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Should I
Buy Organic?
There has been an explosion in the marketing
and availability of organic foods over the over
the past few years, so it’s certainly no wonder
that one of the most common questions is
“should I buy organic?” Here are the facts based
on the best science to date:
Choosing organic is clearly better for the
environment.
This is demonstrable and occurs through numerous
channels, including conservation of natural
resources and less pollution for our water and
soils.
Consuming organic foods reduces the
body’s exposure to pesticides.
This has been confirmed through numerous
scientific studies. Adults and children who consume
organic foods have measurably lower
levels of pesticides in their bodies. Perhaps the
bigger question here is – “Are the levels of pesticide
exposure received from eating conventional
foods harmful to our health?” At this point
in science, we simply do not have the data to
definitively answer this question. Pesticides approved
for use are reported to be safe at or below
certain threshold levels. It is clear however
that pesticides are harmful to exposed farm
workers, along with “non-target” wildlife and are
definitely not healthy substances.
For children there are two additional caveats to
consider on the safety front. Because children
consume more food calories per unit of body
weight and because their cells are dividing at a
much more rapid rate, they are at greater risk for
potential toxic effects from pesticide exposure
(a developing fetus is at the greatest risk). Additionally,
it is common for some kids to have
very restrictive eating patterns with consumption
of only one or a few types of fruits or vegetables
on a regular basis. If this is the case, they will experience
a greater number of exposures to the
same pesticides which can also exacerbate risk.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a notfor-profit
research organization devoted to improving
public health and the environment, has
determined that the produce that consistently
has the highest pesticide levels include: apples,
bell peppers, celery, cherries, grapes (imported),
nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red
raspberries, strawberries, and spinach. Choosing
organic for this group of produce will give
you and your family the greatest reduction in
pesticide exposure. Spinach, strawberries, and
celery are the worst of the bunch.
Organic foods may or may not be more
nutritious than their conventional counterparts.
Some scientific studies show conventional foods
are just as nutritious, while others support the contrary.
Based on my knowledge of the available
data, the scale tips slightly in favor of a superior
nutritional profile for organic varieties. Organics
generally have a bit higher mineral content because
of the more stringent soil requirements for
organic certification and in some cases, have
a more robust supply of protective antioxidants.
Organic foods may or may not taste better.
Blinded taste studies are basically a wash. For
those that think organic tastes better there are
an equal number who find the conventional
counterpart tastier.
Organic foods will generally spoil more
quickly.
Pesticides clearly extend the shelf life and “freshness”
of foods. For optimal freshness, organic
foods need to be consumed more quickly.
Organic foods are more expensive.
You will generally pay about 20% more for organic
varieties.
The answer is a complicated one and ultimately
depends on your feelings towards the environment,
pesticide, and your pocketbook.
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