Many people have embraced organic diets in an effort to eat foods that are healthier for them. This can be a difficult choice, as the organic version of fruit, vegetables, dairy products, grains and meats are often much more expensive than their conventionally raised counterparts. So what is it you are paying for? Organic methods of growing and processing agricultural and food products, the Mayo Clinic explains, mean that they are free of artificial pesticides and fertilizers. Farmers and suppliers must adhere to strict monitoring practices and organic farming and processing standards. The Healthy Eating Made Easy website notes that organic foods must have a certification number or label, to ensure that the provider is certified and producing and selling food that meet such standards. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
Flavor
Healthy Eating Made Easy spotlights flavor as one of the benefits of eating organic foods. The site explains, "fruits and vegetables are juicy and full-flavored, milk tastes richer and cheeses are ripe and mouthwatering." The site suggests comparing a carrot grown conventionally with one grown organically to see the vibrant difference in freshness, appearance and taste. When buying organic, choose quality over quantity and make sure everything is extremely fresh you avoid wasting any money.
Pesticide Free
Another benefit of organic foods is that no artificial pesticides have been used in the growing process. Non-organic farms use artificial pesticides that are often considered harmful. Non-organic farms use artificial fertilizers and pesticides to promote plant growth, reduce pests and disease and feed animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to spur growth. Organic farms, meanwhile, employ natural fertilizers, the Mayo Clinic reports, use insects, birds and other natural methods to control pests and disease, rotate crops, hand-weed and give animals organic feed.
Greater Nutrition
Many believe that organically produced foods offer more vitamins and minerals than their conventional equals. The Organic Trade Association reports that less exposure to nitrates and artificial pesticides increases the health of the soil used in organic farming, a benefit then passed on to the products grown in that soil. Organic foods have more vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus than conventionally raised foods, the organization adds --- noting that studies variously agree with and refute this statement, and that, as of 2010, further research is needed.
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