{"id":4930,"date":"2024-07-12T12:31:29","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T17:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=4930"},"modified":"2024-07-12T12:31:33","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T17:31:33","slug":"does-buying-organic-produce-really-make-a-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/does-buying-organic-produce-really-make-a-difference","title":{"rendered":"Does Buying Organic Produce Really Make a Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many people want to buy the highest-quality foods available to fuel their bodies. When wandering the produce section at the grocery store, you likely see many of your favorites marked as \u201corganic.\u201d This label usually comes with a higher price tag, but is there really any nutritional difference between organic and non-organic foods? Keep reading to learn more about why many experts say no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does \u201cOrganic\u201d Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOrganic\u201d isn\u2019t a term that can be thrown around lightly. In fact, the United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic label is only given to products that meet a strict set of standards<\/a>. According to the USDA website, \u201cUSDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means organic fruits and vegetables are grown in soil without any prohibited substances<\/a> \u2014 which include certain pesticides (chemicals that kill bugs) and fertilizers. Organic meats come from animals that are given organic feed<\/a> and allowed to exist in their natural habitats (grazing in fields, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boxed and processed foods that contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients aren\u2019t considered USDA organic. These are known as \u201cmade with organic\u201d products, and they aren\u2019t guaranteed to be 100% organic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to read the product labels and boxes next time you\u2019re at the grocery store to find USDA organic items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Organic Food More Nutritious Than Non-Organic Food?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People choose to eat organic foods for a number of reasons, but is there any real proof that organic is more nutritious? Experts haven\u2019t been able to find any evidence of this yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an article published by the American Heart Association<\/a> (AHA), Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, a registered dietitian and Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University\u2019s College of Health and Human Development, stated, \u201cIn terms of both nutrition and safety, organic food is no different than foods produced by other contemporary food production practices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies also haven\u2019t shown that organic foods are \u201cbetter\u201d than non-organic foods. One systematic review published in the journal Nutrients<\/em><\/a> looked at 35 clinical trials and observational studies looking at organic and non-organic foods. Most of the studies in this review found no or minimal differences in nutritional quality between these foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is There a Benefit to Eating Organic Food? Many Experts Say No but Others Say Yes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people choose organic foods to avoid unnecessary pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones in meat, and other additives. However, these substances are said to only be harmful if they\u2019re consumed in large amounts. The USDA released its findings in a 2021 report<\/a> of pesticide residues found on food throughout the U.S. It found that over 99% of foods had residues, and they were safely below the safety levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Yet, other experts are concerned about the accumulation of such residues over time and suggest that eating organics means less accumulation of pesticides<\/a> in the body over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re environmentally conscious, buying organic can help you make an impact. Organic farming practices<\/a> were developed with the environment and the wellbeing of animals in mind. These farmers pride themselves on focusing on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n