You may be wondering “should I be buying organic produce?” On Instagram @AndreaHardyRD, I talk all about the difference between organic and conventional produce and whether or not you need to be buying one over the other.
Many times, patients tell me they ‘try to choose organic’.
When I ask why, many times they’re taken back by the question and have to think about it!
When they do answer, it’s usually with a question “isn’t organic food healthier for me?”
Organic is a production term, excluding the use of certain pesticides and GMOs in addition to other production practices. It does NOT encompass health or safety.
Many times, people are lead to believe that organic production leads to more nutrient dense foods – richer in important vitamins and minerals – however this is not the case! In fact, a 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis found that there was NO significant difference in vitamins and minerals grown in the food.
There’s also the erroneous belief that organic farmers don’t use pesticides. This isn’t the case. Pesticides are permitted for use in both types of farming and follow the SAME regulatory rules for safety and residues.
Ultimately, I want you to understand that regardless of production method – our food system is SAFE.
I want you to make choices, not out of fear, but rather, out of being informed.
These messages aren’t benign. They disempower us to make food decisions for our families. They play to the privilege of those that can afford organic, and research has shown, impact the purchasing decisions of low income individuals.
On March 23, I’m hosting a webinar for Health Care Providers on the science communication of hot-button topics in agriculture. Want to join in? Link in bio!
Questions?
DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2579
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