Is eating organic actually healthier?
As a registered dietitian, I get a lot of questions regarding the health benefits of organic foods and whether it is actually worth forking over the extra money often associated with purchasing organic products. The popularity of organic foods has risen by 9.5 percent in 2011 according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Of the 81 percent of families who buy organic products in 2013, 48 percent believed they were healthier than conventional, non-organic products. Are organic foods actually more nutritious? Or are they a waste of our hard-earned money?
First, what does it mean for a food to be organic? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that foods labeled “organic” meet certain standards. The label prohibits use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering to grow fruits, nuts, vegetables, and grains. There are also standards for meat. For example, animal feed must be 100 percent organic and irradiation and growth hormones are prohibited during meat processing. For these reasons, some people concerned with the environment, animal welfare, and food safety may choose to follow an all organic diet.
How does the nutrition composition of organic food compare with conventional food? A meta-analysis published in the 2012 Annals of Internal Medicine found that “the published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods.” There was a higher phosphorus level found in organic vs. non-organic produce. Similarly, in a 2007 meta-analysis by the British Nutrition Foundation, there were no significant differences found in nutrition composition between organic and conventional foods. Another England-based study done in 2011 did find a 6 percent higher vitamin C content and a 12 percent higher phytochemical content in organic produce. These findings have not been replicated as part of large, human based studies. Researchers conclude that organic foods are not significantly different than non-organic foods.
That being said, there is still a common perception that organic foods are “healthier” than their non-organic counterparts. For example, some patients feel reassured when they consume organic cookies or chips because they perceive them to be more nutritious. The label “organic” does not suggest much of anything about the nutritional composition of a product and thus it cannot be assumed that these products are healthier than non-organic cookies or chips. It is still important to read the nutrition label of products, whether they are organic or not, in order to make judgments about nutritional benefits. This is important to remember the next time you walk into your nearest Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or other “health food” store.
The take-home message here is that organic products are likely not more nutritious than non-organic products. Consumers must make their own decision about whether or not to purchase organic products if it is within their personal values/ethics to do so.
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietitian at Baystate Noble Hospital, please call 413-568-2811 ex: 5671 for more information.
