Kevin stood frozen in the dairy aisle, trying to decide whether or not to purchase the organic milk. At almost twice the price of the regular brand, was the extra cost worth the possible benefits?
That depends on your reasons for choosing an organic product. For some, the advantages make up for the extra money they have to spend. Not so for others.
An informed decision
For a food to be labeled organic, it must be made with no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetic engineering or irradiation. With animal products, it also means the animal is given no antibiotics or hormones.
There is no clear evidence that organic produce is more nutritious or safer than conventionally grown produce. But there are still many reasons to consider organic, at least for some of your food choices:
Chemicals and pesticides. This is mostly a concern for fruits and vegetables. Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and disease. Many people don't trust these chemicals and don't want to put them into their bodies.
Organic farmers use natural fertilizers and other natural methods to feed their animals and grow their crops. What's in those foods can end up in your body. It can be hard to minimize exposure to all environmental toxins, so eating organic foods is one easy way you can reduce exposure.
This can be especially important for developing fetuses as well as small children. Tiny bodies are more susceptible than adults to the effects of pesticides.
Certain fruits and veggies rank very high on the pesticide scale, even when thoroughly washed. Consider buying organic for the following, also known as "the dirty dozen":
- Fruits: Apples, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, strawberries
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, celery, potatoes, spinach
Antibiotics and growth hormones. Non-organic farmers often give their animals antibiotics and hormones to promote growth and increase milk production. They are also used to prevent, treat or control the spread of disease.
One major concern is that these practices can breed resistant bacteria, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics in humans.
Though experts say milk from hormone-treated cows is safe, it weakens cows' bones and encourages mammary infections in cows. Then antibiotics are needed, again raising the chance of resistant bacterial strains.
Antibiotics are often used in milk, meat and poultry products. Hormones are only a factor in meat and milk.
Treatment and care of animals. Organic farmers tend to provide more humane living conditions for animals. This includes clean housing, uncrowded living quarters and more access to the outdoors.
The cost factor
Organic foods tend to be pricey. This is due to more expensive farming practices, lack of government subsidies and lower crop yields.
If cost is an issue, focus on which foods pose the most concern for you and your family.The real benefits of organic products come from fresh foods. So, you might save by buying conventional grains, breads, pastas, chips and similar products.
Also, think about the foods you (or your family) eat often. For example, if you only eat red meat once in a while, then don't bother to buy organic beef. If your 2-year-old can down a pint of strawberries, think organic.
The point is to weigh all the factors and come up with a plan that best suits your eating habits, health needs and wallet.
