Organic foods are becoming more readily available in the marketplace as the demand for them increases. Between 2007 and 2008, the market share for organic food increased 16 percent, according to the American Dietetic Association. Choosing organic food can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
Features
Foods sold as "organic" must follow strict guidelines. No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides can be used to grow plants, and animals must be raised without the use of growth hormones, antibiotics or food containing animal parts. The organic label can only be used for products that are made from at least 70 percent organic ingredients. If a food doesn't have at least 95 percent organic ingredients, it can only say "made with organic ingredients" rather than "organic."
Benefits
The jury is still out on whether organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally grown foods. However, organic foods do not have chemical pesticide residues on them, and organic meat and dairy products won't contain extra growth hormones or antibiotics. Because organic beef is not given feed containing animal products, it is also less likely to cause mad cow disease. Besides the health benefits, organic food is better for the environment. It is grown using sustainable practices and doesn't cause as much pollution as conventional farming does. It improves the soil quality and maintains the biodiversity of the area.
Considerations
Some organic foods don't make as much sense to purchase from a health standpoint. For example, you peel bananas before you eat them, thus removing any pesticide residues. If you purchase these foods, it will still benefit the environment, however. Remember, though, just because a product is organic doesn't make it healthy. Organic cookies and snack foods are still likely to be high in fats, sugars and salt, although they will not contain trans fats.
Potential
Organic food is usually more expensive than conventionally grown food. However, if you purchase organic food that is in season and has been grown locally, it won't be as expensive. You can also purchase food that is grown by farmers using organic methods that haven't undergone the expensive certification process yet. You can freeze, can or otherwise preserve this food for use later in the year.
Expert Insight
Because babies and children are more at risk from pesticides, "Business Week" recommends that pregnant women and children consume organic for the fruits and vegetables that are known to have the highest pesticide residue levels. These include berries, peaches, pears and apples. Washing and peeling the skin of the fruit doesn't always remove all pesticide residue.
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