Non-GMO: GMOs dna has been altered. Most other countries have bans on the use of GMO crops in food.
“Natural”
Conventionally Grown
What should you choose?
We recommend buying organic as much as possible based on access and your resources
How your food is grown can make a big difference in your health
Organically grown food generally contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals but the biggest reason is to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in the form of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can increase your toxic burden and affect your gut and microbiome in a way that creates downstream effects all over your body.
Benefits of Organic Food
Are fewer pesticides, herbicides and insecticides
These are allowed in conventional agriculture and their residues remain on and in the food we eat.
Many people with allergies to foods find their symptoms lessen or go away when they switch from conventionally grown food to organically grown food
Lastly, Organic foods cannot contain GMOs
What are GMOs?
They are plants or animals whose DNA has been altered for a specific benefit. Most commonly to resist herbicides or for certain growth benefits
The problem is that only short term testing has been done on these
Newer evidence shows there is negative impact to our health
As mentioned, organic foods are not allowed to contain GMOs
What about herbicides?
Glyphosate aka Round-up is most often used with sugar, corn, soy and wheat production
It is most often used with GMOs
In general, herbicides are toxic chemical known to disrupt body functions, increase inflammation, destroy gut bacteria and increase risk for autoimmune diseases
What about pesticides?
We have all been exposed to pesticides through our food and we’re not looking for perfection but any amount you can stay away from pesticides in your food helps reduce the toxic burden of your body.
They are known to be a cause of headaches, birth defects and an added strain on immune systems and can also be hormone disruptors
Children and babies in and out of the womb are at the highest risk. High exposures at an early age can increase the risk of developmental delays, behavioral disorders and motor dysfunction. Pregnant women are more vulnerable due to added stress pesticides put on an already hard-working system. These chemicals can also be passed from mother to child in the womb and through breast milk.
You might be wondering if washing produce eliminates pesticides and herbicides on food.
It might reduce but does not completely eliminate them
Peeling produce can further reduce but this can remove vital nutrients as well
It’s best to eat a varied diet and buy organic as much as possible.
It’s a good practice to wash your produce in a 50:50 vinegar and water solution
It’s also important to note that Organic food is usually fresher
Fresh food tastes better
Doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer than it should
And Organic food is often (but not always) produced on smaller farms near where it’s sold
Organic farming is better for the environment and the people in it. Organic farming practices
Reduces pollution of air, water and soil
Conserves water
Reduces soil erosion
Increases soil fertility
Uses less energy
Better for birds, small animals
Healthier for the people harvesting the food
Organically raised animals are not given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts
Antibiotics in conventional farming are contributing to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. That means if someone is sick from those strains of bacteria, they will be less responsive to antibiotic treatment
Most animals that are grown organically are given more space to move around and have increased access to the outdoors, both of which keep the animals healthy. The more crowded the conditions, the more likely an animal is to get sick
Different levels of organic labeling
100% organic. I’m sure you’ve seen the green and white organic seal on many labels
There is also just “organic", where at least 95% organic ingredients with the seal
Made with organic ingredients, which means 70% organic and is without the seal
Contains organic ingredients, which means less than 70% and is without the seal
You might be wondering why organic food is often more expensive?
More labor intensive
Higher cost of organic certification
Animals feeds are often twice the cost of conventional
Organic farms tend to be smaller and receive fewer government subsidies
Tips for keeping organic food within your budget
Buy in season: cheapest, freshest, most nutritious
Shop around: Compare at multiple grocery stores
Natural Grocers
Azure Standard
Thrive Market
Shop at Farmers Markets
Get to know your farmers
You get to see the people that are putting energy in to the food you eat
Sign up for a CSA
Which is where you purchase shares of produce in bulk and buy directly from the farm
Join a food coop
Cooperative grocery often give discounts if you are a member
Consider local foods
The term local food can fall into both organic and conventional categories but means the food was grown close to where you live. This could be as close as your garden, your community, your state or region.
There is a financial benefit: Money stays within the community and supports the people and jobs within it
Transportation: The average meal in the country travels over 1500 miles from farm to plate. The further the distance, the more preservatives used and the more nutritional content is lost just due to the time it takes to get foods from one place to another
Fresh produce
Local food is the freshest food you can purchase.
Many small and local farmers aren’t able to afford certification. It’s best to ask around or speak to the farmers directly to learn about their farming practices.
Now let’s talk more about how animals are raised
Organic vs Conventional Feed
Some things allowed in conventionally grown: antibiotics, animal byproducts, hormones, pesticides, sewage sludge, steroids, pesticides
Conventionally raised meat and dairy are often given antibiotics preventatively and are given hormones to promote growth. They may or may not have access to the outdoors
Organically grown meat and dairy: all organic feed, disease is prevented with natural methods such as clean housing, rotational grazing and a healthy diet. Must have access to the outdoors
Meat and Dairy Labels
Natural: this means minimally processed. Not containing artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives or other artificial ingredients
Can be given antibiotics or growth enhancers
Grass-fed: animals are fed a diet of grass or hay. Animals can still be grain finished, which means grains are given in the last three months of life. Cows are meant to eat grass so are generally healthier when raised this way though the grain at the end of life can cause some inflammation in their bodies.
Higher omega-3 fatty acid content
Grass-fed and finished: This is even better than just grass fed because it assure the animal has been fed only grass through the end of their life
Free-range: Fairly ambiguous term that just means animals have access to the outdoors at some point but there are no real regulations as to how much or for how long. You can always ask the producer about their practices but just know this designation doesn’t necessarily differ from conventional growing practices.
Pastured: Chicken are allowed to range freely outdoors where they can eat whatever grass, seeds, insects and worms they choose. They are typically supplemented with feed so do some homework to be sure you understand what is being fed. Choosing Organic, Pastured eggs or talking to the farmer to about the feed they use would be best. This generally results in more nutritious eggs and more humane conditions for the birds.
No hormones added: This term means animals are raised without the use of added growth hormones. This is helpful when searching for beef and dairy products but in the US growth hormones aren’t allowed in pork or egg production. Don’t pay extra for products that use the label.
Our recommendation
Beef: organic, grass-fed and finished is best. Next best would be grass-fed.
Poultry and eggs; organic and pastured
Pork: pastured is ideal
Resources: Localharvest.org or eatwild.com. Simple google sear with your area and some of the keywords above
Sustainable Seafood
Seafood can be confusing because it’s high in good fats but can also be high in heavy metals
Which fish are safe?
Pollutants are one of the main causes of heavy metal and chemical toxicity in seafood due to run off with rain
May contain PCBs, chlordane, dioxins and DDT and mercury, which is a neurotoxin
Also larger fish that eat smaller fish tend to be higher in toxins just because accumulate more toxins from the food chain
Check out the guide for a full list of seafood that is lowest in mercury.
Wild caught v farm raised
Just like with meat and dairy, it’s important to consumer properly fed and raised seafood
Farm raised: raised commercially in tanks, enclosures and controlled pens across the country. Oftees, ponds, rivers and oceans. Due to complacent living situations and feed, they tend to have more diseases, toxins, artificial dyes, antibiotics and contain dangerous levels of PCBs compared to their wild caught versions.
The most commonly farm raised fish are tilapia, catfish, atlantic salmon, and pre-peeled shrimp so it’s best to avoid consuming these.
Wild-caught: Caught in the wild waters meaning they were able to swim freely in the oceans, lakes or rivers and find their own species appropriate foods. That means they will contain less toxins, in general, and tend to be higher in omega-3 content and protein. They’re healthier animals all around.
Our recommendation: Always purchase wild caught fish and seafood!
