Many people choose organic food hoping it will make them healthier and help the environment. But is organic food really better for you and the planet?
When we talk about “organic” plants, it means they are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. However, this can be a bit misleading. People often buy organic to avoid pesticides, but organic farmers can still use natural pesticides and fungicides to protect their crops. In the U.S., over 20 natural chemicals are approved for organic farming. Interestingly, some natural pesticides can be more harmful to health and the environment than synthetic ones. This shows that “natural” doesn’t always mean “better.”
Not all organic foods are entirely organic. If a label says “organic,” it must have 95% organic ingredients. “Made with organic ingredients” means at least 70% organic, while “organic ingredients” may only be 50%. Only “100% organic” labels guarantee purely organic ingredients.
A 2012 study found that organic crops yield 25% less on average than conventional ones, though this varies by crop type. For example, organic vegetables yield 33% less, requiring more farmland and potentially impacting the environment. However, organic legumes are only 5% less productive, as they efficiently use nitrogen from organic fertilizers.
Organic farming practices, like crop rotations, benefit the soil and environment. But are organic foods more nutritious? After reviewing 237 studies, researchers found no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventional produce. Short-term organic diets show higher levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants, but the differences are minor.
Children on organic diets for 10 days had lower organophosphate levels, which are linked to neurological issues. However, both organic and conventional levels are far below harmful amounts. Remember, organic junk food, like organic chips, still lacks nutritional value.
Surprisingly, organic foods can sometimes be riskier. Although they make up only 1% of agricultural land, they accounted for 7% of food recalls in 2015. For example, Cliff Bars were recalled due to Listeria contamination in organic sunflower kernels. Another study found E. coli in 10% of organic produce compared to 2% in conventional ones.
Eating organic can be beneficial, but it’s not the ultimate solution. Farming methods vary widely, whether organic or conventional, and the best approach might be a mix of both. Anyone claiming one method is entirely superior is overlooking the science.
Your health depends on a combination of diet, exercise, lifestyle choices, and genetics. For more science insights, explore our video playlist. Stay updated by subscribing to our YouTube channel and hitting the notification bell for alerts on new videos. Enjoy more weekly science content!
Divide into two groups and research the benefits and drawbacks of organic and conventional farming. Prepare arguments for a debate on which method is more sustainable and beneficial for health and the environment. Present your findings and engage in a structured debate with your classmates.
Visit a local grocery store or use online resources to examine different food labels. Identify products labeled as “organic,” “made with organic ingredients,” and “100% organic.” Create a report detailing the differences in labeling and what each label signifies about the product’s content.
Using data from the article and additional research, analyze the yield differences between organic and conventional crops. Create a visual presentation or infographic that illustrates these differences and discusses the environmental implications of each farming method.
Conduct a small experiment by comparing the taste and nutritional content of organic and conventional fruits or vegetables. Document your findings and present them to the class, discussing any noticeable differences in taste or nutritional value.
Investigate a case of food recall involving organic products, such as the Cliff Bars incident mentioned in the article. Analyze the causes, consequences, and preventive measures related to food safety in organic farming. Share your insights in a class presentation.
Many people buy organic food hoping to feel healthier and potentially have a positive impact on the environment. But are organic foods even better for you and the environment in the first place?
For plants, the term “organic” basically means something grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. However, this can be a bit misleading. Many consumers buy organic to avoid pesticides altogether, but the truth is that organic farmers can still use pesticides and fungicides to prevent insects from destroying their crops; they just can’t be synthetically made. There are over 20 chemicals approved for organic use in the U.S. that are derived from natural sources like plants. Studies have shown that some natural pesticides can actually pose a more serious health and environmental risk than man-made ones. This doesn’t mean that all natural pesticides are harmful, but it highlights that “natural” doesn’t always equate to “better” for you or the environment.
Additionally, not all organic foods are completely organic. If a label simply says “organic,” it only has to contain 95% organic ingredients. A label that says “made with organic ingredients” may only contain 70% organic ingredients, while items labeled “organic ingredients” may only have 50%. Only when a label states “100% organic” does it contain purely organic ingredients.
Interestingly, a meta-analysis conducted in 2012 found that organic crop yields are, on average, 25% lower than conventional ones, although differences can vary greatly between types of crops. For example, organic vegetable yields are typically 33% lower than conventional ones, which can put a greater strain on the natural environment as more farmland is required. However, organic legume yields are only 5% lower, as they are more efficient at absorbing nitrogen from organic fertilizers.
Many organic farming practices, such as crop rotations and mixed planting, are indeed better for the soil and the environment. But are they better for you? After analyzing 237 studies, researchers concluded that organic fruits and vegetables are no more nutritious than conventionally grown food. However, long-term studies of purely organic diets are difficult, as most people consume a mixture of foods with non-organic ingredients. Those on short-term organic diets do show higher levels of carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E, LDL cholesterol, antioxidant activity, immune system markers, and even higher sensory quality, but the differences are clinically insignificant.
Children placed on organic diets for 10 days have shown lower levels of organophosphates in their urine, which, in higher concentrations, are associated with neurological problems. However, both levels are still orders of magnitude lower than the amount needed to cause clinical harm. Just because something is organic doesn’t mean it’s better; for example, a bag of organic chips is still just deep-fried carbohydrates with very little nutritional value.
Surprisingly, organic food has a higher incidence of being dangerous. Although organic foods account for only 1% of agricultural acreage, they accounted for 7% of recalled food units in 2015. For instance, several flavors of Cliff Bars were recalled due to organic sunflower kernels that were potentially contaminated with Listeria, a bacterium that kills hundreds in the U.S. each year. Another study found E. coli in 10% of organic produce compared to 2% in conventional ones.
The truth is that eating organic foods can be good for you and, in some ways, better for the environment, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Production methods vary greatly for both organic and conventional foods, from one farm to another or from local farms to factory farms. It’s likely a combination of methods that will lead to the best results for your health and the environment. Organic and conventional foods can coexist and don’t have to be at odds with one another. Anyone who claims with 100% certainty that one way is fully better than the other is ignoring the science.
When it comes to your health, it’s really a combination of diet, exercise, various lifestyle choices, and of course, your genetics. For more science, check out our playlist of the latest videos. If you want to stay updated, go to our channel on your device’s YouTube app and hit the notification bell to receive alerts for our videos. Subscribe for more weekly science content!
Organic – Relating to or derived from living matter, often referring to food produced without synthetic chemicals – Organic farming practices aim to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Farming – The activity or business of growing crops and raising livestock – Sustainable farming techniques can help preserve the environment while providing food for a growing population.
Pesticides – Chemicals used to kill or control pests that can damage crops – The use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to increased crop yields but may also pose risks to human health and the environment.
Nutritional – Relating to the nutrients in food that are necessary for health and growth – A balanced diet provides the nutritional requirements needed for maintaining good health and energy levels.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury – Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are essential for maintaining optimal health.
Environment – The natural world, including the air, water, and land, in which people, animals, and plants live – Protecting the environment is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
Crops – Plants grown in large quantities for food or other uses – Farmers must carefully manage their crops to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact.
Chemicals – Substances with a distinct molecular composition that are produced by or used in a chemical process – The use of chemicals in agriculture can improve crop production but may also lead to soil and water contamination.
Diets – The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats – Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential health benefits and lower environmental impact.
Safety – The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury – Ensuring food safety is a critical aspect of public health, requiring strict regulations and monitoring.
