Should You Buy Organic? |
Purchasing organic food pros and cons
Between 2006 and 2008, organic sales in Canada doubled from $2 billion to $4 billion, and sales have only increased since then. But organic foods are still more expensive than conventional food, so are they worth it? Here are some things to consider before opening your wallet.
Organic standards in Canada
In Canada, all organic food must be third-party inspected by an independent body, audited annually and be able to be traced from the seed to the shelf. And no matter where the country of origin, it must meet the Canadian standards for organic.
Is organic healthier?
It’s important to remember that “organic” is not synonymous with “healthier.” An “organic” label on a product represents an alternative, more earth-friendly farming method, one that’s better for the earth. Synthetic herbicides and pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers can’t be used in the farming process, nor can growth hormones, drugs or genetically-modified organisms. Crop rotation is practiced, and livestock is treated humanely and must be fed 100% organic food.
But are organic foods better for us? For every study that says they’re more nutrient dense, there is an equal number that says it makes no difference. However, common sense suggests that healthy plants mean healthy soil which may mean healthier food. The same logic could also hold true for organic meat.
Whether you choose organic or conventional, remember that foods such as organic cake mixes or cookies don’t become nutritional powerhouses just because they’re organic. A cake is still a cake – an occasional food not meant to be eaten every day.
Are organics worth the cost?
Are Canada’s standards tough enough? The debate is ongoing. So if you’re concerned about trace pesticides, it may be worth spending the extra money on these “dirty dozen.”
Starting with the worst, the list includes celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, domestic blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard greens, potatoes and grapes. Lettuce and pears follow very closely behind.
As a general rule, thick-skinned fruits and vegetables are less susceptible to pesticide absorption, as the skin naturally protects the inner fruit. As well, there are some fruits and vegetables that just require fewer pesticides in growing. So if your food budget stretches only so far, your best bet is to buy any of these conventional fruits and vegetables: (starting with the best) onion, avocado, frozen corn, pineapple, mango, frozen peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, domestic cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit and sweet potato.
What about meat, dairy and eggs?
When you buy conventional meat, dairy or eggs, there are no guarantees that it’s free of hormones or antibiotics. In growing the animal feed, pesticides were likely used and the feed is then eaten by the animal. Any pesticide or drug the animal has been exposed to ultimately shows up in our food source. As well, unlike fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and eggs can’t be washed or peeled.
With so much choice, grocery shopping has become more complicated. So next time you’re in the supermarket, remember firstly to eat a well-balanced diet. Then consider taste, cost, place of origin and environmental factors before making your decision. Buying organic doesn’t need to be all or nothing — simply being aware of your food purchasing decisions is important.
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