So, apparently the concept of buying organic food has been of some debate, with the main argument being that there really isn't a significant difference in whether you buy USDA certified organic food or not. My husband was even one of these skeptics, that is, until I let him in on some of my personal research. I'm glad to say that he now stands behind our organic purchases, as well as the healthy eating lifestyle we're developing! I don't want to make this post into a big debate, I just want to share why I (we) choose to buy organic versus mass-marketed foods. If you find it insightful, great!
It might be beneficial to actually talk about what "organic" means in this context...using the label of organic means that the farmer has grown and processed their produce, meat and dairy without the use of chemicals to fertilize, kill weed/insects or prevent disease. Natural approaches are instead used to tackle such tasks. The U.S. department of agriculture has three tiers of organic labeling.
- The green "USDA Organic" label (which is what we primarily look for)...this seal is placed on items that are certified 100% organic.
- Any food labeled "organic" is usually around 95% organic, meaning that for the remaining percent of ingredients the farmer has used approved non-agricultural substances on the USDA approved list.
- The third level basically consists of processed foods that may contain some organic ingredients, at least 70%. It is also important to note that just because a package says "hormone free", "free-range", or "all natural", this does not mean the item is organic!!
My husband and I do most of our shopping at Trader Joes, but of course there are countless number of options; ie...Whole Foods, for one.
The main issue my husband bought up was that there was no significant difference in buying organic produce versus whatever else may be on the shelf. Well, conventional farmers who don't adhere to USDA organic standards and practices typically use pesticides. Now, peeling or washing fruits and vegetables may rid the produce of some of those pesticides, but by peeling the produce you are taking away significant nutrients and vitamins that are what's best for you. Take a peach for example: a peach has really soft skin. If a farmer is spraying pesticide or what not on the peach, the skin is soft enough to allow the pesticide to penetrate...so, your body is still taking in that pesticide. Why not save yourself from all that and pay the $1 or 2 more for the basket of organic peaches, that you know you can eat all of, allowing your body to soak in all those important nutrients. Also, if the pesticides and chemicals used by conventional farmers aren't "so bad", then why when we see these farmers spraying are they decked out head to toe in protective coverings, gas mask and all! That image is enough to steer me away from such produce. So, let me now just switch to bullet points to talk about a few other reasons we buy organic.
- Organic farmers are helping the environment by reducing pollution, and even by the conservation of water and soil.
- Although I already touched on pesticides, I want to readdress it again in terms of kids...children come into most of their pesticide exposure through eating fruits and vegetables that are not organic (and this is from a study by the Environmental Working Group). Personally, I don't want my nieces and nephews exposed like that, or my future babies! Further more, a 2005 study showed that sampled umbilical cord blood contained up to 21 different pesticides that crossed the placenta...Pregnant mamas...keep those babies safe as possible!!
- Organic foods contain no hydrogenated fat, which has been linked to heart disease! Organic= heart healthy!
- Not only does organic farming aid the environment but it is more animal friendly as no cages are used and animals are fed an all-natural diet. Now, this could be a whole second article/post for me. I was a vegetarian for a solid 2 years until I began researching organic and paleo diets. Now I don't eat red meat. But I have incorporated some organic chicken back into my diet until I can figure out just what my ultimate healthy eating plan is. I did notice that the occasional meal with organic chicken has given me that protein boost I need, as well as helping in jump starting weight loss, go figure.
Those are some pretty valid point in my mind. A lot of people also argue that organic foods are more expensive. This is true, but 2 counterpoints come to mind: 1) you get what you pay for and 2) the extra money your spending finds its way back to organic farmers, who actually spend a lot of their own money to adhere to USDA organic standards and submit all the proper paperwork to be considered organic.
If you live near stores that carry organic products I urge you to look for that little green label and do some research of your own. For us, the next best thing is a farmer's market (which we are lucky to have a few nearby). Buying from a farmer's market is your next best bet because you know the produce is coming from a local source, and sometimes the farmers are on hand so you can ask questions.
It wasn't a hard switch for us to start buying organic, it just made sense to us. I make smoothies everyday with spinach, apples, coconut milk (all organic), which are great for detox and overall health!! I never thought my husband would drink a green smoothie, but he does!
I am still a novice, I guess you could say, when it comes to organic, so if you have links to any great resources post in the comments below. Or if you know of any great paleo information (that's my next endeavor...gotta eliminate that soy!).
Hope everyone is having a great October (my favorite month!)...My husband and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary at the Melting Pot in 10 days!!! So much to look forward to for us.
XO,
J.
