All Natural vs. Organic

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I am starting to switch to a new healthy diet for myself & family. I am a little confused about the different between all natural & organic food products. I understand that Organic must be all natural too but is it the other way around also? Thanks for the help!

Tags: eating, foods, healthy, natural, organic

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Permalink Reply by Clara Harris on January 2, 2009 at 4:30pm: Natural is a marketing term. Organic has USDA standards that must be met and a price that the producer pays to be organically certified. Many smaller, local farms are organic but cannot use the organic tag b/c they don't have the paperwork and receipt from the government.

Eating w/ the seasons is a good way to eat more healthfully b/c your food will be, literally, what your body needs. I try to have as little processed food as possible, and the processed food I do have I try to keep the ingredient list as short as possible. But that doesn't mean we don't have potato chips!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Eleanor Diekert on January 2, 2009 at 6:48pm: Natural means the food is non-processed or has gone through a small amount of processing. It contains no additives, artificial colours or artificial ingredients. However, something like aspartame is considered natural, so you need to be vigilant in checking the ingredients. Natural doesn't mean organic.

Anything labelled organic has gone through a rigorous certification process and means that no pesticides or chemicals were used in growing or processing the food. Organic meats do not contain hormones or medicines that conventionally-raised animals are given. Also, organic farming practices are more environmentally-friendly than conventional ones. Organic foods will be labelled as Certified Organic (at least in North America).

As to what is more nutritious - natural, organic or conventional - I've read lots of studies favouring organic, as well as many that indicate there is no difference at all, so I guess it's what makes you feel the best. Good luck with your healthy eating!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mama Lawrence on January 2, 2009 at 6:55pm: Thanks for the question - I'm constantly trying to remember what is what. I've been trying to eat things more local, but today I *had* to buy the yummy looking blueberries from Chile. We don't have warm weather Januaries in Cincinnati, OH. :(; ▶ Reply to This