than stressing about organic vs non-organic.