The Thin Line Between Organic and Non-Organic Foods

If you’re looking to eat cleaner, that means adding more organic foods to your diet. Shopping for these types of fruits and vegetables at the grocery store might be a little confusing for a couple reasons. Let’s say you’re buying raspberries from the produce aisle. A container of organic raspberries will look identical to the non-organic variety so there’s no huge difference in the way they look.

But, you’ll find that the organic raspberries will cost more than the regular ones. Now this might lead you to wonder the difference between organic and non-organic foods, which you can keep reading to find out!

The Main Difference Between Organic and Non-Organic Foods

What separates organic from non-organic food goes back to how it’s grown. Research published in the journal Environmental Health did a thorough breakdown of the agricultural process of each. To sum it up, organic fruits and vegetables aren’t exposed to harmful pesticides like conventional ones are. These chemicals are used to kill insects and bacteria that might cling onto the produce’s surface.

Now when it comes to meat production, organic farming doesn’t heavily involve antibiotics. And the difference between organic and non-organic is a little more obvious because some antibiotics are believed to cause animals to gain weight. This is why you’ll notice that something like an organic whole chicken is smaller compared to other conventional brands.

Basically, organic goods are the more natural option when it comes to almost any food. And going this route means you won’t be consuming any harmful pesticides that might cause cancer, according to Healthline. Similarly, intense antibiotic use in animal farming has posed risks to human health and the animal’s life.

This is great news if you already stick to eating organic foods. But, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a significantly higher nutritional value than non-organic ones based on a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

“All estimates of differences in nutrient and contaminant levels in foods were highly heterogeneous except for the estimate for phosphorus. Phosphorus levels were significantly higher than in conventional produce, although this difference is not clinically significant,” the study’s researchers wrote.

Phosphorus is a key nutrient for bodily functions like regulating calcium, keeping your cells healthy, and strengthening bones and teeth. According to the researchers’ findings, you’ll be getting this necessary nutrient regardless of if you choose organic or non-organic produce.

Ultimately, it all boils down to what’s convenient for you. If you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars for a natural food product, then shop organic. However, even if you’re sticking with conventional foods make sure you prepare it safely and correctly to ensure you have the best meal possible.

So this should clear up any questions and hopefully be a helpful guide for your next grocery store trip!