I once received a Snapchat from one of my friends. It was a picture of a bag of fruit snacks that read “organic” in big letters on the front. Her caption was, “Times have changed since I was young.”
Today, organic products aren’t just found in Whole Foods. Companies have sought to publicize their use of organic ingredients, and supermarkets have dedicated entire aisles to organic products. But a big question remains: is organic actually any better for you?
What is organic?
First, it’s important to understand what organic means. According to organic.org: “…Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients …” In summary, organic foods are foods made without using pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes. While it may sound like it’s better for us, a few things still aren’t clear.
Understanding organic labels
The most important thing to understand when purchasing organic products is the difference among organic labels. Different organic labels mean different things.
100% organic: The product is made with 100% organic ingredients.
Organic: The product is made with 95 percent organic ingredients.
Made with organic ingredients: The product is made with a minimum of 70 percent organic ingredients.
So, is it better for you?
Right now, research is inconclusive. There is no factual proof to support the claim that products made with organic ingredients are any better for consumers than products containing mostly inorganic ingredients, according to organic.com. However, there are far fewer pesticides in organic-made foods, which means the risk of pesticide residue entering the body is much lower than with non-organic foods. WebMD reports that there are a few studies that show organic foods to have higher levels of Vitamin C and certain minerals and antioxidants, but the differences are minimal and not enough research has been done to draw an accurate conclusion.
Should you purchase organic?
The concept of organic is still fairly new, and it can definitely be confusing to understand with all the different food labels out there. Here’s a word of advice: Don’t go crazy trying to only purchase foods that are 100% organic. If you can afford the extra expense, it can’t hurt. However, if purchasing organic hurts your wallet, stick with conventionally made foods until there is definitive research on organic’s health benefits.