Health Matters: Organic Foods – Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Posted by Editor on Monday, August 2, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Guest post by Dr. Amanda Svendsen, BSc, ND

During the summer season, we are encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables by the plentiful selection of seasonal produce at farmer’s markets and grocers. With the increasing availability of organic foods, we’re often faced with the choice between an organic and a conventionally grown item. They may look the same, but typically the organic costs more, sometimes 2-3 times more! Is it really worth the extra money?

It’s clear that reducing exposure to pesticides is a benefit to everyone, however those that benefit the most are children as their developing organ systems are far more susceptible to these toxic compounds. Remember, pesticides are designed to be toxic to the nervous systems of bugs. All toxic compounds must be processed by our livers, and the more we are exposed to, the greater the burden.

A study published in 2006 reported pesticide levels in the urine of preschool children was 6-9 times higher in those fed a conventional vs. mostly organic diet. If these levels are detected in urine, we can be sure these neurotoxic compounds are circulating in the blood stream as well.

Other research comparing the rates of allergies in children consuming organic vs. conventional diets show a lower rate of eczema (an allergic skin disorder) in children consuming more organic foods. Although there are still limited studies directly comparing conventional and organic diets, the evidence we do have is clearly in favor of organic foods.

In terms of nutrient content, studies have yielded conflicting results about whether organic food is more nutritious. There are several factors that can influence this, particularly the nutrient content of the soil it’s grown in, the age of the plant (with more mature plants having more nutrients), and the freshness of the item.

However, multiple studies do show organic foods have higher levels of antioxidants, which combat aging and disease processes, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

If cost is a concern, I recommend consulting the Environmental Working Group’s list of produce items with the most and least pesticide residues (named the “dirty dozen” and the “clean fifteen”, respectively). This will allow you to minimize your exposure by highlighting which items are the most important to buy organic.

These lists reflect the pesticide exposure from the food as it is typically eaten, meaning that the samples were washed, rinsed, and/or peeled depending on the item. Among the most commonly pesticide laden are: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes, and imported grapes. For more information, check out www.ewg.org.

In my opinion, choosing organic food over conventionally grown is definitely worth the extra dollar. It is difficult to know whether the organic food you eat has more nutrients, but I prefer it because of what I’m not getting. Pesticide exposure has health implications for you and your family, as well as the grower and our environment.

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“Health Matters” information is provided by Dr. Amanda Svendsen, BSc, ND, a naturopathic physician at Port Moody Naturopathic Health and Wellness. www.portmoodynaturopathic.com // 604-949-0077