Is Organic Food Worth It? Not So Fast.

For years, "organic" has been marketed as the gold standard in healthy eating—cleaner, safer, better for you and the planet. But according to Dr. Idz, a medical doctor known for breaking down nutrition myths with evidence-based takes, that narrative doesn’t hold up.

In a recent deep dive, he laid out exactly why the hype around organic food isn’t backed by science—and why going organic might not be doing your health, your wallet, or the environment any favors.

Here’s the breakdown.

The Organic Label Isn’t What You Think

The U.S. National Organic Program was created in 1990, but Dr. Idz points out it has no criteria related to nutrition or food safety. The label simply means the food was produced under a certain set of agricultural rules—not that it’s healthier or more nutrient-rich.

There’s no requirement that organic food be safer. And as for nutrition? A massive systematic review of 147 global studies found:

• There’s no consistent evidence that organic food is nutritionally superior.

• Some organic foods may have more of one nutrient—but less of another.

• Certain organic foods actually contain higher levels of heavy metals than their conventional counterparts.

So, the claim that organic = healthier doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.

Still Think It’s Safer Because It Avoids Pesticides? Think Again

One of the biggest drivers of organic purchases in the U.S. is pesticide fear. The assumption is: organic means fewer chemicals.

Not exactly.

Organic farmers do use pesticides. In fact, some of those pesticides—while naturally derived—are more toxic than synthetic ones.

Dr. Idz highlighted copper sulfate, an organic-approved pesticide with an LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of rats tested) of 350 mg/kg. For comparison:

• Fluoxastrobin (synthetic): LD50 of 2,000 mg/kg

• Mancozeb (synthetic): LD50 of 4,500 mg/kg

Translation: copper sulfate is roughly 6–13 times more toxic than common synthetic alternatives. So the assumption that “natural” pesticides are gentler or safer doesn’t hold up either.

Belief Over Biology

What about taste? Many people swear organic food just tastes better.

Turns out, that’s also mostly psychological.

Blind taste tests have shown that people who strongly believe in organic and local food tend to rate those foods higher—even when the food is exactly the same. Your brain, not your taste buds, may be driving your flavor preferences.

If you prefer organic for personal, ethical, or environmental reasons, that’s your call. But the idea that organic food is inherently healthier, safer, or more nutritious just isn’t supported by science.

Dr. Idz’s message is pretty simple: Buy organic if you like it or align with its farming principles—but don’t expect a health upgrade just because you spent more.

The food system is complex. The marketing? Often oversimplified.

I’m here to support you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life. As always, I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover in future issues by replying to this email.

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Be well,

Dave

Please note: This newsletter is designed for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health and fitness needs.