February 11, 2014

Foods to buy Organic

Organic Food Please

Image by invisibleelement on flickr

With organic food consumption growing rapidly, the cost of a once highly-expensive organic diet is quickly decreasing. In most cases, they are not as cost-effective as their conventional counterpart, however there are some foods that you should always buy organic and some you can skip. Here is your go-to guide on how to shop for organic foods.

Which Foods to Buy Organic

Due to high price of Organic Foods, it is always a challenge to figure out which foods to by organic. Below are some of the important foods to buy organic by food type.

Whole Foods

Some produce is sprayed with fertilizers and/or pesticides more than others and should always be consumed organically or not at all. Some conventionally-grown whole foods are genetically modified as well, of which most health consequences are not yet known, but some research has indicated that they have led to the rise in food allergies. Wheat, alfalfa, soy, corn, and sugar beets are the most common GM foods that should be avoided unless you can purchase them organically.

The Dirty Dozen which experts agree should be eaten organic include:

  • Apples
  • Celery
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Grapes
  • Hot peppers
  • Nectarines (imported)
  • Peaches
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries
  • Sweet Peppers

Animal Products

To be considered organic, animals that produce organic milk, organic eggs, and organic meat products must be:

  • Raised in a healthy manner with the ability to go outside.
  • They are not allowed to be given antibiotics or hormones.
  • The feed given to the animals is also organic and natural.

These standards help to ensure that the animals are as healthy and natural as possible. Traces of antibiotics from animal products can have an effect on the intestinal health of those who consume them and cause an imbalance of probiotic organisms that help to keep us healthy. Growth hormones given to animals get passed along to consumers and can cause hormonal imbalances that can ultimately lead to certain cancers.

Processed foods

Another thing to consider is that consuming processed foods made with any of the above ingredients should be organic as well. Foods such as cereal, ice cream, and soups often have artificial ingredients such as food dyes, sweeteners, and other additives so organic processed foods, though still processed, are usually made with healthier ingredients.

Why Organic Foods Still Cost More?

Many are confused as to why eating organic costs more though organic farming does not require expensive pesticides and patented seeds. This is because:

  • Small farmers typically don’t receive government subsidies that large farms do.
  • The lack of pesticide use means more manual labor, increasing the cost to farmers which is passed to consumers.
  • Being certified as an organic producer is pricey and that cost gets added into the final sale price.
  • The basic supply and demand rules apply to organic foods. According to the US Department of Agriculture, organic food sales rose from $3.6 billion in 1997 to $21.1 billion in 2008 and organic farmers were unable to increase supply so rapidly, making demand greater than supply.

Typically organic food is better for you and our environment, so purchase it whenever you are able. If you cannot buy all organic, adding the specific items above is a great first step to improving your health as well as reducing your impact on the environment.

Tiffany Boutwell
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