CHIP Tip No. 25: Why Organic?
from CHIP Clinical Manager Amy Lister, R.D.

What's the big fuss about buying organic?

The USDA began regulating organic food in October 2002. Now organic foods are clearly labeled with the USDA Organic Seal. This means organic foods are grown with 100% organic ingredients, which eliminates the use of irradiation, synthetic chemicals, pesticides and sewage sludge, which conventional produce growers may use. This fact alone may cause you to begin purchasing more organic foods.

However, there are additional benefits to consuming organically grown produce. Now that organic standards have been in practice for a number of years, the USDA has been analyzing the differences between organic and conventional produce. Research studies show that when conventionally grown produce is compared to organically grown produce, the organic produce tends to have higher cancer-fighting antioxidants and possibly even a higher vitamin and mineral content.

The USDA also has revealed that, even after washing, some produce contains much higher levels of pesticide residue than others. The list of fruits and vegetables that typically contain higher amounts of pesticides includes: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach and strawberries. For this reason, you may want to buy these items organic whenever possible, regardless of cost.

Additional organic items that you may want to purchase include meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. This will decrease your exposure to toxins, growth hormones and antibiotic residues. Organic baby food is also a good choice to decrease you child's exposure to harmful pesticides early in life.

Foods that rarely contain pesticide residues include: asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapple and sweet peas. Purchase organic versions of these items if price is no object.

Many local grocery stores have organic foods in a separate section of the produce area. Consider noting on your grocery list which organic items you want to purchase so you remember when you get to the store. Remember to always wash your produce, whether organic or not, to remove unnecessary waxes, dirt and residue.

To view a short (and very entertaining) internet video about the organic food movement, go to www.storewars.org/flash and check out "Grocery Store Wars."