Organic Food: Why It Matters for Your Health and Your Family

As a holistic nutritionist, I spend a lot of time talking to clients about food quality. Recently, I had a new client who invests hundreds of dollars in high-quality supplements to support fertility—but she admitted she rarely buys organic food. Her reasoning? “It’s just not that important.”

This conversation really stuck with me. Because while supplements can be powerful, the foundation of our health is food—and what kind of food we choose matters.

And for me, this isn’t just professional advice—it’s personal. As a mom, I see firsthand how eating organic shapes my family’s health and even the way my kids experience food compared to their peers at school.

What “Organic” Really Means

One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that “organic” means “pesticide-free.” That’s not true.

Organic farming bans most synthetic chemical pesticides, like glyphosate, atrazine, and others commonly used in conventional farming.
But organic farmers can still use natural pest control—things like neem oil or pyrethrin. These break down more quickly and don’t build up in our bodies the way synthetic chemicals can.

So when you buy organic, you’re reducing exposure to persistent chemicals that can disrupt hormones, affect fertility, and impact long-term health

The Glyphosate Connection

Let’s talk about glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It’s been classified by the World Health Organization as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” It’s also linked to fertility issues, hormone disruption, and gut health problems.

Here’s the good news: studies show that when families switch to a fully organic diet, glyphosate levels in urine drop by more than 70% in just a few days.

That means every time you choose organic, you’re taking a big step toward reducing the chemical burden on your body—and your kids’ bodies too.

Imported Organic: What You Should Know

Here’s something most people don’t realize: a lot of organic food in the U.S. is imported. In fact, over 70% of organic soybeans and 40% of organic corn come from outside the country.

The catch? Only about 2% of imported organic produce is actually tested once it gets here. That means there’s more room for fraud or inconsistent standards.

It’s one of the reasons I lean on local farms and farmers’ markets as much as possible—because shorter supply chains often mean more transparency and trust.

Why I Teach My Kids to Eat Organic

This is where it gets personal. My daughters eat differently than many of their classmates. Their school friends often bring packaged snacks, colorful yogurts, or heavily processed foods. My kids bring sprouted muffins, organic berries, sourdough sandwiches, or even just apples with nut butter.

Do they notice the difference? Absolutely. Sometimes they ask why their food “looks different” from what their friends have. That’s my chance to explain—in simple, kid-friendly terms—that their food helps their bodies grow strong, keeps their brains focused, and protects them from chemicals that don’t belong in food.

And you know what? Over time, they’ve learned to be proud of it. They’ll tell people: “We eat organic because it’s better for us.” As a mom, I want them to grow up knowing that food isn’t just fuel—it’s information for their bodies.

Farmers’ Markets: Beyond the Label

Another thing I teach them is that not every good farm is “certified organic.” Certification can be expensive, and many small family farms don’t go through the process even though they follow (or even exceed) organic standards.

That’s why we visit farmers’ markets. I want my kids to meet the people who grow their food. To see the soil on their hands, hear how they rotate crops, and understand why healthy soil = healthy food.

There are over 8,000 farmers’ markets across the U.S.—and each one is an opportunity to connect with growers directly, ask questions, and support sustainable farming.

The Benefits of Eating Organic

When you zoom out, organic food has real benefits:

Lower pesticide and heavy metal residues (especially cadmium).
Higher antioxidants—17% more polyphenols, and up to 69% more flavanones in produce.
Better quality animal products, often higher in omega-3s and raised without antibiotics or growth hormones.

And while research on long-term outcomes is still growing, some studies already show links between organic diets and lower obesity rates, reduced type 2 diabetes, and fewer cases of certain cancers.

The Balanced Truth

Organic food isn’t perfect:

It can be more expensive.
Large “industrial organic” farms don’t always follow the spirit of regenerative farming.
And it’s not accessible to everyone.

But here’s what I tell my clients and my own family: do what you can, where you can. Focus on buying organic for the foods you eat most often—like leafy greens, apples, and berries. And when possible, build a relationship with a local farmer.

Final Thoughts

Supplements can help, but food is the foundation. Choosing organic when possible lowers chemical exposure, supports soil health, and teaches kids the value of eating real, nutrient-dense foods.

For my family, it’s about more than labels. It’s about teaching my daughters that food is powerful, that not all farms are created equal, and that our choices can protect our health for years to come.

And that’s a lesson I hope every family can take home.