Ellie Cheale | Registered Dietitian (RD) BSc
I'm a registered dietitian, and I don’t buy organic fruits and veggies. Before you raise an eyebrow, let me explain why. I'm all about cooking at home, staying healthy, taking care of my body, and I absolutely care about the environment. But I don't believe that the "organic" label always means better quality. In fact, sometimes it can complicate our efforts to make smart food choices that fit our budget and preferences. Here are a few reasons why I don't usually spend extra money on organic foods, especially when it comes to fruits and veggies.
Buying organic certainly has its perks
It can mean fewer pesticides and antibiotics, support for eco-friendly farming, avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and some potential health benefits. Although, there isn't solid scientific proof that organic foods are always more nutritious, going organic can match up with our concerns about health and the environment.
Let's talk about the downsides…
The higher cost being the most notable of them all, with some prices ranging from 20-100% higher than conventional produce. Also, finding organic choices might be a bit of a challenge in some places, which could limit the variety of foods we eat. And while organic foods often get a thumbs-up for being healthier, the science isn't completely on board with that idea. Organic farming can also be more labour-intensive and might not be scalable enough to feed everyone worldwide. Misleading labels and the idea that organic means no pesticides is also a problem.
Here's the real reason I'm not completely on-board though...
Choosing between organic and conventional can actually discourage people from eating perfectly safe and nutritious produce. Not everyone has easy access to organic foods, especially if you're on a tight budget or your local store doesn't stock them. When it comes down to it, I'd rather spend my money on more fruits and veggies than paying extra for the organic label on a few.
As for the research from the Journal of Toxicology, there isn't any strong evidence showing that organic foods are always healthier. And when it comes to taste and looks, there's usually not much difference between organic and regular foods.
It's also worth noting that when it comes to dairy-free alternatives, going organic might not always be the best choice. Many organic dairy-free options don't necessarily offer extra calcium to compensate for what's missing in a dairy-free diet. So, in this case, choosing organic could mean you're missing out on essential nutrients needed for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
So, here's the bottom line.
Deciding to buy organic is a personal choice. If you're worried about pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones, then sure, go for those organic labels. But it's important to consider the nutritional aspects alongside the organic label, especially when making dietary choices for specific health needs. And keep in mind, no matter what label is on your food, the key is to keep your diet balanced and full of nutritious foods. Fruits and veggies are the real stars, regardless of whether they're organic or not.
References
Winter, C. K., & Katz, J. M. (2011). Dietary exposure to pesticide residues from commodities alleged to contain the highest contamination levels. Journal of toxicology, 2011. Accessed Online: 23.8.23
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