ORGANIC FOODS:  TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?

With the recent buzz about organic foods, you may be unsure whether they are worth the extra money.  While you may find that you do not necessarily need to purchase only organic items, some may be worth it to protect your family's health.

 When you buy organic foods, you are purchasing products that have not been treated with insecticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics or growth hormones.  Organic produce tends to have lower pesticide levels, and organic meats come from animals that have been fed organic feed for at least one year. 

Foods that are at least 95% organic may bear the USDA Organic seal on the packaging to indicate that they meet required government standards for certification.  This assures buyers that the product is made primarily with organic ingredients. 

 According to a recent report from the Organic Trade Association, organic fruits and vegetables may contain up to 25% more nutrients than conventionally grown produce.  In addition, preliminary research has indicated that organic foods may have less pesticide residue, higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and increased levels of some plant metabolites, which may play a role in cancer prevention.  This research is not conclusive, however, experts are calling for long-range, comprehensive, peer-reviewed studies to see if organic foods really are healthier than non-organic foods. 

Is It Worth The Cost?

 One of the issues associated with buying organic food is the price, and many shoppers opt to save money by purchasing non-organic items.  If you choose not to shop for organic foods, you can still make a difference by purchasing whole foods that are grown locally, which may reduce emissions and food costs by lowering demand on foods that are transported over long distances. 

 A good idea when deciding whether or not to buy organic is to educate yourself on the topic.