Organic? or no?

SeamsSewWright

Funny, the majority of the responses here are based on opinions and not the facts. Doesn't surprise me that the attitude towards organic could also relate to one's outlook on fitness and an overall healthy lifetyle. Don't just choose what's easy. For heaven's sake, we're all here on this website to better ourselves, don't resort to the typical human responses or just eat something because it's convenient. Educate yourself.

To answer the poster's question, by eating Organic foods you are avoiding:

Hormone residues in food that can increase the risk of different types of cancer.
Pesticides that are known carcinogens.
Toxins that affect us at a cellular level.
Further unknown risks which develop over time and over long term consumption.

Organic foods really aren't more expensive as there are so many hidden costs involved with buying conventional products. Billions of dollars go into federal agriculture, big company energy subsides, chemical regulation testing, hazardous waste disposal, cleaning up environmental damage, illnesses and hospitalization. Low costs are also a sign that the farm workers did not receive a fair wage. If you've ever seen the documentary "Food, Inc." you'll know that illegal immigrant workers are involved.

So the excuse that organic produce is "too expensive" seems to carry little weight. What's the price of saving on medical bills and maybe adding years to your health? Compare it to the expense of non-organic produce to your health and conscience. By eating organic, we are also supporting the environment by encouraging farming methods that produce less toxic byproducts, supporting small farming communities, looking after animal welfare and probably most importantly, being responsible for our own health by making the right choices that affect our health from a cellular level not just a superficial one.

steppingstones

I would try to adhere to this list: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

thank you very much

That list is valuable. It is what I use when I can't get to the farmer's market.

Charger440

In terms of organic, local versus non-local means absolutely nothing. As far as washing your non-organic food, you should wash all your food so in that respect non-organic should not make a difference. Now when it comes to the environment goes, the way people are as a whole, is the world really worth saving? There are an amazing number of people that want to "save the world" but will stab you in the back the first chance they get. This however, is an entirely different discussion.

bcattoes

Organic is definitely better for your body, but there are certain foods where it won't make a difference if they're organic or not, such as orangs (because of the peel).

The thickness of the peel makes no difference. When crops are sprayed with pesticides the pesticide is washed into the soil with rain and the roots carry it throughout the plant. While some pesticide residue can be washed or peeled away, the entire plant will contain the chemicals.

Brunner26_2

Yes, I prefer food that contains carbon.

:laugh:

bcattoes

I would try to adhere to this list: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

thank you very much

That list is valuable. It is what I use when I can't get to the farmer's market.

Farmer's markets usually provide fresher and more local produce, but you can't assume that all produce bought at a farmer's market is organic. Most farmer's markets actually have very little certified organic produce as small farmer's are no less likely to use pesticides than a large farm, but they are far less likely to pay the expense to get certified.

mattpusateri

We try to eat organic as much as we can; not because we think it's nutritionally better -- an apple is an apple -- but because we just want to minimize the amount chemicals and pesticides that are on our food, especially with our kids... We find that at Trader Joes, the price difference isn't huge.

We also generally go by EWG's dirty dozen/clean fifteen list. We don't do everything organic, but we try to be careful with the items that are the worst in terms of exposure to pesticides:

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

EmilyOfTheSun

I was going SO broke with all the fresh fruits and veggies I was buying. I just switched to frozen. I can't speak on what's better about organic versus not, but..... I got TEN servings of blueberries for what I would have paid for just TWO servings when I was buying them fresh. My wallet is definitely thanking me!!

Chief_Rocka

There is an epidemic of childhood illnesses (ADHD, autism, etc) that is correlating to the increase in chemicals and hormones in our food. It's not a coincidence.

I don't think you know what the word "correlated" means.

IrishAmericanPrincess

Funny, the majority of the responses here are based on opinions and not the facts. Doesn't surprise me that the attitude towards organic could also relate to one's outlook on fitness and an overall healthy lifetyle. Don't just choose what's easy. For heaven's sake, we're all here on this website to better ourselves, don't resort to the typical human responses or just eat something because it's convenient. Educate yourself.

