Are Organic Foods Healthier?
Just because something's labeled "organic" doesn't mean it's better for you—and it definitely doesn't mean it has fewer calories
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR FOOD TO BE "ORGANIC"?
Organic food is different from regular food in the way it is grown. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown by farmers who do not use some pesticides and fertilizers. Animals used for organically produced food (ie, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products) are not given antibiotics or growth hormones.
Many people think that organic foods have more nutrients or fewer calories than nonorganic foods. It is not yet known whether there are any real differences in nutrients between organic and nonorganic foods, but either way, remember that organic foods have the same number of calories as regular foods. An orange is an orange!
AN ORGANIC COOKIE IS STILL A COOKIE!
Most often, “organic” refers to fruits, vegetables, and meats. Not all organic foods are healthy! You may see organic cookies, organic sugary breakfast cereal, and organic chips at your grocery store. If you want to have organic cookies as a treat, that may be okay, but be sure to write them in your food planner and tracker and adjust your eating plan as you would for regular cookies.
Many people choose to eat organic because they like eating foods grown without pesticides or meat from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones. There are many good things about organic foods, but don’t assume all of these foods are better for you or lower in calories. Always check the nutritional facts for information about calories, fat, and nutrients in your food!