Is it really organic?

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My fridge is bursting with foods with the label ORGANIC.

Is it really REAL or am I just wasting money?

For some reasons, media and medical establishment seem convinced that organic produce is no healthier or safer than the conventional one. 

Why is that? It is not up to me to make assumptions but I’m a firm believer of the opposite.

Many studies have found that organic is really better

It has been revealed, on independent studies, that organic produce contains higher levels of antioxidants (as much as 18 percent to 69 percent more) and lower levels of toxic cancerogenic heavy metals such as cadmium and pesticides.

Exposure to specific weed-killing chemicals are also associated with food intolerances.

It’s fairly obvious, therefore, that we should do everything we can to minimise our exposure to these chemicals that might impact our health in the long run.

The organic industry has grown exponentially because of an increasing demand, BUT is it really real?

Unfortunately there are many food scams plaguing the marketplace and big chains are taking advantage of this trend.

I mean…. organic junk food such as crisps, ice-cream or biscuits are a without any doubt a contradiction in the making!

So how to protect yourself from food that is not really healthier?

Here are 6 tips on how to choose…

1) Organic doesn’t mean healthy. The product might contain pesticides free ingredients but might also contain hydrogenated fats and very high sugar content together with other types of ‘authorised’ preservatives. Always read the label!

2) If an ‘organic’ produce has travelled from one side of the globe to another, its nutrients and taste may not be as good as.

To be transported across that distance it has without any shadow of a doubt to be picked before ripeness. If you are into sustainability, It's also not so great for the environment.

3) Purchase fresh produce from farmers markets.

I have to confess I look forward to my Saturday morning at the West Hampstead farmers market and, believe it or not, there are many organic markets in London https://www.lfm.org.uk exhibiting fresh organic produce.

At these markets you will also find hot food for breakfast and lunch, seasonal herbs and flowers and very friendly, knowledgeable stall holders.

4) Don’t waste money buying organic produce that have thick skins that you don’t eat such as bananas & avocados.

5) Buy local and in season produce.

Local farms run smaller operations and often don’t use the same chemicals that larger farms need. It’s also very expensive for local farms to purchase the “organic farm” title, so many of them don’t bother.

6) In foods of animal origin, it’s important to consider the diet that livestock are fed. Grass-fed cows produce meat, milk, cheese and yogurt that contains healthier fats (less saturated fat, more beneficial CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids. Organic meats doesn't necessarily mean grass-fed.