Myth: Organic Foods Are Always Healthier/Safer
It’s easy to assume organic foods are automatically “better.” They usually cost more, get their own aisles in the grocery store, and are paired with calming colors and buzzwords that make them feel like the premium choice. Thanks to clever marketing and cultural associations with words like natural and wholesome, organic has developed a health halo.
But does the science actually back that up? The truth is more nuanced.
Myth vs. Reality
It’s true that farmers and workers who are exposed to large amounts of pesticides and sprays can face negative health effects. But when it comes to eating non-organic foods, there’s little to no solid evidence showing harmful consequences.
Research also doesn’t show that organic foods are consistently more nutritious than conventionally grown foods. A recent review of 223 studies found very little difference in most vitamins and minerals, with only small variations for certain nutrients (Rahman et al., 2024).
Another common reason people choose organic is to reduce “chemical” exposure. While organic foods do tend to lower pesticide residues compared to conventionally grown foods, the levels in both cases are well below the established safety threshold (Jiang et al., 2024).
In other words: there isn’t strong evidence that organic foods are automatically more nutrient-dense or better for your body.
What Actually Matters
Remember that “health halo” we mentioned earlier? Choosing organic might give you peace of mind about chemical exposure, but the science doesn’t really support the idea that it makes a significant health difference.
What does have an impact? Stress and restriction from labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” That mindset can do far more harm than the trace differences between organic and conventional foods.
Here’s what really matters: eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins—regardless of the label. Things like freshness, soil quality, and how food is stored often affect nutrient content more than whether it’s organic. And don’t forget, lifestyle factors like movement, sleep, and stress management play a much bigger role in long-term health than one food label ever could.
It’s also worth remembering not to judge others’ choices. Some people buy organic because of farming practices, taste preference, or simply because that’s what’s available to them.
So, if buying organic feels good to you—go for it! But know that you can absolutely nourish your body and thrive without it.
References
Jiang, B., Cui, L., Yu, T., & Han, S. (2024). The effects of organic food on human health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Chemistry: X, 22, 101688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2023.101688
Rahman, A., et al. (2024). A comprehensive analysis of organic food. Foods, 13(4), 588. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13040588