When healthy options are presented before you, which terms often assist you in making a decision? Would you choose a local apple over an apple delivered from overseas? Would you choose an organic apple over a conventional one? When everything from “natural” to “100% whole grains,” “no sugar added” and “good source of _____” are plastered on products, finding the best option can feel daunting. Even worse, something that sounds healthy may actually be hiding something dangerous. This week’s Wellness Wednesday buzzword series is highlighting everyone’s brand new frenemy: “organic.” We all know that organic choices sound like a preferred option, but what does it really mean to be organic? Everything from grains, vegetables, fruits, and even animals are donning the organic label-- it’s naturally worth investigating to see what this label really means for a product. Whether you’re a seasoned agriculture expert, or a newbie to the organic shopping game, these 3 things you didn’t know about organics are sure to surprise and empower you when purchasing your food! |
Did you know that “organic” is a completely relative term? One nation’s “organic” may be entirely different than another’s. Canada, United States, UK, and China all have varying regulations on how to determine whether something is organic or not.
A few noteworthy differences are:
- Canada will not label a product as “organic” from the US if it contains nitrates (even naturally occurring ones).
- The US will not label a Canadian product as “organic” if it is derived from animals that were given antibiotics.
- A product containing 70% organic ingredients can be labeled as, “made with organic ingredients” in the USA. Alternately, it is labeled with the exact percentage in Canada: made with 70% organic ingredients.
There is even a scandal regarding the efficacy of organic products being sent from China. Over 60% of the water in China is polluted, and the regulation of the term organic is still unclear. The environment that our food is grown in has a large impact on its quality and nutritive properties. Look into and know the source of your organic products to ensure you’re properly nourished by the food you eat.
#2 Organic and Nutritious are Not Synonyms
Despite popular belief and media excitement over the healthy benefits of eating organic foods produced without toxic pesticides and manures, the science does not show that they are any more nutritious.
This may be an issue with our current soil quality, rather than the agricultural methods used to grow the crops. Unfortunately, rapid plant and harvest farming practices have depleted the soil of its nutrient rich minerals and chemicals, exposing our crops to malnutrition. Regardless of the color of your produce, it just cannot boast the same nutrient density as its ancestors did.
Organic farmers working to tackle this issue spend their time cycling their crop locations. By switching the location that their fruits, vegetables, and grains grow in, the soil is exposed to new chemicals. Natural compost also works to enrich a weak soil.
Local farmer’s markets, where you can speak with the farmers directly, is the best choice when looking for nutrient dense produce. Ask if they cycle their crops or use compost on their farmland.
Taking inspiration from last week’s buzzword, non-GMO and Organic are typically seen together on healthy product labels. As an informed consumer, we now know that these terms may not always be so helpful. However, when a product is labeled as organic, it may not ensure that it is free of GMOs.
In the United States, an organic product must be grown and harvested without the use of genetic engineering. Organic labeling in other countries do not adhere to this same rule. If you are looking to remove genetically modified organisms from your diet, it’s best to read labels and find out which companies are producing products without them.
Here is a quick list of organic and non-GMO companies that can assist you when you’re shopping. As always, starting from the source-- with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains-- will ensure the best possible source of organic and non-GMO foods.
Which of our 3 things surprised you? Have a friend or loved one you’d like to share this with? Start the discussion on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtags #rylwellnesswednesday and #roswellyogalife!