Organics vs Conventional.

The debate on whether to buy our foodstuffs organic or conventional has been going on for a long time.  Many people have decided that organics is the way to go, so much so that the major supermarket chains now supply their own brands of organic produce because if they don't they're missing out on a billion dollar industry (and that's just in Australia).

In September 2012 the media was alight with the story that a Stanford University review of all of the relevant studies from 1966 to 2011 had finally come to the conclusion that organic foods were not healthier than conventional alternatives. 

I love the media (yes, just a little hint of sarcasm there).  The actual conclusion of the review was,

"..identified limited evidence for the superiority of organic foods.  The evidence does not suggest marked health benefits from consuming organic versus conventional foods, although organic produce may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and organic chicken and pork may reduce exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria."

The review did show that most nutrients were slightly higher in organic foods than conventional, but only phosphorus was at a level that was statistically significant.

There are differing view points. The Newcastle University in the England did a similar review in 2011 and used a lot of the same studies as the Stanford review.  However the Newcastle University review concluded that organic produce provided between 12 - 16 percent more nutrition than conventional produce.

So there are studies that say organic food is more nutritious and others that say it's not. That doesn't help us make the decision between organic and conventional food, so here is a list of what to look for when making the decision:

• Is it really organic?   Organics is big business and the claims that a product is 'Organic', when it's not, can be very lucrative for the unscrupulous.  Check for organic certification labels on packaged products and check the retailers certification for products that are unpackaged like fruit and vegetable.

•  Fresh is best!   The freshness of food is a major factor in its level of nutrients, regardless of whether its organic or not. One week after harvest, apples and pears lose 75% of the vitamin C.   So try to buy as fresh as possible, choose stores that have high turn-over, try farmers markets or better still directly from the farm (some farms have on site retail stores or farmers co-ops with direct to your door delivery).

•  Organic doesn't = quality.   Just because its organic doesn't mean its its top quality. Although organic produce might not look as shiny and fresh (conventional produce gets this from waxes and polishes) you should still check the quality, don't buy if it's bruised and battered.  Check the cleanliness of the store too.

• It's not all about the nutrients.   The exposure to chemicals by not only the consumer but also the farmers. Soil quality and environmental impact also need to be taken into account.

• What's your budget?   If you would like to buy organic but your budget doesn't quite allow for it then be selective about what you buy organic.  Below is a list of the most toxic and least toxic conventionally grown vegetables. 

The Environmental Working Group’s 12 Most Toxic Fruits and Vegetables

Peach	Nectarine	Lettuce
Apple	Strawberries	Grapes
Bell pepper	Cherries	Carrot
Celery	Kale	Pear

The Environmental Working Group's Least Toxic Fruits and Vegetables

Onion	Asparagus	Papaya
Avocado	Sweet peas	Watermelon
Sweet corn	Kiwi fruit	Broccoli
Pineapple	Cabbage	Tomato
Mango	Eggplant	Sweet potato

Think outside the grocery basket.

If you are already buying or decide to go organic, think about other areas in your life that you can reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals.

Conventional cotton crops are sprayed with more chemical pesticides than any other crop, 25% of the total pesticide production is used on cotton crops which make up only 3% of total farmed crop land. Organic cotton products such as clothing, towels and bedding are becoming more and more available in a wide range of styles.

Household cleaning products are a major source of chemical exposure but there are a number of gentler alternatives such as:

• Baking Soda - cleans, deodorises, scours.

•  Lemon - effective against most household bacteria.

• White Vinegar - cuts through grease, removes mildew, and wax build-up.

A little food for thought.
Jason