Is Organic Food Really Worth It?
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you've ever looked into any aspect of healthy eating, you've probably heard the word organic thrown around. For some people, organic is all the rage. They go out of their way -- both physically and financially -- to make sure they're only consuming the absolute best in the organic world. If you're a novice to the healthy lifestyle, you may find yourself wondering whether the hype meets expectations. In other words, is eating organic really worth it? If you’re trying to change your health and menu for the better, take a look at whether you should choose organic for your kitchen.
What Does Organic Mean?
The first thing people want to know is … what exactly does organic even mean? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic means grown without synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. In layman's terms, it means as natural as you can get. Organic food has to be grown in a natural setting, and it can’t be pumped full of anything deemed unnatural or synthetic.
Are There Benefits?
The benefits of eating organic are going to vary depending on who you ask. Some will swear that eating organic has a marked effect on their gut health and mental clarity. In general, the benefits of eating organic revolve around keeping toxins out of the body. Some claim that the toxins used to treat the animals or plants are transferred to us when consumed. Is there any truth to this? That’s a hot debate, but it hasn’t stopped the thousands who opt for solely organic based on this idea.
Is It More Expensive?
In most situations, the answer is yes. Some say that it costs more to produce organic goods. Others swear that the organic label alone is enough for a price hike. Either way, if you choose to go organic, you should probably leave a little more room in the grocery budget.
Is It Worth It?
This is what everyone wants to know. It's the inevitable “should I or shouldn't I” question. The results are mixed. While there are studies suggesting that organic is indeed healthier for the body, there are other studies that suggest the benefits are marginal at best. What should you do? Whatever works for you. If organic makes you feel good and you have the money, go for it. If you're on the fence, it's probably OK to skip it. As in anything health-related, listen to your body, listen to your doctor or healthcare professional, and make a plan to keep yourself healthy for the rest of your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Ventura, Calif.