Why Organic Matters

Why does, or should I unbiasedly ask, does organic matter? This past week, this was the topic of debate at a powerful industry gathering hosted by leading organic companies: Nature's Path, Amy's Kitchen, Organic Valley, Late July, Lundberg Farms, Pangea, Numi teas as well as the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Representatives from the companies, the OTA, and myself (on behalf of AKA ashleykoffapproved.com) presented to and discussed the state of organics with editors from Rodale, along with members of the Rodale Institute (what an amazing place!). Here's what came up: 1) Organics are doing great! Despite a down economy, organic sales arent slowing in fact they are growing. Industry findings show that while consumers may be purchasing their organics at different locations (think Wal-Mart vs Whole Foods, or bulk buy vs single packs) they are still turning to their organic choices. 2) What does organic stand for? Simply put, do you want to a) eat food OR b) eat food + pesticides...organic may have suffered a lack of definition in its early days, but today the message is clear. Clean food, please. 3) Is organic a food trend anymore? While other trends may be making the news more often (Gluten-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Probiotics...) what is clear from a nutrition standpoint is that organic must be the foundation of a healthy diet. If you have an auto-immune disease (the body is attacking itself) like celiac disease and as such follow a gluten-free diet but you consume processed, conventional (not organic) foods you may be getting rid of a major irritant BUT you have not given the body what it needs to heal. Likewise, if you are attempting to resolve digestive complaints (taking a good quality, clinically proven probiotic strain like bifantis) but you don't switch to organic, you still consume potential irritants to the digestive tract. 4) How can I afford organic? Frozen organic fruits and vegetables, bulk organic (economy packs of Nature's Path cereals for example), portion control, shopping the farmers markets, cooking versus eating out....and the list goes on - and remember, this may be a flawed question. Perhaps the dollars are worth it today as organic may cost more at the register but the health benefits can accrue thousands of dollars worth of savings in the short (cold / flu prevention) and long run (chronic disease). 5) Just because it says Organic is it healthy? No. Keep in mind, organic sugar is sugar. Yes, it doesnt contain pesticides, but no, it isnt a free food. Same principles of nutrition for optimal health (see the AKA menu worksheet at www.ashleykkoffapproved.com under client resources) apply in the organic space. Net, net. Yes. Organic Matters.