Oh, Dr. Oz what have you done now? Just this week an article titled “What to Eat Now: The Anti-Food-Snob Diet” was released in Time Magazine. Dr. Oz wrote lengthy reasons as to why frozen and canned foods were just as healthy as organic products. A man’s entitled to his opinion, right? So what’s the big deal? Well, the organic community is up in arms because the good doctor used to be on their side promoting organic food as the safest, most healthy option. And when they say “used to be,” they mean like two months ago. It seems the famous doctor has got some explaining to do.
In the Time article Dr. Oz says there is very little difference between the produce at the farmers market and the products in the freezer section or canned food aisle.
Dr. Oz said, “After several years of research and experience, I have come to an encouraging conclusion: the American food supply is abundant, nutritionally sound, affordable and, with a few simple considerations, comparable to the most elite organic diets.”
Many people did not take kindly to being called “elite” because they have chosen to heed the advice of many experts and shop organic. Dr. Oz also referred to those who purchase organics as the 1%.
“Save the cash: the 99% diet can be good for you,” he wrote.
Interestingly though, writer and editor of NaturalNews.com, Mike Adams, pulled out one of Dr. Oz’s quotes from just two months ago. In October 2024, Dr. Oz stated, “so you’re being told organic food is no more nutritious than conventional and it’s not worth your extra money. Well I’m here to say that it is worth the investment. Why do I say that? Pesticides.”
In October, organics were “worth the investment.” In December they’re not? What’s the deal?
Mike Adams also posed some questions for Dr. Oz on Drudge.com. Here’s one of the unanswered questions for Dr. Oz regarding his statements this week.
“Your article seems to contradict much of what you’ve said over the years about organics. The obvious question is: Were you paid by a P.R. firm to put your name on this article which was largely ghostwritten by them? Or did you come up with the entire article all by yourself? Your article also mirrors the words of TIME Magazine editor Rick Stengel who recently argued on national TV that canned food is nutritionally identical to organic food (much to the laughter of everybody with an IQ above room temperature).”
Things are definitely amiss, that’s for sure. There’s no denying that there is nutritional value in frozen foods, and even canned goods. Some are better than others as some products are mixed with salts or sugars, but one can eat healthily with these products. But, are they the same as fresh, locally grown, pesticide-free, organic produce? No way. They are simply different products. And for years we’ve been told by people like Dr. Oz to opt for the organic options as they are the best we could buy for ourselves and our families. Has something changed? Doubtfully.
Research has pegged conventional foods with links between pesticides and ADHD, early-onset puberty, and even arsenic-laced rice. You can also look at that fact that 50 years ago a carrot had more nutrition than it does today. And plenty of research exists showing that organic fruit is more nutritious than conventional.
Once again. It seems good ‘ol Dr. Oz has fallen deeper into the pit of stardom. No longer a revolutionary doctor who makes learning easy and health inspiring. Instead, he’s a disappointing celebrity who makes lots and lots of money saying what needs to be said and peddling any product that lands on his producers’ desks.
Also Read:
The 6 Miracle Diets Dr. Oz Tried to Sell Us in 2024
Argument for Organic: Cleanest and Dirtiest Produce
The Perils of Food Porn: How Lustful Food Images Affect Our Appetites