organic or not?

Question

i am trying to improve the way i eat by incorporating more whole
foods into my diet and choosing less processed foods.
i also have recently become very interested in organic food and have been eating some organic fruits, vegetables, and cereal.
i have found the prices are slightly higher and think the overall benefit is worth the money.
however at this time i don't plan to go strictly organic and wonder
if incorporating a small amount of organic foods along with
other whole foods going to make that much of a difference.
what do you think?

i really appreciate all of your answers
everyone has been so helpful, you've
given me alot to think about.

Answer 1

While I think some organic foods actually taste better than their non-organic equivalents, I don't think that a partially organic diet will produce any health benefits. The biggest reasons to go organic is usually to avoid pesticides and other chemicals & hormones. Problem is, by going "partly" organic... you're still eating "partly" pesticides. :)

That said... eating purely organic is tough. I'm like you... I buy what I can organic, but I wont' shun something that's not. I do buy only hormone & antibiotic-free milk, and I have my own chickens, so I know my eggs are safe. Since these are the two main sources of hormones and antibiotics, I think it's a huge step in the right direction. Problem is, even if you purchased ONLY organic veggies, etc... if you eat ANYTHING that's pre-prepared, pre-packaged, etc chances are you're eating at least SOMETHING that's not organic.

Then there's the issue of a lot of organic foods being genetically modified (since these foods don't need pesticides, they can be billed as organic). But that's a whole 'nother ball of wax. :)

Answer 2

If your concern is about chemicals and
preservatives then buy some veggie
wash and spray it on conventional
vegetables. It will save you a lot of
money.

Organic produce contains a little
bit more nutrients but not enough to
make that much of a difference.

I buy Nature's Path organic cereal
because it doesn't have all the
chemicals that regular cereals do.
I also buy organic split peas and
lentils because they carry so much
protein and I can find them cheap.

Other than that I just spray produce
with Veggie wash. I don't even worry
about Melons, Butternut squash, etc.
If the outside gets peeled and thrown
away why worry about any chemicals
if they can't penetrate into the
inside.

Also conrtary to popular belief
the FDA approved the use of
synthethic pesticides that are
deemed from natural sources.
So this really doesn't mean that
organic vegetables are pesticide
free.

It is definitely worth the effort to
eliminate chemicals though.
I haven't had any headaches
in over four years. I believe it
is due to buying organic or
spraying produce and abstaining
from meat, eggs and dairy
which all carry toxins.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

We find the flavor is outstanding. The milk and eggs especially.
We use Organic Valley milk & eggs. We buy only organic chicken and turkey and it's expensive but worth it. Even the frozen peas and corn are amazing. My husband didn't believe in it, til I said well this is the way our grandparents used to farm & cook foods.We rarely eat processed foods. We're not vegetarian but have vastly reduced our meat-eating. We do enjoy Boca Burgers dressed up with condiments. Also, taco filling made with Fantastic Foods mixes. You can look up various brands online. Organic Gourmet makes some good vegetable cubes for steaming and cooking.

Try to look online at various sites like Organic Consumers Association.

We like Stoneyfield organic yogurt (vanilla) and mix with fresh fruit, it's a great treat instead of a heavy dessert.

We also use many organic beans for bean salads.
Organicville makes great vinagrettes.
Woodstock Farms makes a terrific ketchup.
Just experiment and you'll find what you like!

Answer 4

I'm an organic farmer. I put nothing on my crops.Compost for soil and nutrients and beneficial insects and amphibians. If you are near farm that produce organic foods They will be a little cheaper. I sell from the farm 50% lower that the health foods stores. I hope this will help you.

Answer 5

Could we please end the mistaken belief that organically grown means pesticide free?

The EPA currently lists over 50 different chemicals that are APPROVED for use on 'organic' crops and ALL the large 'organic' brands purchase and use these chemicals. So do most small growers of 'organic' produce. Labeling laws allow their products to still be labeled as pesticide free!

Answer 6

I just wanted to add...

Some fruits and vegetables more readily absorb pesticides because of their soft skin. Such as peaches. They are the fruits and veggies you want to MAKE SURE you buy organic. The link lists them...

http://www.beinghealthynaturally.com/eatinghealthy/toxicfood.htm


Hope this helps!

Answer 7

both r ok