Buying Organic

As I walk through the produce aisle at the local mega store, I look at the price of oranges and potatoes and feel a panic attack coming on. Yes, you say, organic food prices make the the heart rate climb. In this case, though, it is plain old produce that has brought on this anxiety. With the rising cost of food, can most of us afford the much higher price of organic produce, dairy, or meat? When foods we used to turn to in hard times (rice, potatoes, oats) become a strain on the family budget, can we even fathom spending more for organic? Even if it is better for us? My guess is, no.

I believe the health benefits of organics to be undeniable. Pesticide-free, steroid-free, unspoiled by toxic and downright strange substances. That's got to be healthier, right? I have partaken of both organic milk and organic apples and the taste was noticeably superior to the conventional varieties. This was, however,an indulgence that only happens once a year. Kind of like a birthday or Christmas present to myself.

When conducting the cost benefit analysis of buying organic, it is wise to first determine whether or not it is actually healthier. This is easier said than done if you choose to rely on the vast number of conflicting studies that examine every aspect of this subject. The Food Standard Agency in the UK published a report in July of this year that suggest there are no greater health benefits derived from organics. http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2009/jul/organic On the other side of the debate, The Organic Trade Association cites several studies, including those published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and conducted by the The Organic Center with the University of Florida and Washington State University,that found higher nutrient levels in organic food when compared with conventional variety. http://www.ota.com/organic/benefits/nutrition.html As with any study, it is prudent to examine how these studies were conducted and whether or not they were comprehensive in their investigation. If you experience an intense headache during this process, I assure you it is quite normal.

With all of the attention given to health and fitness, all of the intense advertising aimed at convincing us to eat this, avoid that, it is quite nerve-wracking. How do we make the right decision? Which study is correct? We have all seen advertisements warning of toxin filled bloodstreams, conjuring up thoughts of medical nightmares on the horizon. It really sounds like something out of a horror movie-Veggies Gone Horribly Wrong! Chickens on steroids roaming the streets, terrorizing the townsfolk. Then there is the other side telling us "Don't worry about it." For most of us, however, this entire debate is a mute point. We simply can't afford it; there is no more room in the family budget. So, for the time being, I will stick to buying my radioactive tomatoes and puffed up chickens. In these difficult economic times, we are just thankful to have food to eat.

Sources:

Organic Trade Association website-"New Evidence Confirms the Nutritional Superiority of Plant-Based Organic Foods," www.organic-center.org/reportfiles/5367_Nutrient_Content_SSR_FINAL_V2.pdf.

Organic Trade Association website-Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Vol. 56, pages 5,788-5794 (2008), published online on July 1, 2008.

Food Standard Agency-http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2009/jul/organic

Organic Tade Association-http://www.ota.com/organic/benefits/nutrition.html