Organic or Nonorganic?

There are few subjects more noticable in the food world these days than the push toward organic food. Why are so many people paying 10-40% higher prices for organic food? Is organic food better for you? Should you go organic? Well, in my own research on the subject, this is what I have found and what I believe.

There are several reasons why people choose to buy organic food. Many people believe that organic food tastes better and the farming of organic food is less harsh on the environment than traditional farming methods. As far as taste, this is strictly a personal decision. In blind taste tests of organic and nonorganic produce, such as tomatoes and bananas, more people prefered the taste of the nonorganic food. When asked what they based their decisions on, they stated that the food they choose had a sweeter, better flavor. Personally, I have purchased both organic and nonorganic bananas and could not tell much of a difference, so you will just have to compare on your own and see what you prefer. When it comes to the environment, yes, organic is better. There are less pesticides and chemicals being sprayed into the air, as well as less pollution spreading to the soil and water, all of which are obviously good things. However, as a planet of 7 billion+ people, if we were to switch entirely to organic farming methods, we would not be able to produce enough food to feed everyone. In fact, more than 1/3 of Earth's population would starve to death because organic farming requires more space and time.

Other reasons why people choose to purchase organic food is that it is often believed to be more nutritious and contain less chemicals and toxins than nonorganic food. Studies have been conducted over the last 50 years and are still being done today, on the nutritional value of organic food. The truth is, that it has yet to be proven that eating organic food has any nutritional benefit. There is simply no proof that organic beats nonorganic when it comes to nutritional value. Now we come to toxins and chemicals... Yes, the USDA has stated that organic food carries significantly less residue from pesticides, and legally it must contain less preservatives, additives and processing aids. However, the government has regulations on what amount of chemical residue can be left on the nonorganic food that you consume, based on what is and is not a safe amount. Nonorganic producers must comply with these regulations, just as organic producers must comply with their regulations regarding additives, etc..

Lets not forget where the organic movement largely began - back in the day (50+ years ago) farmers were using "moderatly toxic" chemicals such as DDT as pesticides on the crops they were growing for the public. Before these chemicals where proven to cause things such as diabetes and cancer, some people became concerned that there were health and environmental risks associated with these chemicals and wanted no part of it. Thus, the environmental and organic movements picked up speed and have continued to do so until today. However, while these movements were growing, the government cracked down on the use of chemicals like DDT and based on years of testing and research, there are strict guidelines on chemicals used/left on our food.

So what should you do? Do your own research. Decide what is important to you and what is best for you and your family. Personally, I place more stock in "fresh" than "organic". Anything overprocessed loses nutrients and is most likely packed with preservatives. I love fresh fruit, fresh veggies and fresh seafood; sometimes that means buying organic, sometimes not. It doesn't have to be expensive and organic to be fresh and healthy.