A Closer Look at Organic Foods
Warning! For the next couple of weeks I’m introducing politics into Food Yourself only because I feel organic foods are misunderstood. Consumers truly believe that ‘organic’ foods are healthier, safer, and better for the environment, but unfortunately I don’t buy it. I’ll tackle these assumptions, and hopefully lead you down a path towards sustainability rather than suckerville.
Organic Foods Contain Less Pesticides?
One reason consumers choose to eat organic foods is to reduce pesticide intake. There is no doubt that pesticides are toxic; their purpose, after all, is to eliminate pests. However, the effect of pesticides on the consumer is not as extreme as it’s presented to the public, this is because:
The amount we are eating is miniscule.
Corporations, unfortunately, mislead organic food consumers into thinking their food is pesticide-free when the reality is, even organic food contains toxins. This is often due to background contamination and pesticide drift from nearby farms.
Organic food safety is also jeopardized as animal manure, commonly used for fertilization, may cause more pathogen contamination compared to pesticides originally used.
Organic Foods Contain More Nutrients?
Consumers perceive organic food to be more nutritious and healthier than conventionally produced food. However, most studies show that organic food doesn’t contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Organic Foods are Better for the Environment?
Opponents of non-organic food argue that organic food is more environmentally friendly as it reduces the consumer’s carbon footprint. Moreover, organic food does not utilize herbicides, pesticides, and other synthetic materials believed to negatively impact our water supply. However, according to a recent study, organic foods have been shown to have their own environmental problems. For example, organic food is significantly less energy efficient and more polluting because the food needs to be transported asap.
Organic Foods Support Local Businesses?
A final argument for purchasing organic food is that the consumer is directly promoting the development of their community. However, organic food can come from anywhere, and local produce may not be organic.
…Feeling helpless? Don’t know what to do anymore?
We’ll tackle some solutions next week, but for now, remember that a diet full of conventional fruits and vegetables is always a healthy choice, and an “organic” label does not change a less healthy food into a more healthy food.
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Image courtesy of MarkusSpiske
