We’ve all seen the organic label on foods in the produce section. But what exactly does this label mean? Below, we answer three common questions regarding organic foods and lay out what you need to know.
1. What does organic mean?
Organic foods are those that are grown without synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The best way to think of these foods is that they are naturally grown, as they would be locally or in your own garden.
2. Are organic foods healthier?
There have been numerous studies conducted to answer this very question. Results of these studies are mixed. Some lend credence to the belief that organic foods are healthier and others don’t. There have been no definite conclusions as to whether organic food is indeed healther for you. Because organically grown food does contain fewer pesticides, it makes sense that these foods would be healthier, but this is currently still debated.
3. Which organic foods should I consider buying?
Foods without skin and those with edible skin contain the most pesticides. These include peaches, apples, lettuce, greens, strawberries, peppers, and potatoes. Foods that you peel such as onions, corn, pineapples, avocado, mangoes, oranges and melons contain fewer pesticides. These foods are fine purchased non-organically.
The bottom line: It’s easy to get wrapped around the organic/non-organic debate, but what is more important is overall consumption of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Seek first to include these foods in your diet, organic or not.
TD Fitness Answers – Joint Pain and Supplements