Organic food is grown or raised without the use of pesticides, antibiotics or any other chemical substances. Although there is little scientific evidence to support the health benefits of organic foods, some experts feel that the prolonged consumption of agricultural chemicals could have ill effects on your health. Choosing to eat an organic diet is likely most beneficial to your health in that it will help you to avoid eating most conventional, processed foods that are known to have adverse effects on health.
Fruits and Vegetables
Certified organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of pesticides or other synthetic chemicals. Look for the label that says they were organically grown. Depending on where you live, you may have to shop at a natural foods market to get organically grown produce, however most large supermarkets carry a variety of organic fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets are a good place to shop for organic fruits and vegetables and they have the added benefit of also being locally grown, which means you are supporting the local economy. Smaller growers also often use more environmentally sound agricultural processes.
Meat and Poultry
Certified organic meat and poultry is raised without the use of antibiotics and is fed organic feed. The conditions in large-scale factory farms are often so unsanitary that disease is rampant and the animals must be fed antibiotics to keep them healthy. Organically raised animals often live in much better conditions and are healthier, thus their meat is healthier for human consumption. Farmers markets are a good place to purchase organic meats from small producers who often observe the highest ethical and sanitary standards for production.
Dairy
Organic dairy products should be chosen for the same reason as organic meat. The milk comes from cows that are not treated with antibiotics or treated with the bovine growth hormone, and they are fed an organic diet. Most dairy products come in an organic variety, including cheeses and yogurt. Just look for the label that says "certified organic."
Grains
Organic grains, much like organic fruits and vegetables, are organic because they are grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. However, because many of the grains you eat have been processed to make bread, cereals, or pasta, it is harder to identify an organic variety. Organic breads, pastas or other processed grains will be made with 100 percent organic ingredients, from the wheat to the sugar with which they are made. Don't be misled by a label that says "made with organic wheat," which may mean that only the wheat is organic and the other ingredients are not.
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