The answer is nuanced.
By Edie Horstman
Is organic food actually healthier? Are the benefits worth the expense? Do you have to eat organic—or is that a quick-fire way to burn a hole in your wallet? Spoiler alert: the answer is nuanced. When it comes to eating organic, a few factors are at play—i.e., your values, budget, and accessibility. For some, organic is an integral part of living well and taking care of the environment. Others argue that eating organic is too expensive, unnecessary, and inaccessible. Somewhere in the middle lie those of us who eat organic when possible, but we’re not dogmatic about it.
As you navigate this growing section of the grocery store, it’s important to know what organic means and how to get the most bang for your buck—for the sake of your wallet, your body, and the planet.
Feature image of Helene Henderson’s kitchen by Teal Thomsen.
Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.
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Let’s begin here. Between nutrition facts, ingredients lists, and (misleading) dietary claims, “organic” is yet another piece of the grocery shopping puzzle. Along with what’s for dinner and what’s budget-friendly, you may be left wondering how to decide when organic is worth it—and when it’s not. Therefore, knowing what “organic” actually means can help you make informed choices! For organic agricultural products to carry the certified organic label, they must meet these requirements:
Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
In essence, the term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. The regulations vary across the globe.
As for organic meat, livestock must be raised in living conditions that mimic the animals’ natural behaviors. For example, the ability to graze on pasture, eat organic feed, and forage. They aren’t given anything synthetic. They also aren’t administered antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products. Furthermore, organic livestock farmers must utilize composted animal manures to improve soil nutrient density.
When it comes to processed, multi-ingredient foods, the USDA organic standards specify a few things. For example, for your favorite granola bar or box of crackers to indicate “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they can’t contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Of course, their ingredients must be organic—with some minor exceptions.
Ultimately, when packaged products say they’re organic, this means they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. The remaining non-organic ingredients must be produced without using prohibited practices (genetic engineering, for example) but can include substances that would not otherwise be allowed in 100% organic products. More on how organic food is labeled, here.
The short answer: yes. The British Journal of Nutrition found that organic crops have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower levels of heavy metals and nitrates, and fewer pesticide residues than non-organic crops. This particular study analyzed 343 peer-reviewed research papers, which documented nutritional benefits of organic grains, fruits, and vegetables. To date, it’s the most extensive analysis of its kind. Furthermore, another comparative study calculated nutrient contents of organic vs. conventional produce and grains. The results? Higher levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus in the organic crops.
Beat the bloat with these organic smoothies!
While more clinical studies are needed, we know that observational studies show this: an increased intake of organic foods is associated with health benefits. For example, reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are also a handful of other key benefits associated with organic farming. Like, improved soil health, reduced exposure to pesticide residue, and increased levels of crucial micronutrients.
All of that said, the funding for organic research has—historically—been underwhelming. However, research on the benefits of eating organic foods continues to grow. USDA funding is expected to increase to $50 million by 2023. And companies like Danone are increasing funding for soil health, regenerative agriculture, and organic foods. Win, win, win.
As mentioned, organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients—such as antioxidants—than their conventionally-grown counterparts. Additionally, observational studies show that people with allergies (to foods, chemicals, or preservatives) may find their symptoms lessen when they focus on eating organic. At any rate, eating organic has many benefits:
Chemicals such as synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture. These residues remain on (and in) the food we eat. When you eat organic, you’re automatically limiting your exposure to toxins. This is especially important when it comes to grains, as most are sprayed with glyphosate.
It doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic produce is sometimes produced on smaller farms, closer to where it’s sold. This is a win for your fridge and your taste buds.
Organic farming practices help the environment. They reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. Farming without synthetic pesticides is also better for nearby animals, as well as people who live close by. Buying organic food is one way to be a steward of the environment.
When livestock are fed animal byproducts, their risk of various diseases increases. Plus, the use of antibiotics can create antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. None of these things are beneficial for human consumption. Beyond organic, it’s worth noting that purchasing grass-fed and pasture-raised livestock provides additional nutritional benefits.
As a Nutrition Consultant, my answer is… no! When possible, of course, buy organic. It is the optimal choice—both for your health and the health of the planet. However, it’s important to note that many organic farmers do use (natural) pesticides. At any rate, eating organic doesn’t have to be as expensive or elitist as some people tout. At the very least, budget to buy these foods organic. And remember, frozen (organic) produce will almost always be cheaper! Choosing what’s in season is economical, too. Meat and dairy is another important category to prioritize organic, as well as grains and these four nuts.
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), updates their list of “Dirty Dozen” ingredients. These are common fruits and veggies sprayed with the most pesticides. When possible, buy these organic. The list includes strawberries, spinach, greens, nectarines, apples, grapes, and more. Keep in mind that while no washing method is 100% effective for removing all pesticide residues (if you opt for non-organic produce), this produce wash is helpful in removing some chemicals and oils. Also, peeling isn’t 100% effective either, as pesticides can penetrate into the underlying flesh of fruits and veggies. At any rate, don’t let this deter you from eating your greens!
When it comes down to what you should eat organic, the power is in your hands. Armed with an understanding of how organic produce is grown—and livestock is raised—you can make a more empowered decision about what’s on your plate. The goal isn’t to take a dogmatic approach. After all, eating conventionally-grown fruits and veggies is more important than foregoing them altogether.
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Hello everyone; I am not for eating ‘organic’ at all. I believe in eating healthy and we’re trying to eat more fish, vegetables, fruits, and quinoa…more salad dishes, and splurging on smoothies for the weekends. We blender up is what I mean by making our smoothies. This not eating or wanting to eat ‘organic’ is because I don’t understand how something can be removed if it’s not seen. I also believe that some chemicals are needed to keep the fruits and other foods from going bad on store shelves and carts.
I tend to find ‘organic’ fruit and some other items deemed organic to be stale in taste and bland. We can all be healthier by eating more fish, veggies, fruits, and maybe nuts and grains.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of information.
Disappointed by the amount of anti-science misinformation shared here. The only paragraph I agree with is the last one, but it’s pretty hypocritical after spending the whole article spreading fear. The EWG is a lobbyist group for the organic industry and saying the “dirty dozen” is produce with the “most” pesticides is meaningless. The body of evidence supports the use of glyphosate as one of the safest herbicides available. Being anti-GMO is a very anti-science view. If anyone is interested in the science vs marketing myths, Unbiased Science podcast has some great episodes on both GMOs and organics. They also have a great insta account (@unbiasedscipod) and I also recommend @foodsciencebabe for myth-busting food industry misinformation, who also has saved highlights on Glyphosate. I don’t know if you’ll censor this comment, but worth a try in the name of science and fighting misinformation.
Author
Edie Horstman 
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