Yesterday while the hubby and I were sitting in the OB’s office waiting our turn, he mentioned an article he read on the BBC’s website regarding a study that has shown that “there is no evidence that organic foods are any better than non-organic foods.” I thought that was an interesting concept and wondered what he might mean by “better”. Better looking? Better tasting? Better for the environment? So, I read the article. You can read it too by going here.
Now I am no scientist by any means, and I have done little research compared with these folks, but it seems pretty clear to me that the title of the article is slightly misleading. (The article says “Organic has ‘no health benefits’”) . What the article is actually getting at is that based on the study cited, there is no proven nutritional benefit to organic foods over conventionally grown foods. OK, I’ll grant that. Like I said, I’m not a scientist. However, I think it’s still safe to affirm that organic foods are indeed healthier if not for the nutritional benefits. Think of all the things you do not ingest when you eat organically grown foods. Pesticides, chemically-derived fertilizers, anti-biotics and hormones in meat…the list goes on. To me the common sense still says that organics are better (i.e. healthier) whether or not they are more “nutritious”. Just my humble opinion; did I mention I am not a scientist?
I will continue to buy organics where it seems to make the most sense to me. I will continue to savor every bite of the vegies I am fortunate enough to be able to buy from a good friend at the market every week. (He currently has the tastiest onions I have ever had. I think I could sautee one of those and just eat that if it weren’t for the inevitable heartburn that would ensue!)
With all this to say, I’m curious what you all think. I know that for some folks this is a very touchy subject and others rarely think about it. Also, on a similar note, has anyone seen the documentary, Food, Inc. yet? It only played in select theatres, unfortunately not in a city near me. I’m curious how that was.
Enjoy whatever food you are blessed to be eating today!
I would say,if better means you are not consuming toxic chemicals with the food, then organic is definitely better than non-organic. As far as vitamin and mineral content in the two the jury is still out in my opinion.