Are Organic Foods Really Better for You?

September 12th, 2012

“Are organic foods really better for you?” Tune in tomorrow to CTV Edmonton Morning Live to catch the discussion.

Here’s a brief summary of what I will be sharing — plus links and recipes.

Both organic and non-organic foods are nutritious and safe to eat when you’re making healthy choices based on Canada’s Food Guide. Many factors affect a food’s nutritional value, such as where and how it was grown, stored, shipped and even how it was cooked. So organic foods may have more, about the same, or less nutrients than non-organic foods. And both organic and non-organic foods are grown and produced under strict regulations to make sure they are safe for you to eat. Like any food purchase, buying organic food is a personal choice.

Links:

Organic Foods and Growing Methods FAQ (EatRight Ontario)

Are organic foods better for my health? (Dietitians of Canada)

Organic Foods: Making Wise Choices (Healthy Alberta)

• Adapted from NM12 Resource Manual – Dietitians of Canada

Recipes:

1. Lentil Potato and Spinach Soup (Pulse Canada)

The above recipe can be easily adapted to include organic ingredients. For example, organic greens (e.g., spinach, kale, bok choy) and chicken stock are readily available.

2. Low Fat Chocolate Zucchini Muffins (Spark-People)

The above recipe can be easily adapted to include more organic ingredients also. For example, organic whole-grain flour and zucchini are readily available; especially zucchini this time of year.

Oh, and I almost forgot. Check out Canadian Organic Growers for information about Organic Week, scheduled Sept 22-29.