The Importance of Organic Foods

Organic foods have become increasingly popular in recent years. More and more people are choosing to go organic for a variety of reasons. This article will explore the importance of eating organic foods and the benefits they can provide.

What Does "Organic" Really Mean?

The term "organic" refers to the way foods are grown and processed. Organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

Organic livestock cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food processors cannot use artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or other additives. In order to be certified organic, a food product must meet the following guidelines:

• Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
• No GMOs
• No antibiotics or growth hormones for livestock
• No artificial ingredients during processing

Organic foods are completely free of anything artificial or synthetic. This makes them as close to their natural state as possible.

Why Should You Eat Organic Foods?

There are many reasons why organic foods are a smart choice. Here are some of the top benefits of going organic:

1. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Conventional crops are often sprayed with synthetic pesticides and treated with chemical fertilizers. Many of these substances have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Organic crops are grown naturally without these chemicals.

Choosing organic helps you avoid potentially harmful toxins in your food. Livestock raised on organic farms are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones that can end up in conventional meat and dairy products.

2. More Nutrients

Several studies have found higher nutrient levels in organic foods, on average. Organic crops tend to be higher in antioxidants and certain vitamins and minerals. Since they don't rely on chemical fertilizers, the soil quality is enriched through composting and crop rotation.

Higher soil quality leads to more nutrient dense foods. Grass-fed organic beef tends to be leaner and higher in heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional beef.

3. Better Taste

Many people choose organic food simply because it tastes better. Organic farming focuses on quality over quantity. Animals raised organically are allowed to roam and graze freely, which leads to better quality meat.

Since organic foods avoid artificial preservatives and flavors, their true taste comes through. The higher antioxidant and nutrient content of organic foods also contributes to their delicious taste.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Conventional farming relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can run off into water sources and disrupt local ecosystems. Organic farming has a much lower environmental impact.

Organic farmers use practices like cover crops and compost to enrich the soil and control pests naturally. Choosing organic foods reduces your carbon footprint and supports sustainable farming practices.

5. Animal Welfare

Organic livestock must be raised in cage-free environments and are not administered growth hormones or antibiotics. Their feed must be organic and they have more access to the outdoors.

Organic farming has stricter standards for animal welfare. Choosing organic eggs, dairy and meat supports the ethical treatment of farm animals.

6. GMO Avoidance

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become ubiquitous in conventional processed foods. Studies on the safety of GMOs is inconclusive, raising concerns about potential health risks.

Eating organic is an easy way to avoid GMOs in your diet. Organic foods by law cannot be genetically engineered or contain GMO ingredients.

7. Food Safety

The lack of toxic pesticides, antibiotics and artificial additives in organic foods makes them a safer choice. Consuming antibiotics through conventional meat and dairy can lead to resistance.

Pesticide residues in plants and animals may contribute to a higher risk of certain cancers. By choosing organic you minimize your exposure to dangerous substances used in conventional farming.

Easy Ways to Eat More Organic Foods

Going 100% organic in your diet can be challenging and expensive. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to incorporate more organic foods into your routine. Here are some easy ways to eat organic more often:

• Buy organic versions of the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and veggies most contaminated by pesticides - apples, berries, lettuce, avocados, spinach, nectarines, grapes and more. Prioritize these for organic.
• Look for the organic seal when buying processed foods like pasta sauce, oatmeal, and snack foods. Avoid ingredients like high fructose corn syrup.
• Choose organic meat, eggs and dairy products to avoid hormones and antibiotics. Organic yogurt, milk, and grass-fed beef are good options.
• Check company policies - natural food stores like Whole Foods have strict standards for the organic products they carry. Check for the USDA organic seal.
• Grow your own organic fruits, vegetables and herbs at home in containers or a backyard garden. Homegrown is the ultimate organic food.
• Shop at your local farmer's market and buy in-season organic produce directly from small farms. You'll get the freshest food.
• Buy organic grains like rice, quinoa, farro and oats in bulk bins. It's cheaper than packaged organic options.
• Compare prices - organic frozen and canned produce can be cheaper than fresh and just as nutritious. Canned beans are another budget-friendly option.

Making small shifts by incorporating more organic options into your routine will go a long way towards improving your diet. Support organic farmers by purchasing organic foods whenever possible.

Is Organic Food Worth the Higher Price?

Organic food usually costs more than conventionally grown foods. Higher prices are due to more labor, lower crop yields and lack of government subsidies in organic farming. However, many feel the extra cost is well worth it.

Though organic food may cost more money upfront, consuming it provides financial savings down the road. Organics reduce health risks and your need for medical treatment from synthetic chemical exposure.

Organic farming also benefits the environment, animal welfare and rural communities. Though prices are falling, organic is an investment in your health and the planet that returns great dividends.