To answer the poster's question, by eating Organic foods you are avoiding:

Hormone residues in food that can increase the risk of different types of cancer.
Pesticides that are known carcinogens.
Toxins that affect us at a cellular level.
Further unknown risks which develop over time and over long term consumption.

Organic foods really aren't more expensive as there are so many hidden costs involved with buying conventional products. Billions of dollars go into federal agriculture, big company energy subsides, chemical regulation testing, hazardous waste disposal, cleaning up environmental damage, illnesses and hospitalization. Low costs are also a sign that the farm workers did not receive a fair wage. If you've ever seen the documentary "Food, Inc." you'll know that illegal immigrant workers are involved.

So the excuse that organic produce is "too expensive" seems to carry little weight. What's the price of saving on medical bills and maybe adding years to your health? Compare it to the expense of non-organic produce to your health and conscience. By eating organic, we are also supporting the environment by encouraging farming methods that produce less toxic byproducts, supporting small farming communities, looking after animal welfare and probably most importantly, being responsible for our own health by making the right choices that affect our health from a cellular level not just a superficial one.

I agree and buy organic whenever possible.

T34418l3angel

I think you are confusing organic with whole foods. whole foods are not necessarily organic, nor are organic foods necessarily whole. IMO I honestly find no great benefit to going organic. Organic refers to the environment in which the product is grown, unless you are paranoid of pesticides (which I'm not) there is no medical benefit to organic foods. Whole foods yes, organic foods completely optional.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/opinion/carroll-organic-food/index.html
There have been many studies done showing there is no better nutritional value derived from organic foods than whole food. There is no magical benefit. If you choose to spend more money on a product based purely on the environment it was grown be my guest, I prefer my food to be cheap and free if illness and bugs, and guess what *shocker* same nutritional value.

Bentley2718

"Organic" is such a joke. The standards for what is deemed organic is laughable. The fact that a company can deem their chicken as "free range" simply because they had a tiny box out in the sun to scratch around in for a few minutes a day goes to show what the government standards for labeling things are.

I don't see what organic produce standards have to do with "free range" chicken standards. If you live in the US you can find the standards online. The produce standards are actually fairly reasonable--although I agree, the poultry standards are sadly lacking.

I tend to use things like the "dirty dozen" and "clean 15" to help guide my decisions. As others have mentioned, apples, berries, and leafy greens tend to have a lot of pesticide residue, even after washing, so I almost always buy those organic. On the other hand, melon tends to have low pesticide residue, so I decide whether to buy those organic or conventional based on price and availability. I also buy organic soy products, as GMOs cannot be labeled organic, and I have issues with eating something genetically engineered to be bathed in Roundup throughout its life.

Edited to add: I tend to pay close attention to things food scientists say in interviews they do not eat or feed to their families. I figure if people who spend their lives studying these things don't feel comfortable eating conventional apples, or giving their children non-organic milk, this tells me something. I don't think organic foods are "more nutritious," but I do have concerns about accumulated toxins in my body, as well as in the environment.

Aross83

yes Organic all the way! i cant eat all organic but i try to buy everything i can organic. Meat especially.
Truth is the more people buy Organic the cheaper it will become over time.

MantisToboggan_MD

"Truth is the more people buy Organic the cheaper it will become over time."

Wat?

raeleek

Obviously nutritionally its the same but I have seen many times and try to stick with organic for thin skin stuff like berries. I also try to do organic if I'm eating the skin like apples and pears. Anything else I don't really worry about.

bethanyclaire88

Mellisant- I am working on my second degree in food science and I eat conventional apples and drink non-organic milk every day and I am in great health. While there is still a great deal of research to be done on the subject of both organic and GMO foods, it is known that the body has robust mechanisms for handling toxins. It's the dose that makes the poison. Regardless of organic status, eating a variety and large number of fruits and vegetables is far better than limiting then number you eat. If you are interested in knowing more, I would recommend reading the March 2012 issue of Food Technology, it has a great review article on organic foods. In the end some of it comes down to personal preference, especially in terms of flavor or feelings about supporting local farmers.

sselraef

Do you honestly believe all the lies regarding GMOs feeding the world? In my research, you should avoid them at all costs, especially soft-skinned fruit and vegetables, as these are sprayed with millions of pounds of chemicals. It's been said that organics are not superior but when my body has to fight chemicals instead of gathering nutrients, organics are definitely superior.

