A healthy diet consists of all the nutrients your body needs to function, grow and maintain your immune system, and you can get these from conventionally grown foods. However, while organic foods contain the same vitamins and minerals as nonorganic ones, they have been grown and processed without pesticides or other additives that may harm your health. Consult with your doctor before changing your diet and ask how organic foods may benefit your health.
Definition of Organic
Farmers who grow and process foods organically do so without using standard methods of fertilization, weed control or disease-prevention in livestock. Rather, they use natural fertilizers like manure and rotate their crops to control weeds and pests. The meat comes from animals that are fed organically and allowed to roam outdoors. Foods that have the USDA Organic label have been certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having met government standards that regulate the production of organic food items.
Benefits of Organic Nutrients
Whether organic food is more nutritious than nonorganic food remains unclear, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, by eating organic produce, you will not be consuming pesticides used to keep pests off of nonorganic fruits and vegetables. By choosing organic meat, you will not expose your body to the antibiotics that nonorganic meat often contains, nor the pesticide-laced feed that nonorganic chickens, cows and pigs typically eat. Consuming organic milk likewise prevents you from ingesting synthetic growth hormones given to nonorganic cows, and organic milk may even contain higher levels of the good fats that may reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes, according to the Rodale Institute.
Diet Tips
If you are new to eating organic foods, consider making small changes at first. You do not have to buy all organic items -- in fact, mixing them with conventional items can cut your exposure to pesticides and other additives. While organic food is often expensive, you can reduce this cost by buying produce that is in season or from local growers. Read food labels to determine whether the ingredients in processed products are truly organic, and also take note of the nutrition facts. Just because a product is organic does not necessarily mean it is healthy, as it could contain high amounts of fat and calories.
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that "organic" and "natural" are not synonymous. Foods that are naturally grown or hormone free are not necessarily organic. You might also consider consulting with a nutritionist who specializes in organic diets and have her help you come up with an organic meal plan that contains all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
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