Do you believe any product with an organic label is definitely better for health?

I am not talking about organic fresh produce. It’s the processed organic products that I have an issue with. One thing for sure, most products with organic labels are generally more expensive. But is it really worth it? Is it really more nutritious for us?

My take on it: don’t be fooled by marketing on buying everything organic and only shop for organic labeled products regardless of  the kind of things you are buying.

I strongly encourage everyone to buy organic produce whenever you can. Organic farming is generally better for the environment and some research has shown that organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

As organic produce do tend to be more pricey, go at least for the Dirty Dozen as much as you can. You can choose non-organic produce listed in the Clean 15 if budget is an issue.

The keyword I would like to emphasize is products. Just because a potato chip is labelled organic doesn’t make it edible and healthful for you. It is still processed food nonetheless. It might make you feel better that “at least it’s organic”.

You are deceiving yourself to think that way. The organic level somehow changes people’s perception that the product is more nutritious and taste better? And people are willing to pay more for such thing? Hello, Halo effect at work indeed.

This study  shows exactly what I am talking about. Organic processed food is still not real food. Why would you eat a non-food just because it is labelled organic?
Follow these simple rules when doing your grocery and you’ll be just fine:

• learn to read ingredients label,
• follow the “no more than 5 ingredients” rule if it makes it easier for you or
• shop at the produce sections for 90% of your grocery, so you don’t even need to read an ingredient list

You can download the pdf version for the list above HERE from the Environmental Working Group in the States. The testing for pesticide level is based in USA and were done on produce commonly found in the States, but it is a good guide nonetheless.