Organic Foods: Are They Right for You?

Straightforward Facts to Help you Make
the Best Food Choices for Your Family

"To buy organic, or not to buy organic"... that's the question many of us face every time we stroll through a grocery aisle. In recent years, more of us have been saying "Yes" to organics. As a result, growth of organic food sales in North America is reported to be about 20% per year for the past 10 years.

So, just what does the term "organic" mean as it relates to food? According to Sherry Torkos, well-known pharmacist, fitness instructor and author of Breaking the Age Barrier and Winning at Weight Loss, "In order for a food to be classified as organic, it must meet certain standards set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The avoidance of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and biotechnology (GMO) is required for producers of organic foods. Animals that are raised by organic methods receive no antibiotics or growth hormones, eat organically grown feed, and they aren't confined 100 percent of the time."

Here are a few things to consider the next time you're at the market:

• Health Concerns - Since organic foods are prepared without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, consumers need not be concerned about their potentially negative effects on the body. "While some experts say that the low levels of exposure to these chemicals in non-organic foods is safe for adults, other experts contend that exposure can lead to negative health effects like various cancers, skin diseases, and neurological conditions. What's more, their effect on children, unborn babies and pregnant women is more difficult to determine, and could pose a greater health risk," explains Torkos. In regard to meats and animal products, organic farmers use only organic feed for their animals, and practice preventive management -- rather than using antibiotics -- to keep animals healthy. "The use of antibiotics in farm animals has raised concern among many scientists who believe their use among humans and animals has lead to bacterial resistance to antibiotics, making them less effective in fighting infection," says Torkos.
• Nutritional value - Organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods, according to some studies. "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2001, Vol 7, No 2) published a review of 41 studies comparing 35 vitamin and mineral levels of organic and conventional produce. The article concluded that the organic foods ranked higher in most nutrients measured, including magnesium (organics had 29% more); vitamin C (organics had 27% more); and iron (organics had 21% more)," says Torkos.
• Environmental safety - Organic farmers strive to conserve soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Since chemicals are not used in organic farmi ng, soil, air, and water pollution is minimized. In addition, explains Torkos, "Many organic farmers rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems, and they recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent."
• Price - Organic foods are typically a bit more expensive than conventional foods, so there may be times when you have to make choices based on your food budget. Local farmer's markets can be a great way to get organic foods less expensively than large grocery stores.

One final recommendation: "If you decide to go the organic route, look for the USDA organic seal on the products you buy. The seal ensures that the product is 100% organic or contains at least 95% organic ingredients," explains Torkos.

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