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Is organic foods really healthier?

By June 8, 2009 - 3:07pm
 
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I want to eat healthier many of my friends are saying to eat organic foods. I know organic foods cost more, but are they really healthier?

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Coach Virginia, Thank you that's some great information, Thanks for starting my homework I will finish it:)

June 9, 2009 - 5:57pm

Dear BSA-Places, your question is a great one! Most people think that eating organic is more expensive, but it really depends what we understand for organic. Eating organic implies a broad range of options. Are you asking about organic fresh produce, pre-packed dry foods, fresh meats? Here is a great resource you can visit to learn about specific products: http://members.ift.org/IFT/Pubs/JournalofFoodSci/

Here is another great site that offers information on ORGANIC foods. I just purchased their video FOOD MATTERS and now have access to their resources, I think their website offers free information to the general public: http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp/Organics

The FDA is also a good source of information regarding the "labeling" of certified organic foods. http://www.fda.gov/default.htm

Here is what I suggest:

1. Buy local, organic produce that shows the FDA Certify Organic seal or local fresh produce that says: "Naturally grown" Local produce is usually cheaper unless you live in an area where there is no access to local farming.
2. Look for frozen vegetables or frozen fruits that are FDA certified organic (COSTCO has many products now at a reasonable price)
3. Ignore anything that is packaged and processed even if it says "organic" more than likely the processing has removed the nutrients any way!
4. Organic implies natural state where no pesticides have been used to harvest the product or fed the animal with. Meats label organic assumes the animals were fed with antibiotic-free, pesticide-free foods. In other words, the animals ate from natural pastures or feeding products.
5. Not every fresh fruit or vegetable needs to be organic, for example avocados are safe even if they are sprayed with pesticides because their skin is thick. One of the websites above should list those fruits or veggies that are safe despite the fact that they are not organic.

You can find ways to eat organic (pesticide-free) is you do your homework well. I eat organic of those fresh products that I have learned to be exposed to pesticides. No one wants to take that risk and the food industry is on alert now as the public becomes more knowledgeable on the health risks of consuming foods exposed to chemical.

Here is another site that may help you http://www.ewg.org/press-clips/pesticides

June 9, 2009 - 12:28am
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