Is organic food healthier? Organic food is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides. Chemical pesticides have been associated with negative health impacts in humans and animals including gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine problems.  Pesticide residues can be found in a variety of common foods and beverages; washing and peeling cannot completely remove all residues. Pesticides in food means pesticides get into people. Pesticides have been detected in urine and in human breast milk. Infants and children are more sensitive to the toxic effects of pesticides since their bodies are still developing. It’s clear that pesticide-free food is a healthier choice for humans and animals - and the environment.

The use of antibiotics in organic meat production is prohibited. The consistent sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in conventional animal production has led to the rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria particularly in chickens and pigs. The risk of contamination by antibiotic-resistant bacteria was found to be 30% higher in conventional compared to organic chicken and pork. Antibiotic resistance makes it more difficult to treat infectious diseases in both animals and humans. Therefore, producing meat without antibiotics has a public health benefit.

Is organic food more nutritious? This is a difficult question because so many factors affect nutritional density. Mega-studies analyzing hundreds of scientific comparisons have concluded that there is a greater variability in nutritional content caused by soil type, crop variety, post-harvest handling, and climate than from the method of food production. That said, several comparative studies have shown higher levels of vitamin C and phenolic compounds in organic plant products, as well as higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in milk from organically raised animals. 

Rodale Institute began a long term side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic methods for growing vegetables in 2017. This Vegetable Systems Trial may shed some light on the links between soil health and crop nutrient density.  

Are people who eat organic food healthier? Another difficult question with many variables. Evidence from the BioNutriNet Project, a large study with 35,000 participants, found that the diets of organic consumers were overall healthier and richer in plant-based food than non-organic consumers. Regular consumption of organic food was associated with reduced risk of exposure to certain pesticide residues and reduced risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, postmenopausal breast cancer, and lymphoma. 

If you are concerned about your health and the health of your family, you can feel good about choosing Organic: Food with Principles. Guaranteed.