How good is organic produce?

Organic foods have been grown or farmed without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified organisms.

In order to be labelled organic, a food product must be free of artificial food additives. This includes artificial sweeteners, preservatives, coloring, flavoring and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Organically grown crops tend to use natural fertilizers like manure to improve plant growth.

Animals raised organically are also not given antibiotics or hormones.

Organic farming tends to improve soil quality and the conservation of groundwater. It also reduces pollution and may be better for the environment. The most commonly purchased organic foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat.

Nowadays there are also many processed organic products available, such as sodas, cookies and breakfast cereals. Organically grown crops have also been shown to have lower levels of nitrate.

In fact, studies have shown that nitrate levels are 30% lower in these crops Organic milk and dairy products may contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and slightly higher amounts of iron, vitamin E and some carotenoids Many people choose to buy organic food in order to avoid artificial chemicals.

Evidence suggests that consuming these foods may reduce your exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Since organic farming does not use antibiotics in animals, these products generally contain slightly lower levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Choosing organic foods may reduce your exposure to toxins, pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the levels of toxins in regular produce are generally well below the safety limits.

Just because a product is labeled "organic," it doesn't mean that it is healthy. Some of these products are still processed foods high in calories, sugar, salt and added fats. So a thorough reading and understanding of the product label is important to identify good organic produce.

For example, organic cookies, chips, sodas and ice cream can all be purchased in supermarkets. Consuming organic food may also reduce your exposure to artificial chemicals, hormones and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, it often costs more and may spoil faster.

To buy organic is a choice you should make based on your personal preferences and values, but it may be beneficial to you and your family. It is known in this time and age, farming practices may have high levels of pesticides and spraying.