I am often asked if organic food is healthier than ‘convential’ food. From a nutrition standpoint, there is little difference (if any), between organic and non-organic dairy products and meats. As for produce, studies have proven that while they may not consistently be higher in vitamin content, organic produce does contain more phytochemicals. And this is great, since phytochemicals quench harmful free radicals in our body and may help prevent diseases such as cancer.
Another reason to buy organic produce is to avoid pesticides. This is especially important for small children, pregnant and breastfeeding moms. We don’t know what these chemicals may do to developing brains and bodies. BUT it is still much better to eat conventional produce than none at all. And if you can only afford to buy certain produce organic, organic apples and dried fruit are easy to find and the conventional forms of these fruits contain lots of pesticides. For more info on the “dirty” and “clean” produces with regards to pesticides, visit http://www.foodnews.org/
As for packaged organic food, a lot of the time they appear healthier, but are not. The ingredient list is more important than the claims on the front of the package. “Organic brown rice syrup, organic corn syrup, organic honey, etc, etc.” STILL means sugar. And “Organic unbleached flour” STILL means white flour.
Good luck navigating those grocery isles – and let me know if you want a tour! Organic food is becoming easier to find. Which is great for the environment and perhaps, in some cases, our health.
