Is Organic Really Worth the Extra $$$?

Organic foods can certainly add up in cost, as most organic foods are higher in price than regular foods. There is a useful article on the Heart & Stroke Foundation's website that explores what "organic" really means, and provides information on how to choose organic foods wisely.

The common misunderstanding is that organic is supposed to be "good for you." However, organic is not a health claim, but an alternative way to grow food. Most studies show that the difference in nutrient content for organic versus conventionally grown produce is minimal, and there have been few results that show organic produce has higher levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.

If you purchase organic foods because you are worried about pesticide use, a US-based Environmental Working Group has provided a list of fruits and vegetables worth spending the extra money for organically grown. I have actually stopped buying organic pineapples and mangoes because these fruits - among others listed in the article - are very low in pesticides - so why spend the extra money! Click here to read the full article.

Try using this article for an activity with your students to see how nutritionally informed they are. Have your students bring in foods of both organic and non-organic products. Get them to group each item in terms of healthy and unhealthy categories. Compare your results with the findings in the article. The results may surprise both you and your students!

This would be a great supplemental activity for the nutrition unit in the Healthy Active Living resource.