Is Organic Food Really Better for You and Your Family?
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Stocking up on organic foods? You’ll want to read this before throwing them into the shopping cart.
For the past decade, people have bought organic products thinking they’re the healthier option. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), however, has released a report stating that organic products may not offer as many nutritional benefits as people think. The AAP also, for the first time ever, offered advice for pediatricians when it comes to talking with patients about feeding their children organic foods.
The report, released today on the AAP website, analyzed several studies regarding organic and nonorganic (or conventionally grown) foods, and the results were mixed. When examining produce, the AAP says that “many studies demonstrate no important differences in carbohydrates or vitamin or mineral content.” That being said, some studies found lower levels of nitrates in organic products, which could be beneficial, given the link of nitrates to cancer and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder) in infants. Studies also found that organic foods “contain more vitamin C and phosphorus than conventionally grown foods.”
When analyzing the studies of milk — often a big part of kids’ diets — the AAP found that “milk has the same protein, vitamin, trace mineral contents and lipids (fats) from both organically and conventionally reared cows.” Even if the cow is injected with growth hormone (GH), which is said to increase milk production, the AAP found that “90 percent of the GH in milk is destroyed during the pasteurization process” and the remaining 10 percent has no affect on humans.
The study also examined the use of steroids in meat and their effect on people. While several studies found an association between conventionally reared red-meat products and early development of puberty, the AAP failed to find a correlation between the two. The same was true for the connection between steroids in red meat and increased risk of breast cancer.
Despite the many benefits associated with conventionally grown foods, the AAP did find one negative aspect of these products: pesticide exposure. The study found that chronic exposure among farm workers led to many health problems, and prenatal pesticide exposure has been associated with “decreased birth weight and length and smaller head circumference.” The study also stated that in children, the primary exposure to pesticides is through consumption, and consuming organic produce “reduces human exposure.”
So what does that mean for your grocery shopping? The AAP says families’ priority should be eating an “optimally healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and dairy products.” If you prefer organic foods and can afford them (organic foods can cost 10 to 40 percent more than nonorganic foods), the AAP doesn’t discourage it. It does, however, advise parents to be aware that not every organic item is the healthier option.
Do you buy organic or nonorganic?
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This is a great article! However, speaking anecdotally, I don’t personally know anyone who buys organic foods because they think they have a higher nutritional content. My friends, neighbors, and colleagues who do buy organic typically do it because they are concerned about pesticide exposure. They are also wary of the damage persistent toxins can do to the environment; there are numerous studies that show pesticide exposure does have a negative effect on children’s development.
I’ve been trying to buy more hormone free/organic (especially meats and dairy), and there is a LOT to learn. It is costly so I only do it on some items. Also, I have so little time it’s hard to fit in an extra trip to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s where I can’t get ALL my supplies. But the more I learn, the more I want to!
I don’t purchase organic because I think I’m getting more nutrients. I’m trying to avoid pesticide exposure for me and my family.
Exactly my thoughts. I feel like I’ve been reading this same information so much lately and I personally don’t know anyone who buys organic because of percieved increased nutritional value, we buy it to avoid pesticides, GMOs, and growth hormones.
why does this not mention GMOs or pesticides??! I dont eat organically bc i want more nutrients, i eat organically to avoid chemical exposure!
We used to eat almost 100% organic- produce, meats, grains, and even packaged foods. I don’t need a study to know it was worth it. Over 6 years I had 3 colds and 1 flu, and my husband had 2 colds. We moved, don’t have the same access, and have had to go back to almost all conventional foods. Now, i’ve been sick for 5 weeks with the same cold, my husband for 3weeks. Yes I am pregnant, but being tired all the time, feeling poorly, the taste and flavours of food have diminished (not just for me- my husband bites into fruit and makes a face). Health, sustainability, getting to know local food producers, social visits to farmer’s markets- these were all a big part of our lives in BC, but we are slowly getting back into it. Costs go down considerably when you buy local, in season produce. Google the 10 most pesticide-laden fruits and veggies, and start with buying those organic, to make a difference for your health and the health of the planet.
I think this might be a way for food (produce) retail companies trying to keep families from being correctly informed on why families buy organic foods: not for the nutritional value, but for the latter effects of pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals. I know it’s a bit more expensive to buy organic produce/dairy, but you will be glad later in life that a bit money spent on healthier foods will benefit your health in the long run.
This article is missing the bigger picture. Organic also means it’s not genetically modified. For example, strawberries and Alaskan fish DNA are mixed so the strawberries freeze better. You never know what you are really eating if it isn’t organic!!!! AND, to top it off, they don’t have to label this on your foods!
This article obviously doesn’t address the main reason why parents buy organic. Chemical and hormone exposure are the reasons we buy organic. I am a twenty five year old mother who has delt with acne for half of my life. I have tried every type of western medicine prescription you can think of. I finally reached out to a homeopath, who I originally didn’t have a lot of faith in, but I had an amazing experience which changed my life. She said the hormones and gmos in non organic foods can affect the hormones in women especially and my skin was trying to tell me that. I cut out all hormones and gmos, especially in dairy and muslin is completely clear! I had cystic acne for years, and now I can honestly say that eating orgNic does make a difference. Take the time to really think about the things you feed your kids and yourself!
I think this article is dangerous. We don’t know yet what the long term negative effects of pesticides, growth hormones, and genetic modifications are on people. Most of the research seems to show that they are bad. I just saw an article showing that GMO food leads to tumors in rats. I am avoiding these things as much as possible for me and my baby. Organic isn’t always available, but when it is, its obviously the safest choice. I think its irresponsible to represent food grown with pesticides and genetic modifications as safe when that has never been proven.