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Why Eat Organic? Because You Love Eating Well
Consumer Reports:
Chemical health risks of conventionally produced foods
When it pays to buy organic
When buying organic pays (and doesn't)
Some of the most exciting culinary innovations of the last thirty plus years have emerged from an impulse to enjoy the pleasures of fresh, organic foods. Until recently, however, organic produce and gourmet products were hard to for all but the most determined to come by.
You may hear about the growing organic market, and spot the labels, but still wonder what organic food is all about. There are two main reasons to eat organic: for health and to support growers who don't use harmful chemicals. A growing body of research shows that herbicides, pesticides and hormones from conventionally grown foods stay in our bodies and can have harmful effects, especially on children. The large amounts of chemical residue from conventional production accumulate in soil and water and then affect plant life and other animals.
If you decide to integrate more organic foods into your diet, how do you navigate the labels and get the most for your money? Many trust Consumer Reports, so we'll use their recently released information as a starting point. Here is what they have to say about the meaning of organic labels:
“100% Organic.” No synthetic ingredients are allowed by law. Also, production processes must meet federal organic standards and must have been independently verified by accredited inspectors.
“Organic.” At least 95 percent of ingredients are organically produced. The remainder can be nonorganic or synthetic ingredients. One exception: Organic labels on seafood are meaningless because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has no standards to back them up.
“Made with Organic Ingredients.” At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic. The remaining 30 percent must come from the USDA’s approved list.
Here are foods that Consumer Reports emphasizes as the most important to buy organic:
- Apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries.
- Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy.
- Baby food.
To me, food tastes better when I know that those who produced it care about what happens long after the thrill of the bite. In the Daily Olive Organic Section we will provide easy access to the best organic culinary efforts. We are always looking for input from our readers. Be sure to send your tips to Kyeann(at)DailyOlive(dot)com.
By Kyeann Sayer | January 9, 2006 in Organic Food | Permalink
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Previous Reader Opinions...
Hey Kyeann,
Thanks for providing the interesting consumer reports articles. Any recommendations on where to buy organic baby food?
mike
Posted by: Mike | February 12, 2007 6:55 AM
Hi Mike
I don't know Kyeann has to say on organic baby food but I've found most health food stores now in the cold chiller section have a good range of freshly prepared baby food without preservatives, artificial colors and other baddies.
And if you'd like something even more nutritious, you might be interested in making your own pure nutritious blended foods. (I like the Champion juicer for this.) The best part for me is that it is 100% whatever you put into it, fast, easy & you definitely know what your baby is eating.
Hope this helps.
Kerri
Posted by: Kerri | August 13, 2007 5:33 AM
I recently started a website that links Organic consumers with suppliers and in the main I believe that I am doing a positive thing for the local business community and local consumers across the country. However, what is clear to me is that Organic in terms of food does not have to mean better, but if more and more people buy Organic then the result is a more sustainable and environmentally planet, so my question is this.. Am I wrong to want to make money as a business off the back of the Organic boom, providing clever software for local businesses and shoppers or am I actually just helping to do my bit by creating a better world as a result?
Jason Boreham
Sales Director
www.okcentre.co.uk
Posted by: Jason Boreham | September 10, 2007 8:22 AM
I was thinking about starting my own veggie patch, but suddenly realized that my potting mix isn't certified organic. Are you aware of any brands that provide the essentials for an organic vegetable patch?
Posted by: Swee Teng, Toowoomba GP | July 10, 2008 4:24 PM
check out the DailyOlive swicki at eurekster.com
