Organic vs. Non-Organic: What is better for you?

Grocery shopping may the place where we make the most decisions – May be. Which brand should you choose from? Is the hefty price tag justified and more recently, should you getting the organic variant or the non-organic variant will do just fine. Thanks to celebrity dieticians and millennial food trends, the organic food market is booming. But the debate about their potency still remains. Are organically produced foods, truly better?
What Does Organic Even Mean?

Only foods that are grown without the use of any synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and not genetically modified are labeled as certified organics by the Department of Agriculture. The National Organic Standard Board, however, does allow a few synthetic substances to be used in organic agriculture that they deem non-toxic.
While some consumers pay dearly for organic because they believe it’s gentler on Mother Nature, even more, do so for health-related reasons. The assumption is that organic kale and organic blueberries are more nutritious and have fewer nasty chemicals clinging to them, all hinging on our trust in that little green-and-white seal.
But are organic foods (vs. non-organic foods) really better for you?
Studies to date won’t lay the “organic is more nutritious or not” arguments to rest. Research faces many confounding variables including weather, soil conditions between regions, types of nutrients and antioxidants measured and study length. And even if items such as organic beets and organic milk have a slight nutritional edge, it’s still yet to be determined if this translates into any long-term health and performance benefits.
Organic farming practices are better for the environment and food system as a whole, but as for animal products, an organic label refers to the food and antibiotics administered, not to the welfare of the animals. With that all said, if your budget only allows for non-organic produce then go for it–eating fruits and vegetables, even non-organic ones, is better than not eating nutrient-dense foods. In some cases, shopping local may be your best bet. Do your research, then in the grocery store, make the decisions that work best for your budget, health, and values.