by Susan Trost

 

Look around your local grocery store and chances are you will be amazed at the recent growth of organic food options. In the past, I never paid much attention to organics since there is not a specialty store near me. With the research and articles I've been doing on environmental toxins, I've become increasingly aware of their impacts on our health. Plus, when I consider the genetically altered and irradiated food supply along with the nutrient depletion of the soil, organic food becomes very attractive.

However, there are many different types of confusing organic labeling. What does organic mean? Are organic foods really worth the additional costs? What foods are important to buy organic?

The term "Organic" is based on how food is grown as well as how it is processed. For example, organically grown food uses no toxic pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, synthetic growth hormones, petroleum based fertilizers, or cloning. Organic foods do not contain any artificial colors or flavors, artificial preservatives, irradiated ingredients, or genetic modifications.[1] Organic farming methods conserve soil and water and can help reduce the impacts of global warming.

Safer - Conventional farming methods use pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides which can disrupt hormones, are suspected carcinogens and can be toxic to the nervous and immune systems. More than 1 billion pounds of pesticides and herbicides are sprayed on US crops each year.[2]

More nutritious - Studies have shown that organic produce is more nutritious with higher levels of essential minerals and less mercury and lead than conventional foods.[3] For example, organic produce have more vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and significantly fewer nitrates (a toxin).[4]

Watch for these different labels in the store:

100% Organic (USDA Organic Seal is optional)

Organic (95% or more organic ingredients) (USDA Organic Seal is optional)

Made with Organic Ingredients (at least 70% organic ingredients)

Less than 70% Organic Ingredients (ingredients denoted in the ingredient list only)

Natural and All Natural does not mean organic. The USDA definition of "natural" means not containing any artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic ingredients. Manufacturers can decide to use "natural" or not. It is not verified.

To learn more about organics and labeling visit: http://www.usda.gov/ and search under organics.

Organic Certification involves inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.[5] FYI - There are no organic standards for seafood and manufacturers can make their own claims.

Interestingly, washing and rinsing produce in chilled chlorinated water before packaging still meets National Organic Program standards. Ever notice the white residue on baby carrots? I called the company and learned about the chlorine rinse process. Seems counter to what one would think about organics, but might be a critical step in the food safety process.

Best foods to buy organic:

Meats and dairy are good choices to avoid the hormones and antibiotics. Some produce is important to buy organic too. According to the Environmental Working Groups Food Shoppers Guide, these items that have the highest pesticide load. Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes - Imported, Raspberries, Spinach, Potatoes and Pears.

Lowest pesticide load items are not as important to buy organic. This is one way to save money. Watermelon, Papaya, Eggplants, Cabbage, Kiwi, Sweet Peas - Frozen, Asparagus, Mango, Pineapple, Sweet Corn - Frozen, Avocado, and Onion.[6]

Higher Costs:

Since organic farming is more labor intensive, organic foods understandably cost more. Organic produce prices vary, but are typically not much more than conventionally grown produce. Watch for sales and it could even cost less than regular produce.

Organic dairy products typically are 15-20% higher and organic meats and poultry cost 2-3 times more than conventional products.[7] Virtually every resource indicated that the health benefits of fewer toxins and more nutrients are worth the extra cost. Eating organic is especially important for pregnant women and children.

Granted, organics might not always be an option. When you buy conventionally grown produce, look for the freshest produce and clean it well. Remove outer layers and skins. Getting fruits and vegetables in your diet every day is important. Take charge of your health by looking for organic products and carefully reading labels.

Susan Trost is our Healthier Living Lifestyle Expert. She is committed to educating people about the impact of environmental toxins on their health. Give the body what it needs and it is designed to do amazing things! To learn more about simple and often mindless things you can do to improve your environment and your health, visit www.livinghealthiernow.com or contact her at Susan@livinghealthiernow.com.