Is Organic Worth The Price?

The organic fruit and vegetable section of the grocery is growing larger as consuming organic food becomes more popular. Is it worth the price ? Does organic food provide more nutrients? Can the chemicals used on traditionally grown produce cause harm to people consuming it? These are questions asked by many consumers, particularly now when prices are high. One aspect of it is tackled by the EWG—Environmental Working Group.

Who is the EWG—Environmental Working Group—and what do they do?

Every year, the EWG collects traditionally grown fruits and vegetables from groceries nationwide. They thoroughly clean them, then test for toxic residue left by pesticides. With the data provided, they create two lists. One is the Dirty Dozen. It’s the list of fruits and vegetables that contain the most toxins. The other list, the Clean 15, is the list of those that contain the smallest amount.

What produce is on the two lists?

The Dirty Dozen list includes strawberries, spinach, kale and collard greens, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, grapes, hot peppers, cherries, blueberries, and green beans. The Clean 15 list with little or no toxins includes carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, mushrooms, watermelon, cabbage, asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, onion, and sweet peas. You can save money if you buy the lower cost traditionally grown produce on the Clean 15 list and opt for organically grown fruits and vegetables on the Dirty Dozen list.

Organic animal products provide more nutrients.

To be allowed to use the label organic, plant produce must be grown using only natural fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. They can’t use sewage sludge, ionizing radiation, or genetically modified seed. Animals must be pastured. That means they roam freely to eat grass, plants, and insects as they would in nature. They aren’t given antibiotics or hormones to make them grow. That lowers the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Animal products are higher in heart-healthy linoleic acid.

• Pesticides in food may be responsible for several health issues. They can be minor, such as headaches, or serious ones, increasing the risk of cancer. Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid pesticides as they pesticides may cause fetal damage.
• Organically grown food contains more trace minerals. Instead of the traditional nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium fertilizers used by factory farms, they use organic fertilizers that contain micronutrients.
• If you want to eat healthier, start by eating more whole food—those with less processing. Cut out food with added sugar. The final step is adding organic food if it’s on the Dirty Dozen list and selecting organic animal products.
• Studies show that organically grown produce is higher in antioxidants than non-organic. Eggs from pastured chickens are higher in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of heart disease and have more vitamins A and E.

For more information, contact us today at Thrive Fitness!