Many years ago, all farming was local. Americans ate fruits and vegetables that were grown from their own yards or their neighbors' farms, and they ate meat from local farms. These days, the produce you buy in one state is usually grown in another--perhaps even another country--and transported many miles before it is sold in your grocery store. Fruits and vegetables are not only grown in different areas, but also treated with pesticides and other chemicals to prevent insects from getting into them. These are the reasons that some people are choosing to buy organic foods.
Organic Definition
Organic foods are grown or produced without the use of chemicals or hormones. Conventional farmers spray insecticides on fruits and vegetables, while organic farmers use natural fertilizers and beneficial insects to protect their plants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Conventional farms also give growth hormones and medications to livestock, but organic farmers do not. For a food to really be organic, it must have an organic seal given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. When a food label says “USDA organic” that means at least 95 percent of the ingredients were produced organically.
Benefits
Choosing organic foods instead of those conventionally grown has several benefits. The Mayo Clinic says that some people think organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables, taste better. Buying organic foods also reduces the impact of pollution and chemicals on the environment. Still, the Mayo Clinic says there is no evidence that organic foods contain more vitamins or minerals than those that are conventionally grown.
Costs
Though they are more environmentally friendly and do not contain pesticides, organic foods can be costly. The Mayo Clinic says organic farming is more expensive than conventional farming, and the yield is lower. Therefore, consumers pay more.
Organic Foods to Buy
It's difficult, if not impossible, to make your food purchases entirely organic. The Daily Green website recommends buying organic meats and dairy. The Daily Green also recommends buying organic celery, strawberries and apples, because these products tend to contain the highest levels of pesticides.
Eating Out
People who believe it is healthier to eat organic foods may do so by buying organic foods and preparing them at home. But eating out is difficult when maintaining an organic lifestyle. CNN News explains that most restaurants find it hard to offer an organic menu, although one restaurant in Washington, D.C. has received organic certification.
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