Organic vs. Conventional

While it is everywhere, the term ‘organic’ can cause some confusion for consumers. Here are some basics to better understand what exactly you are buying and eating.

What Does Organic Mean?
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, sewer sludge, pesticides, irradiation, or biotechnology (genetic modification). Organic animal products come from animals that have not been treated with antibiotics or growth hormones, have been given organic feed, and have regular access to the outdoors. Sometimes these animals are more humanely treated, but not always.

How Does Organic Food Differ from Conventional Food?
More and more evidence suggests that there are real benefits to eating organic food rather than conventional food – greater nutritional content, more flavor, reduced levels of toxins that can contribute to ill health. Organically produced food can also represent a more sustainable way of life and a pleasant regard for the earth. Organic farming promotes conservation and enrichment of soil, water, and air through more efficient use of resources and energy.

Organic Labeling 101

• “100% Organic” – Contains all organic ingredients, permitted to use USDA organic label.
• “Organic” – Contains at least 95% organic ingredients, permitted to use USDA organic label.
• “Made with Organic Ingredients” – Contains at least 70% organic ingredients, not permitted to use USDA organic label but may use the word ‘Organic’ on packaging.
• Products with lower percentages may list organic ingredients on information panel only.
• Other labels that may or may not mean anything include: “All-Natural,” “Free-Range,” “Hormone-Free,” “Sustainably Harvested,” “Local,” etc. These terms are unrelated to the USDA organic label.
• Organic produce labels begin with ‘9’ (94455 indicates organic, while 4455 does not).

Apples to (Organic) Apples?
Organically grown food can cost a bit more than conventionally grown food. Check out local farmers markets for less expensive produce grown close to here you live, or note the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists below when deciding which organic purchases to make. Watch for weekly produce sales at your grocery store, or try planting a small garden and see what you think! No matter what, give all produce a really good scrub before eating it.

"Dirty Dozen" – Most Contaminated Produce
Celery, Peaches, Strawberries, Apples, Blueberries, Nectarines, Bell Peppers, Spinach, Cherries, Kale/Collard Greens, Potatoes, Imported Grapes

"Clean 15" – Least Contaminated Produce
Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mango, Sweet Peas, Asparagus, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Sweet Potato, Honeydew Melon

*Lists were compiled after food was washed and peeled. More than 40 different chemicals were still detected in some food.

For more information on how to find, learn about, or grow organic food, check out www.localharvest.org, www.organicgardening.com, www.rodaleinstitute.org, www.organic.org, ask questions at your local health food store, or visit a nearby organic farm.

Source

Amy L. Horn, MNT

Custom Life Solutions is a new Affiliate of MINES. To learn more about how to access a nutrition or wellness coach, contact your Account Manager and say, "I want a Total Wellness EAP!"

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