Have you ever been to the store to buy groceries and had to select either “organic” versus “non-organic”? If you answered yes, you are like most Americans these days. So what’s the big deal between the two?
Organic foods typically are farmed and produced without any extra additives or chemicals. When you purchase things that are “organic”, make sure you look for the label of “USDA” organic, which means it has been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture. There are many companies out there that claim “natural” and even “organic” without certification so please read your labels first!
Non organic foods are simply fruits and vegetables and foods that are grown naturally but that also might be treated with pesticides or chemicals. Many times chemicals are used on fruits and vegetables so that bugs do not interfere with their growth and so that they can grow as large as they can before harvesting. Typically, the chemicals used are not at levels that can harm us. Additionally, majority of fruits and vegetables are regulated by the USDA as well, so if levels were too high, the product would not be able to be sold.
A few things to note are that when buying organic vs non-organic:
- Organic products will typically be more expensive because more time and resources go in to harvesting them
- Many times organic products aren’t mass produced. With less supply and the high demand for organic, prices tend to be high.
- Organic products such as organic meats or vegetables might be more thin or shaped differently than their non-organic counterparts. This isn’t a bad thing it’s just a sign that they are all unique and have not been treated with chemicals or artificial hormones.
Lastly, the best products to buy organic are those where you consume their skin such as apples, berries, celery, lettuce, etc.
Over the years the debate of organic vs non-organic has gone back and forth and will probably continue to. My advice? Make the choice that works for you and for your food budget. For either option, always keep in mind a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits is best. If you have any questions about how to create a healthy diet or how to make healthy food decisions please contact us!
At Carlos and Parnell, M.D., P.A. our professional and caring staff makes the difference with patient care. – See more at: http://www.dev.carlosparnellmd.com/thermometers-and-babies/#sthash.MFvVROkI.dpuf
