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One of the biggest traps for dieters is the word "organic." Just because the label says it's organic does not mean "organic" or even healthy and certainly not necessarily low in calories, carbs or even fat. One can gain just as much weight from organic foods as fast foods. Even the word "natural" and "healthy" may not apply to organically grown food. Organic food is often three times as expensive than "normal" food. Organic or "healthy" foods DO NOT equal
weight loss!
The "organic rules" are intended to address production methods rather than the physical qualities of the products themselves The only assurance you have a product is at least 95 percent organic and meets federal standards is the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic seal.
Organic does not refer to how food is made, but how it is grown.
The most common concept of "organically grown" food was articulated in 1972 by Robert Rodale, editor of Organic Gardening and Farming magazine wrote in 1972 the best definition of "organic:”
“Food grown without pesticides; grown without artificial fertilizers; grown in soil whose humus content is increased by the additions of organic matter, grown in soil whose mineral content is increased by the application of natural mineral fertilizers; has not been treated with preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, etc.”
Many consumers pay more for organic foods believing them to be low in calories, fat and more nutritious, safer, and tastier. But the USDA states: "No distinctions should be made between organically and non-organically produced products in terms of quality, appearance, or safety."
While many organic food manufacturers are just as concerned with their nutritional line-ups as they are with organically grown ingredients, other manufacturers have been quick to produce all things organic, resulting in organic junk foods.
Here is some interesting facts if you are doubting this:
Organic candy, chips, crackers, cookies, and desserts becoming more plentiful, it's important to keep your eyes on the bottom line: the nutritional information on the food label.
Shady Maple Farm Organic Honey Waffle Treats conjures up a wholesome image, but pack 430 calories, 23 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat in a serving
Annie's Organic Shells and White Cheddar contains 370 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 9 grams of saturated fat in a serving. Kraft Supermac and Cheese has fewer calories and fat and adds whole wheat flour to their pasta, providing three times as much fiber as Annie's.
Organic Foods May Be More Dangerous
According to recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control CDC), people who eat organic and "natural" foods are eight times as likely as the rest of the population to be attacked by deadly new strain of E. coli and salmonella bacteria. Organic food may be more dangerous to your health than conventionally grown produce because organic farmers use animal manure as the major source of fertilizer for their food crops. Animal manure is the biggest reservoir of these bacteria.
Are Organic Foods More Nutritious?
Organic foods are certainly not more nutritious. Experiments for many years have found no difference in the nutrient content of organically grown foods vs. those grown under standard conditions. The nutrient content of plants is determined primarily by heredity of the plant.
Are Organic Foods Safer?
Many dieters think organic foods are safer because they have lower levels of pesticides.. However, the pesticide levels in our food supply are not high. In some situations, pesticides even reduce health risks by preventing the growth of harmful organisms, including molds that produce toxic substances. Consumer Reports writes:
"No one should avoid fruits and vegetables for fear of pesticides; the health benefits of these foods overwhelm any possible risk."
Are Organic Foods Tastier?
Taste is influenced by freshness, which depends upon how far the food was shipped, and how long it sat on the organic food market’s shelf. With organic food often costing twice as much as non -organic, store turn over becomes important. All evidence indicates there is no difference.
Organic Food and Weight Loss
There is no evidence that eating organic foods will help in any weight loss plan. They may or may not be beneficial to one's health because they are free from chemicals, food additives, antibiotics, and hormones, but they are not necessarily free from calories or fat. There have been no published studies or research on the relationship between weight loss and organic food.
Organic Foods Distract Dieters from What is Important
Like foods labeled “low fat, low carb, or no sugar added” eating organic foods often lead many dieters to eat more. If the calories are high, then the result is weight gain.
What is important is the calories, the fat, carbs , protein and the ease of portion control. This can be evaluated in seconds by looking at the food label.
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