Organic Schmanic

I’m a little skeptical about Organic produce to be honest. I haven’t really found substantial evidence that buying Organic is worth it in Australia. Macro Wholefoods, my favourite supermarket (may it rest in peace), had a great Organic selection but for a few extra dollars a kilo when I’m a poor student it had to be really worth my while. Organic pears and tomatoes I always tried to buy, especially at Victoria Market. But when it comes down to it, what’s the point, all the fruit and vegetables look better, are cheaper and are more readily available when they’re not Organic…?

Why choose Organic: from organicangels.com
“Poison is not food: Who wants to knowingly eat poison? Well, those who are not taking organic foods seriously. Regular foods are sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals to keep the bugs from getting to them. But the toxic chemicals end up getting to you, and you find yourself suffering from inexplicable allergies and ailments. Organic foods hold much less metal content -aluminum, lead and mercury- than regular food. Aluminum has been linked to increased rates of Alzheimers disease, mercury to brain damage, and lead to poor IQs.
“Nurturing Mother Nature: When we switch to organic foods, we are silently sending Mother Nature a message that we care. Chemicals and pesticides are not just harmful to us; they also cause untold destruction on nature – they pollute the water we drink, they kill the natural habitats of animals, plants, birds and fishes, thereby poisoning them and driving them to extinction, and they make land totally worthless for farming or other life-sustaining activities.
“Getting back to our roots: Growing your own organic foods is the best way to go organic – you’re reducing your carbon footprint to the minimum. Even local produce and meat have to travel a certain distance to reach you, but your garden and your kitchen can be bridged by a few steps at the most. When you commune with nature in the most basic way, you feel at peace, both with yourself and the world. Gardening has been proven to have a therapeutic effect, and when it’s organic plants you’re growing, you have the added satisfaction of knowing you’re doing your best for your family and the environment.
“Giving your children a healthy legacy: Children are more susceptible to damage due to pesticide exposure because they have smaller organs, faster metabolisms, standard diets and speedy growths. When they’re encouraged to eat healthy organic food right from the time they can chew, you’re setting the stage for a fitter and better life ahead for them.
“More nutrition is better: Organic foods have been proven to have a higher nutritive content than their non-organic counterparts. They are richer in Calcium (for strong bones), Magnesium (good for the heart), Boron (prevents bone diseases), Lithium (treats depression), Selenium (an antioxidant) and Chromium (prevents diabetes and the hardening of arteries).”

Really? Maybe I’m just not taking it seriously then. Because whilst I know that fruits and vegetables that are in season taste better and carry more nutrients, which is also aided by better quality soil, I’m still not convinced. Why not just eat seasonally then? It would make food cheaper too, because it’s more readily available and doesn’t have to be trucked in from God knows where or been there for God knows how long. But is Organic really better for you?

 There’s been heaps of different studies on Organic foods. The major points of The French Agency for Food Safety study are:
1. Organic plant products contain more dry matter (more nutrient dense)
2. Have higher levels of minerals
3. Contain more anti-oxidants such as phenols and salicylic acid (known to protect against cancers,
heart disease and many other health problems)
4. Organic animal products contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids (protect against heart disease)
5. Carbohydrate, protein and vitamin levels are insufficiently documented
6. 94–100% of organic foods do not contain any pesticide residues
7. Organic vegetables contain far less nitrates, about 50% less (high nitrate levels are linked to a range
of health problems including diabetes and Alzheimer’s)
8. Organic cereals contain similar levels of mycotoxins as conventional ones

However, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which is the most prestigous Nutrition Journal around, says nope, it doesn’t make a difference. The article has been quoted in many different sources since it was published in July this year. But that’s just one article from a reputable source, so who knows? Oh wait, the Food Standard Agency in the UK has an independent report saying there was no difference as well! Uncanny… but then of course, evidence from a $27million, four-year European Union study found organic fruit and vegetables contained between 20 and 40 percent more antioxidants. The research also found organic produce contained higher levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, beneficial minerals such as iron and zinc and substantially higher levels of compounds thought to boost health and combat disease. Okay guys, let’s all have a hug and decide which side we’re all on.

One thing that’s been bantered around heaps is the lists of what to buy if you’re going to prioritise buying Organic foods when the standard produce is going to be the most at risk of a problem…
12 most contaminated: Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Pears, Grapes (Imported), Spinach, Lettuce, Potatoes
12 least contaminated: Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn (Frozen), Pineapples, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet Peas (Frozen), Kiwi Fruit, Bananas, Cabbage, Broccoli, Papaya
 OR from a different source…
 The Dirty Dozen (in order from most pesticide-ridden): Peach, Apple, Bell pepper, Celery, Nectarine, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes (imported), Carrot, Pear. (Here’s the list for the 47 worst and their pesticide rating)
The Clean 15 (in order from least pesticide-ridden): Onion, Avocado, Sweet corn, Pineapple, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet peas, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Papaya, Watermelon, Broccoli, Tomato, Sweet potato.