There is a movie showing online for free this week and sponsored by Nutiva. It's a real eye-opener. I highly suggest it to everybody who eats GMO foods without blinking an eye.

http://geneticroulettemovie.com/

I will def watch this, thank you

sselraef

I think you are confusing organic with whole foods. whole foods are not necessarily organic, nor are organic foods necessarily whole. IMO I honestly find no great benefit to going organic. Organic refers to the environment in which the product is grown, unless you are paranoid of pesticides (which I'm not) there is no medical benefit to organic foods. Whole foods yes, organic foods completely optional.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/opinion/carroll-organic-food/index.html
There have been many studies done showing there is no better nutritional value derived from organic foods than whole food. There is no magical benefit. If you choose to spend more money on a product based purely on the environment it was grown be my guest, I prefer my food to be cheap and free if illness and bugs, and guess what *shocker* same nutritional value.

ok yeah, that makes sense too...
no bugs and illnesses but... does that mean I'll get sick and won't be able to fight it off as easily too?

CarSidDar

Yes, I prefer food that contains carbon.

LOVE this comment.

T34418l3angel

I think you are confusing organic with whole foods. whole foods are not necessarily organic, nor are organic foods necessarily whole. IMO I honestly find no great benefit to going organic. Organic refers to the environment in which the product is grown, unless you are paranoid of pesticides (which I'm not) there is no medical benefit to organic foods. Whole foods yes, organic foods completely optional.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/opinion/carroll-organic-food/index.html
There have been many studies done showing there is no better nutritional value derived from organic foods than whole food. There is no magical benefit. If you choose to spend more money on a product based purely on the environment it was grown be my guest, I prefer my food to be cheap and free if illness and bugs, and guess what *shocker* same nutritional value.

ok yeah, that makes sense too...
no bugs and illnesses but... does that mean I'll get sick and won't be able to fight it off as easily too?

If that were logical then I would say do you also not use tooth paste to brush your teeth, soap to wash your body, cleanser for your face in fear that you are weakening your immune system? No.

NormalSaneFLGuy

organic is the biggest joke on consumers since "reduced fat" and is soon to be beaten by "green" products.

I love how they take bleach, that is tested on animals, use the same process to make it and produce the same emissions in the process, then package it in a bottle with 10% last plastic, raise the price 30% and call it "green."

agidavis

I only buy organic of the fruits and veg that has a thin layer, like tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, apples, peaches, grapes. If you eat non organic of these foods you will end up consuming the chemicals too, which on a long term could end up getting you sick, but at this point it hasnt been officially proven, but my body doesnt need chemicals so thats why i do it.

Bananas, avocados, watermelon, i dont mind buying regular of, because its not affected as much by the pesticides they use.

But you dont need to go organic to be on a health kick:)

arellolson

Do you honestly believe all the lies regarding GMOs feeding the world? In my research, you should avoid them at all costs, especially soft-skinned fruit and vegetables, as these are sprayed with millions of pounds of chemicals. It's been said that organics are not superior but when my body has to fight chemicals instead of gathering nutrients, organics are definitely superior.

There is a movie showing online for free this week and sponsored by Nutiva. It's a real eye-opener. I highly suggest it to everybody who eats GMO foods without blinking an eye.

http://geneticroulettemovie.com/

I am of the same beliefs. There is just too much wrong with foods nowadays and our bodies are showing the outcome of what we are eating. Personally, I know so many people who are always sick. They catch every virus that comes around, not to mention the havoc that can be wreaked with the thyroid gland. It goes on and on.

I just watched the video and it truly is an eye opener.