Why is eating organic so popular?

We all go grocery shopping and look at the price difference between an organic avocado and a non-organic one, or organic meat and non-organic meat. And we wonder: are those few extra bucks even worth it? (consumer reports tell us organic is roughly 40% more expensive on average.)

Numerous studies have been conducted to analyze the benefits of eating organic and to determine if organic foods are more nutritious and by how much.

British journal of nutrition analyzed over 200 studies and report that organic meats and dairy contain 50% more omega three fatty acids compared to their non-organic counterparts. Omega 3 fatty acids are considered essential to our diet because our body cannot make it on its own. In the body, these fatty acids make up the phospholipids that are part of your cell’s membranes and work as signaling molecules for the body’s systems.

Other studies prove that organic foods contain more phytochemicals which are loaded with antioxidants, a powerful tool in fighting free radicals/oxidative stress and maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Keep in mind that these extra nutrients here and there are not going to cause an organic eater to thrive substantially more than their non-organic eating counterpart.

Still, there is insignificant data to determine if organic is “safer” to eat.

So if it’s not more dangerous to consume non-organic foods, why is this such a huge and important trend for many?

Maybe they’re just looking through a completely different lens. While eating organic is all fine and dandy, we need to be promoting healthy eating as a whole, rather than encouraging high end healthy foods. Healthy eating should not be a social status thing.

Of course, consuming foods that are certified organic will verify we aren’t consuming certain pesticides, chemicals, antibiotics, and preservatives. But the question should really be, how important is it for us to eat “clean” and organic?

By claiming organic food is clean can deter individuals from eating healthy if they can’t afford the organic. Are consumers left to think they’re eating “dirty” food? Might as well enjoy pop-tarts instead…

Out of America’s top 7 leading causes of death, 4 are diet related. This “westernized” diet as it is so often called, is literally killing our friends and families.

The obesity epidemic cannot be thought of as just a personal issue, or one that affects only the lazy. No, the obesity epidemic is largely a result of our changing environment, which promotes processed foods and added sugars instead of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The facts are this: More than 66% of Americans are overweight, and over 33% are obese. And this tells us that they aren’t eating nearly as much produce as recommended. Organic or not.

From a nation-wide and even global perspective, I can’t say I support the promotion and craze behind eating organic. If you can afford it, fantastic. But let’s not diminish the benefits of simply healthy eating. Unfortunately, this radical promotion or organic eating is giving many the wrong message, that if they can’t afford or have access to organic, then they can’t eat healthy. And this is one misconception we just cannot have. Because let’s be honest, many under served communities simply can’t focus on organic when they’re struggling to find fresh produce in the food dessert they’re living in.

And if you’re buying organic in order to lose weight, you’re looking at it all wrong. Yes, it may work, but was it the results of not consuming those few pesticides and chemicals we mentioned? Probably not. Weight loss is simply, less energy in than energy out, or what we call energy deficit.

As for GMO’s, recent studies keep revealing that they are indeed safe. Not to mention the importance they play in combatting world hunger and malnutrition.