When you walk the aisles at the grocery store, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. Should you buy those organic grapes that cost $ 2 more or stick with the store brand option? And it does Really Does it matter when it comes to your family’s health? For families on a budget, deciding whether or not to buy organic can be tricky. While many people believe that organic food is undoubtedly better for you, are you really doing your family a disservice by buying conventional food products? The short answer is, it depends.
What does the term “organic” really mean?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, foods labeled “organic” are grown and processed according to a list of standards that take into account “soil quality, animal husbandry practices, pest control and weeds and the use of additives “. In simple terms, this means that food products can only be considered organic if they are created without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Also, organic foods do not contain preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
As for the meat? To be considered organic, animals must be raised in “living conditions that suit their natural behaviors,” also known as they must be able to graze. Also, to be considered truly organic, animals should only eat an organic diet themselves and should never be given antibiotics or hormones.
It is also important to note that some products are not necessarily 100% organic. If you see a label that says “made with organic products [specific ingredient or food group], “That means the product contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients.
Are organic foods more nutritious than non-organic foods?
Although this topic has been explored in several studies, according to Dr. Ihuoma Eneli, director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, there really isn’t much of a difference. “The general conclusion from most studies is that there are no significant differences in nutrient composition between organic and non-organic foods,” he explained. “The only potential exception concerns antioxidants.”
When crops are grown organically, there are more flavonoids, or a class of plant pigment, which means that the product will have more antioxidant properties. But instead of evaluating the nutritional level of a food based on the added benefits you are getting, it makes more sense to consider what your family It is not getting when you buy organic.
The Mayo Clinic also notes other differences in addition to antioxidant levels in organic foods. It is also less likely to contain:
- Toxic metal. According to a 2014 study from the National Institute of Health, organically grown grains do not contain as much cadmium, a toxic chemical that plants absorb and is found naturally in the soil. The researchers found that while there was no difference when it came to production, there is significantly less cadmium in organic beans due to the absence of pesticides.
- Pesticide residue. Although the effect that pesticides have on the human body is not completely clear, organic foods tend to have less pesticide residues compared to non-organic foods. “The likelihood of getting pesticide residues from organic food is much lower,” explained Dr. Eneli. “But even the residues found in non-organic foods are still below the level that the EPA classifies as unsafe.”
- Bacteria. Conventional meat may be at higher risk of containing bacteria resistant to antibiotic treatment. However, there are still risks whether the food is organic or not. “If you use natural fertilizer from manure, for example, to grow organic food, there is an increased risk of contamination from some dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli,” said Dr. Eneli.
What organic foods should parents buy if they are on a budget?
Buying strictly organic food can easily double or triple your bill. So what products should parents consider buying if they are on a budget? Start with meat and dairy products. According to the Mayo Clinic, organic meat and dairy products have 50 percent more omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy unsaturated fat, compared to conventional foods. Also, buying organic meat and dairy products reduces the chances of being exposed to unnecessary synthetic hormones. You should also seriously consider buying coffee, which is considered one of the most chemically treated foods in the world, before moving on to products that are featured on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list.
What else can parents do besides buy organic food?
If you can’t buy organic food, don’t panic. There are many things parents can do to make conventional foods healthier. In general, making sure your children eat a balanced meal is road more important than splurging on organic food.
“If you can’t afford organic food, conventional food works perfectly,” explained Dr. Eneli. “Feed your children a balanced meal instead of worrying about whether the food is organic or not. Wash your fruits and vegetables well and try to make sure your plate has at least half the fruits and vegetables. Look for meat from older Quality or plant-based sources of protein. Simple things like removing the skin from the chicken and draining the fat after cooking the meat also work well. “