Organic foods - worth the extra cost?

Organic foods markets have become trendy and upscale. You may have been tempted to load up on organic foods because you’ve heard they’re better for you. Then you noticed the prices, and went into sticker shock.

Are organic foods worth the extra cost?

Usually, you get what you pay for. But with organic foods, it’s what you DON’T get that you’re paying for.

Think about it…do you really want the following things in your food:

1. Pesticides that kill bugs on contact
2. Herbicides that kill weeds
3. Petroleum-based fertilizers

Key benefits of eating organic foods whenever possible include:

1. Better energy
2. Lessened risk of cancer
3. Clear, glowing skin
4. Healthier liver, which means better fat metabolization
5. Improved eyesight
6. More vitamins and minerals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has standards for organic foods, as do many states. These standards state that only organic bug and weed-killers and fertilizers can be used.

So what’s the difference between organic and non-organic bug and weed killers and fertilizers?
Gerry Morton, CEO of EnergyFirst, lists a few:

1. Pesticides: non-organics use compounds like Diazanon, which contains toxins so strong that the manufacturer suggests handling it with gloves and a breathing mask. Organics use ladybugs, sulphur, and diatomaceous earth—all natural.


2. Herbicides: non-organics use Round-Up and similar chemical soups. Organics use 20% vinegar, weed-pulling, and beneficial ground-cover to keep out weeds.


3. Fertilizers: non-organics use ammonium nitrate and other petroleum-based products, thus increasing our dependence on foreign oil. Organics fish emulsion, kelp, compost and other naturals.

Chemicals can kill, and when you buy non-organic foods the USDA allows plenty of toxins to be present in those foods.
So why are organics more expensive when they contain far less toxins? Because toxin-laden pesticides and such allow fruits and vegetables to grow artificially large and produce very high yields.
Simply put, organic farmers lose more of their crops to insects and birds, and what remains isn’t huge. It’s small-to-medium-sized, good-for-you produce.
Since organic farmers produce less for the same amount of work, they must charge a little more so they can make a living.
Organics are definitely worth the money, particularly when you consider the long-term health benefits. Medical care isn’t getting any cheaper, and if you avoid cancer by eating organics, you save yourself huge amounts of pain and money.
And eating organics is especially important for special populations like:

1. Infants
2. Children
3. Growing teens
4. Athletes
5. Elderly
6. Ill people and those recovering

More tips on the benefits of organics can be found by visiting:

Your partner in super-health: Farmer's Markets