Organic vs. Conventional

As I have become dedicated to becoming more healthy & aware of what I put in my mouth, I have been introduced to the world of organics. Anyone you ask would likely tell you that anything with the word "organic" on it MUST be better, but also probably more expensive. I have asked the question, "Why is it so expensive to eat healthy" more than a few times.

I began to wonder, is organic REALLY that much better? I wash all of my produce prior to eating, I buy hormone free milk & "grain fed" beef/chicken, so, what is the big deal with ORGANIC?

In August 2009, The Seattle Times ran an article based off of the findings of a study conducted at The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that addressed just that question.

According to their article, (in summary) "there is no evidence of a difference" between organic and conventionally grown produce in 20 of 23 nutrient categories, including vitamin C, calcium and potassium. The researchers had similar results when comparing meats. Any nutritional differences they did find were not significant, they said.

Though I myself have not heard anything in the media regarding these recent findings, apparently the findings have been a hot topic of discussion from Chicago to Australia, and broadcast on large networks, such as CNN. These contriversial findings have unearthed heated arguments among the web, many advocates of organic foods worried that the publicity on the topic will negativly impact the demand for such foods.

The main problem with the study, critics say, is that nutrition is only a small part of organic's appeal. The researchers did not examine, for example, what effect chemical fertilizers and pesticides -- used in growing conventional crops -- have on consumers. Nor did they look at the environmental effects of each growing method. "Nutritional quality is one of many potential variables related to the advantages of organic food," Margaret Wittenberg, global vice president of quality standards for Whole Foods Marke, said in a statement. "But for us, there are already plenty of well-documented reasons to choose organic."

Debra Boutin, chair of Bastyr University's Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science, said that while the results may have been overblown in media reports, she's not about to dispute the conclusions. Her priority is to get people to eat their fruits and vegetables, whether they're well-to-do fine-diners or struggling shoppers. If they can get as many nutrients from conventionally grown as they can from organic, she said, "that's a good thing. They're equally good for us."

As for me, I make my decisions these days both on what I can afford AND what is best for my family. If organic produce happens to be comparable in price to that which has been grown conventionally, I will choose the organic, simply because (logic would suggest) that NO chemicals are better than residue from those I rinse off. However, if organic grown food items happen to be double or more the cost of the conventionally grown items, because my pockets have grown a little more shallow, I admit I will choose to wash & rewash my conventional products.

I'm curious to know your perspective on this topic. Comment & let me know!!

Until Tomorrow!

Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!

Have an awesome day!

♥Fit~NOW~Girl♥