Should you go organic?

Should you go organic? It’s a tricky question to answer, so we’re here to help.

‘Fresh-produce’, ‘additive-free’, ‘organic farming’, ‘natural’, ‘certified organic’ – the world of organic produce ain’t simple, so it’s okay if you don’t know your organic from your elbow. This is where we come in. There’s definitely a buzz surrounding organic food, and for good reason, but before you go filling your shopping baskets with food labeled ‘organic’ we’ve consulted the experts and studies to help get you clued up!

What does organic actually mean?
According to the Soil Association organic food is produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods and, for foods to be labeled as organic, at least 95% of the ingredients must come from organically produced plants and animals.

In organic farming, artificial fertilisers are banned, pesticides severely restricted and the use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers are not allowed. Farmers develop fertile soil by rotating crops and using compost, manure and clover. Organic farmers take a holistic approach and according to the Soil Association, if organic farming was common practice in the UK, we could offset at least 23% of the agriculture’s current greenhouse emissions! But how do you know if something is certified organic? Easy, You just need to look out for the EU’s organic logo.

So, should you go organic? We check out the pros and cons below…

It’s (ever-so-slightly) more costly
Going organic often costs more because of the care and effort in creating the produce. But as the costs of oil-based fertilisers and chemicals increase, the price gap between organic and non-organic is closing.

There are nutrition benefits, but they’re contested
Organic food is supposed to safeguard us from chemicals used in more intensive farming methods. Research from Stanford University associated organic foods with 30% lower pesticide residues. When you eat organic food you’re also safe in the knowledge that hydrogenated fats, and controversial additives like aspartame, tartrazine and MSG are banned. A very recent study from Newcastle University suggested that when crops aren’t treated with synthetic chemical pesticides they produce 18-69% higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds.

In terms of nutrition, findings in the Annals of Internal Medicine, hint that there’s a lack of strong evidence to suggest organic food has more nutritional value, with vitamin levels and mineral content generally being the same. Opting for fresh ingredients (i.e. ones farmed locally) and ditching processed food is more likely to boost nutritional value according to a lot of experts.

Food may go out of date faster
Because organic food isn’t treated with preservatives, they may spoil faster. However both must meet regulated standards before they go on sale.

It’s WAY better for the environment
Plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms according to The Soil Association, plus organic farming reduces pollution and greenhouse gases.

It’s not just about food
As well as buzz surrounding organic food, you may have noticed that the popularity in ‘organic’ beauty products has risen over the past year or so. Whilte this can be a good thing – protecting your skin and body from harmful additives, parabens and chemicals and reducing your exposure to the amount of invasive/fast-acting ingredients in your products – beauty companies have come under fire for listing their products as organic when only a percentage of it is. Beauty products in the EU must meet the Cosmetic Organic Standard to be certified. This means 95% of the agro-ingredients must be organic, not to mention 20% of the entire product. Keep your eyes peeled for a Soil Association label or look out for an abundance of natural ingredients!

You can go ‘part organic’ and still reap the benefits
The Environmental Working Group in the US revealed that the worst offenders in terms of pesticide use are apples, celery, cherries, grapes, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, pears, strawberries, cucumbers, spinach, potatoes and sweet bell peppers, so, where possible, go organic on these fruit and veggies. Furthermore, make organic milk part of your weekly shop. It’s higher in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids than it’s non-organic counterpart.