Here are some tips to stay within your grocery budget while still enjoying organic foods:

• Compare unit prices - organic sale items can offer savings over conventional. Pay attention to per ounce pricing.
• Prioritize the “Dirty Dozen” - when organic buying is limited, stick to organic for the fruits and veggies most contaminated by pesticides.
• Purchase organic in bulk - shop at warehouse stores and online vendors with lower prices for bulk items like organic grains and nuts.
• Freeze or can surplus organic produce - buy seasonal organic produce in bulk when prices are low and preserve the bounty.
• Join a CSA or food coop - these programs provide discounted organic produce direct from farms.
• Grow your own - even a patio or windowsill herb garden can help offset grocery costs through organic homegrown food.
• Plan menus around organic sales - check weekly flyers and plan recipes using organic items on sale each week.

Eating organic on a budget simply takes more planning and prioritizing. With creativity and commitment, you can enjoy all the benefits of organic food while sticking to your grocery budget.

The Bottom Line

Organic food avoids many of the health and environmental pitfalls of conventional farming. Studies show organic foods are higher in key nutrients and lower in dangerous synthetic pesticides and toxins.

Choosing organic provides tangible benefits:

• More antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
• No toxic pesticide residues
• Avoidance of GMOs, antibiotics and hormones
• Lower impact on the environment
• Better animal welfare
• Chemical free, pure food

Though prices are coming down, organic foods still come at a premium cost. However, an investment in organic foods is an investment in your long-term health and wellness.

Prioritize buying organic produce, meat, dairy and grains whenever possible. Look for the USDA organic seal to ensure you’re getting food grown to strict standards without synthetic chemicals.

Small shifts make a big difference. If buying completely organic is not feasible for you right now, just making more organic choices where you can will vastly improve your diet and health.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Importance of Organic Foods

What are the regulations for organic foods?

For a food to be certified organic, it must be grown and processed according to guidelines set by the USDA National Organic Program. Organic crops must be grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Animals raised organically cannot be given antibiotics or hormones and must have access to the outdoors. Organic foods cannot contain any artificial ingredients or GMOs and must avoid irradiation or industrial solvents during processing. Companies must apply for organic certification and pass inspections to verify compliance.

Does washing produce remove pesticides?

Washing produce helps remove some surface pesticide residues but does not eliminate all toxins. Pesticides can penetrate into the tissues of fruits and vegetables. Peeling also helps reduce pesticides, but valuable nutrients are lost. Going organic is the only way to ensure your produce is pesticide-free and nutrient rich.

Is organic food more nutritious?

Several studies have found organic foods contain 20-40% higher levels of antioxidants and certain vitamins and minerals on average. Avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers enriches the soil and leads to more nutrient dense crops. The higher antioxidant content contributes to the better taste of many organic foods as well.

Are organic chickens really cage-free?

For poultry to be certified organic, the birds must have access to the outdoors and cannot be raised in cages. Organic chickens are cage-free and able to engage in natural behaviors like pecking, scratching, and dust-bathing since they are not confined. Their feed must be organic as well, free of artificial additives or animal by-products.

Is organic meat raised without antibiotics?

Animals raised for organic meat, eggs and dairy cannot be treated with antibiotics or growth hormones at any point. Choosing organic animal products avoids exposure to drugs that can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans. Livestock must also be given organic feed grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Are organic foods GMO-free?

An organic label means a product is verified non-GMO. Genetically modified organisms are banned under USDA organic standards, so certified organic foods cannot intentionally include any GMO ingredients. This provides assurance for consumers looking to avoid GMOs in their diets.

Why is organic food often irregular shaped or smaller?

Since organic farmers do not use artificial ripening agents, the fruits and vegetables are smaller and more irregular. However, this indicates that the produce was allowed to fully ripen naturally on the vine or tree, developing a full range of nutrients. Smaller sizes also reflect the focus on quality over quantity in organic farming.

Are organic foods pesticide free?

Certified organic produce cannot be grown with synthetic chemical pesticides. However, certain botanical pesticides are allowed as a last resort. These natural pest deterrents break down quickly and are non-toxic for humans. While not completely pesticide-free, organic produce has much lower levels of safer pest control methods.

Does organic mean sustainable?

Organic farming practices promote sustainability by enriching the soil, conserving water, increasing biodiversity on farms, and reducing pollution from chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Choosing organic food supports the ethical treatment of animals as well. Organic production aims to protect the health of people and the planet.

Is locally grown food the same as organic?

Local food is not necessarily organic. Produce sold at a nearby farmstand could still have been conventionally grown using pesticides. Look for the certified organic label to be sure produce adheres to organic growing standards, even if sourced locally. However, local organic produce offers the best combination of freshness, low environmental impact, and chemical-free farming.

Are organic foods healthier for kids and babies?

Organic foods greatly benefit infants and children because their bodies are still developing and more vulnerable to toxins. Feeding kids organic produce, grains, meat and dairy reduces their exposure to harmful substances used in conventional farming. Organics provide essential nutrition for growth and development without chemical residues that could cause health issues later on.

How do organic prices compare?

Surveys show consumers perceive organic food costs 2-3 times as much as conventional, but retail prices are 30-60% more on average. As organic farming expands and more products become available, prices will fall. Buying organic in bulk, sticking to sales, and growing your own can help offset the higher sticker price of organics.