Fit Fare

Some argue that it tastes better. Others contend that it makes you feel better. Yet others cite environmental concerns as their reason for choosing it.  Whatever the reason, it’s hard not to take notice of the organic food craze.  And with superstore organic chains like Whole Foods and bigger selections of organic food in conventional supermarkets, you probably have had organic food at one time or another. 

Some doubt whether organics are really healthier then their conventional counterparts. Others cite higher costs (though costs have dropped considerably over the past few years). But many regard organics as worth the cost because they lack potentially harmful pesticides, fertilizers and hormones.  Plus it is better for the environment, for the animals, and for the farmers who produce and raise the food.  But, is it always better to pay the extra money to buy organic?

Organic Produce
Perhaps the most important reason for wanting to eat organic produce is so that you are not constantly ingesting pesticides.  The thought of involuntarily eating a substance that is designed to kill a living things can be quite alarming to some people.  However, there is no evidence that conclusively shows that organic produce is better in this respect. 

Even organic foods have small amounts of pesticide.  The American Diabetic Association suggests that eating a variety of food is more important to your health than eating only organic food.

The most conclusive evidence that organic produce is better is that it has higher levels of phtyonutrients than non-organic produce.  Phytonutrients are the nutrients found in the skin of many fruit and vegetables.  They are strong in antioxidants and also help us maintain healthy immune systems.  

Organic Milk
Organic milk and other dairy products are produced from cows that given hormones.  Since milk is the seminal “kid drink,” many parents are now leaning towards organic milk so that their kids are getting something that is wholesome as well as nutritious.  But is organic milk better?  Some contend that organic milk is higher in nutrients than non-organic milk.  However, others point out that you are probably getting those missing nutrients in the other foods you eat. 

Organic Fish
Organic fish may perhaps be the trickiest of all of the categories.  When referring to animals, organic means not only that the animals were not fed hormones but that they were allowed to live in their natural habitat.  There has been a push by the fishing industry to have their stock qualify as organic. 

The United States does not certify fish as organic because the natural habitat cannot be controlled and regulated.  In an odd twist to the organic world, this most natural variety of fish will probably never get that label. What about farm-raised fish? The labeling of farm-raised fish as organic is problematic because while their conditions can be regulated, they are raised outside of their natural environment.

The Agriculture Department is currently reviewing recommendations on what type of fish, if any, will be allowed to be labeled organic.  So when you see “organic fish,” it’s a misnomer.  You may purchase farm-raised fish because the conditions that they are raised are regulated.  Or you may choose to buy wild fish because that is the most natural type of fish you can get. 

In this case, there is no health benefit to so-called organic fish. 

Photo courtesy of Cucina Bella.