Why You Should Buy Organic?

What does it mean when a product is organic?

There is so much buzz about the word organic and what it really means. The definition of organic, according to the Organic Foods Production Act, (OFPA) is animal products sold or labeled as organically produced are not given any kind of antibiotics or growth hormones, only fed with organic feed and are not administered any type of medication aside from vaccinations or to treat an illness. Fruits and vegetables that are labeled and sold as organic are grown without using most pesticides or fertilizers with synthetic ingredients, no irradiation treatment, seeds and transplants are chemical-free and the fertilizer that is used is natural.

Under these organic regulations food can be labeled as 100% organic, organic (contains at least 95% organic ingredients) or made with organic ingredients (contains at least 70% organic ingredients but can’t have the USDA Organic seal on the package). The USDA Organic seal does not guarantee the product is free of non genetically modified organisms — products labeled 100% organic are the only ones guaranteed GMO free. Before a farmer can start selling foods with the organic seal, a government-certified official must inspect and approve the farm to make sure all of the organic practices are being followed. The farm is then regularly monitored to make sure they are following these regulations.

People wonder if organic produce is healthier than conventional produce? There are mixed opinions about this topic such as a 2009 review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that said there is no sufficient evidence of a difference between organic vs non in nutrient quality. On the other hand a 2007 study by Newcastle University in the UK found organic produce has 40% higher levels of nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and iron and in 2003 a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry stated organically grown berries and corn have 58% more polyphenols (antioxidants that help prevent cardio vascular disease) and 52% higher levels of vitamin C than traditionally grown crops. When you buy organic produce, your fruits and vegetables are not exposed as much to chemicals and pesticides.

Another concern is the price factor when buying organic food. Organic produce is generally more than non organic because organic farming is more labor intensive since they use fewer pesticides on their crops. Also, it is expensive for farmers to maintain their organic status and tend to have smaller supplies because their products have a shorter shelf life due to not using preservatives.

Top 10 Reasons to Go Organic

1. Avoid chemicals
2. Benefit from more nutrients
3. Enjoy better taste
4. Avoid GMO
5. Avoid hormones, antibiotics and drugs in animal products
6. Preserve our ecosystems
7. Reduce pollution and protect water and soil
8. Preserve agricultural diversity
9. Support farming directly
10. Keep our children and future safe

12 Fruits and Vegetables You Should Buy Organic

1. Strawberries
2. Apples
3. Nectarines
4. Peaches
5. Celery
6. Grapes
7. Cherries
8. Spinach
9. Tomatoes
10. Sweet Bell Peppers
11. Cherry Tomatoes
12. Cucumbers