The organic debate can get really heated.
First of all, lets define organic. "Organic foods are those that are produced using environmentally sound methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives."
Foods which are labeled "organic" must meet certain criteria set by the government pertaining to additives, growing conditions, exposure to chemicals etc.
In recent years I have seen a lot more hype on organic products. But I have also heard through conversations with people a lot of misinformation on organic products as well.
1. Organic food will not help you lose more weight or will not have less calories.
2. Organic food may, however, have higher nutritional value and less trace minerals found from farming chemicals.
3. Organically grown food is better for the environment....BUT if it is shipped from Chile than you really need to think about the transportation effects on the environment as well!
Basically, I think each person should come up with their own opinion of organic foods. If it is worth it for you to purchase than go for it! If you don't feel compelled to buy organic foods, then don't feel guilty for it!
Research has shown that there are certain produce products which would be best to buy organic and then other produce items which really isn't worth the expense of organic since they have been tested to be low residue anyway. Here's the list:
Dirty Dozen
Peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, potatoes
Just fine without organic
Onions, avocado, sweet corn, pineapples, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, papaya
Personally, I don't buy to much organic. In the summers I love going to our local produce markets and buying local produce (organic or not organic). This summer Paul and I are embarking on our own vegetable garden. We'll be planting all kinds of produce and I plan to keep you updated on its progress.
Do you buy organic? Why or why not?
Have you ever had a vegetable garden? What grew the best for you?
I think that there is a lot of hype with organic foods. I understand that less chemicals is obviously better, but I think it shy's people away from buying produce at all. In a perfect world without cost we would all have organic food all the time, but it's just not going to happen. I buy organic when it's on sale, but usually stick to the regular :)
ReplyDeleteThat chicken broth wasn't low sodium because the store was out, but I'm sure it would be delicious using that instead!