I remember when I was a kid and organic started being an option and my Mom started buying a lot organic and we thought it was so funny because it was things we didn’t deem as “healthy” like butter, cheese, Mac n cheese, chocolate, etc. it wasn’t until I got older that I understood why it mattered!
First let’s discuss what they mean!
- Non GMO
- The Non GMO Project label (there are diff non GMO labels- this one is most common) “means a product was produced without genetic engineering and its ingredients are not derived from GMOs” they cannot guarantee GMO free because somewhere in the line there could be, but it’s a great place to start (source)
- What is genetically modified food? “It includes any process in which genetic material is artificially manipulated in a laboratory, and may involve creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.” (Source) It used to not require a label stating it is GMO, but I’m thrilled abt a semi new federal law requiring all food produced in the US to have a label saying it is bioengineered (source). It’s my understanding, however, that fruit, veggies, and other food that is imported does not need it, so unless you see a non GMO label or Organic label and it is one of the following crops, it is most likely GMO. (Source) GMOs are the ONLY thing the label covers – not pesticides, etc. so, i still, if not buying organic, choose foods with non GMO label.
- The current GMO crops approved in the US are: sugar beet, canola, summer squash, corn, soybean, apples, potato, pink pineapple, cotton, papaya, alfalfa (source)
- Why I choose non GMO foods: from PubMed/NCBI, “The results of most studies with GM foods indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters.” (Source)
- Organic
- means: no GMOs, no glyphosate, no dangerous pesticides (yes, still pesticides, but safer ones), no artificial colors or flavors, etc.
- For produce: “Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In instances when a grower has to use a synthetic substance to achieve a specific purpose, the substance must first be approved according to criteria that examine its effects on human health and the environment” (source)
- For meat (an article breaking down meat labels is coming soon!): “animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.” (Source)
- For processed foods: “Regulations prohibit organically processed foods from containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and require that their ingredients are organic, with some minor exceptions. For example, processed organic foods may contain some approved non-agricultural ingredients, like enzymes in yogurt, pectin in fruit jams, or baking soda in baked goods.
- When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” this means they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. The remaining non-organic ingredients are produced without using prohibited practices (genetic engineering, for example) but can include substances that would not otherwise be allowed in 100% organic products. “Made with organic” products will not bear the USDA organic seal, but, as with all other organic products, must still identify the USDA-accredited certifier.” Which is why I try to stick to USDA organic seal (source)
- Why I choose organic: From NCBI, “animal experiments suggest that identically composed feed from organic or conventional production impacts in different ways on growth and development…Epidemiological studies have reported adverse effects of certain pesticides on children’s cognitive development at current levels of exposure…Of greater concern is the prevalent use of antibiotics in conventional animal production as a key driver of antibiotic resistance in society…There is likely also a lower cadmium content in organic cereal crops. Organic dairy products, and perhaps also meats, have a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional products” (source)
- Basically for Dal and I, we just don’t believe pesticides, antibiotics, GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, high fructose corn syrup, etc. belong anywhere near our bodies. We view spending more on food in its most natural form or as close to it as possible is an investment in our family’s health and future
- Here is a super interesting article abt it:
- Thousands of cancer diagnoses tied to a poor diet, study finds “you may protect yourself from cancer by avoiding ultraprocessed foods and instead choosing organic foods, research has shown. People who frequently eat organic foods lowered their overall risk of developing cancer, according to a study published last year in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine. Specifically, those who primarily ate organic foods were more likely to ward off non-Hodgkin lymphoma and postmenopausal breast cancer than those who rarely or never ate organic foods.”
- This is not to say anyone who has cancer are this way- just that it’s one thing we can do to help prevent
- Glyphosate residue free
- Means it has been tested and there is no residue of glyphosate. It doesn’t mean that organic practices were used, etc. ONLY means it’s free of glyphosate residue (source)
- Why do I buy glyphosate/Roundup residue free?: if organic is unavailable or too expensive, I look for this label (my most common buy for this is avocado oil!) Glyphosate wreaks havoc on our digestive systems and bodies and we avoid this at all costs. It can cause reproductive issues, kidney issues, Celiac, gluten intolerance, links to cancer, etc. this awful chemical should not be allowed, especially anywhere near our food. This NCBI article outlines all these issues.
- “Conventional farmers spray glyphosate on genetically engineered corn, oats, soybeans and wheat before it is harvested.” So these crops are especially critical to buy organic and if unavailable, glyphosate residue free (source)
- Here is a great article on it.
- Fun fact… I have been “gluten intolerant” since I was 15. I have tried MANY times to eat gluten and my body always shows it won’t work for me. Abt 2 years ago, I started on a supplement that helps repair the damage from glyphosate in your body and after months of taking it, was able to eat gluten again! I’ve now been eating it abt 1 1/2 years!!
We buy abt 98% organic. That covers no glyphosate, no dangerous pesticides, no GMOs, etc. if you buy at a farmers market, just ask about their use of pesticides and GMO seeds. It’s a great way to support local farmers, economy, and price effective! You can even use EBT (food stamps) Sometimes organic isn’t affordable or accessible. Here’s how I gauge it.
- If it’s wheat, I do not buy unless organic. The glyphosate is sprayed at the end of harvest to dry out the crop and leads to gluten intolerance, leaky gut, etc. it’s a delicious and wonderful grain but not a necessity IMO and there are plenty of alternatives if organic wheat isn’t available
- If it’s produce, I do my best to stick to organic, but if unavailable, I buy as long as it’s not a GMO crop and just wash super well with Branch Basics.
- I recognize that organic is not always feasible or even available in some communities. in this case, I would order what I could online. (Bulk ordering is extremely cost effective!) I would buy what I could from local farmers markets (also not available everywhere), and stick to non gmo crops and just wash/soak extremely thoroughly. We can’t always eat perfectly, but there are small, affordable steps everyone can take it’s not an all or nothing.
Last, but def not least, very frequently what’s damaging for us is also damaging for the earth and the workers who grow the crops. Glyphosate and organic is no different. Here is an awesome article on it!
As always, if you have questions or even would like help brainstorming how to affordably avoid toxins in your food, never hesitate to reach out!
The Best Breakfast Casserole