Should you buy organic foods? Organic foods have exploded in popularity over the past years. Many people think that organic food is healthier, safer, and tastier than regular food. The term “organic” refers to the way certain foods are grown, produced, and processed. Regulations vary from country to country, organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, or bioengineered genes (GMOs). Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must be raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors and fed organic feed and forage. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products.

How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. There is a growing body of evidence that shows some potential health benefits of organic foods when compared with conventionally grown foods. Choosing organic foods may reduce your exposure to toxins, pesticide residues, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Organic produce contains fewer pesticides than conventional ones. Organic farms use natural methods such as birds, insects, traps, and naturally-derived pesticides to control pests. Natural pesticides are believed to be less toxic than using synthetic pesticides. Chemicals such as synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on the food we eat. The use of pesticides can increase the risk of certain cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Studies comparing the nutrient content of organic and non-organic foods have provided mixed results. Several studies have found that organic foods generally contain higher levels of antioxidants and certain micronutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, and iron. While several studies find organic foods to contain more nutrients, many others have not enough strong evidence available to prove that eating organic provides health benefits over eating regular foods. The results may vary, this is because the nutrient content of food depends on many factors, such as soil quality, weather conditions, and when the crops are harvested.

Organic foods often cost more and spoil faster. Whether you choose organic or opt to mix conventional and organic foods, be sure to keep these tips in mind: select a variety of foods; buy fruits and vegetables in season when possible; check and read the labels carefully; and wash and scrub fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Washing helps to remove contaminants such as dirt, bacteria, and chemicals from the fruits and vegetables. However, washing can only reduce but does not totally eliminate pesticides. Peeling sometimes helps to remove contaminants but may also reduce valuable nutrients. If you are uncertain of these, make the best choice of growing your own food in your backyard. By then, the foods are readily available when need them and you are safe from the toxic chemicals that food-growing companies use to protect their products.

-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla

References:

1. Human health implications of organic food and organic agriculture: a comprehensive review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5658984/

2. Organic Foods: What You Need to Know

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm

3. What is Organic Food, and is it Better than Non-Organic?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-organic-food

4. Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880