Is there a downside to purchasing organic foods? One of the biggest reasons more people don’t buy organic foods is that they believe the cost to be considerably more than traditionally grown foods. Part of the reason for the higher cost is that organic farmers usually grow smaller crops and are under the strict guidelines required to be labeled as being “USDA Organic.” Because they have smaller farms, they don’t produce as much as larger, commercial farms. This will also affect the price organic farmers will charge.
The other thing you want to consider when considering organic fruits, vegetables and other foods is that they aren’t treated with waxes or preservatives. They may spoil quicker than fruits and vegetables in the non-organic section of your grocer’s produce department. You may also find organic foods are not perfect. They may vary in color or size as well as some being an odd shape. This won’t affect the quality of the food so don’t be afraid to purchase them; they are completely safe to eat.
No matter if you choose to add some organic foods to your family’s diet or not, you’ll want to follow these tips:
Buy fruits and vegetables while they’re in season. Local farmers markets or roadside fruit and vegetable stands will often have the freshest foods possible. Some places also allow you to pick your own fruit (such as strawberries). Ask your grocer which day new produce arrives so you can be sure you’re getting the freshest foods possible.
Choose a good variety of foods from different sources. Purchasing foods from different sources will reduce your chances of being exposed to single pesticides. Domestically grown foods are likely to have fewer pesticides than foods grown out of the country.
Wash all fruits and vegetables with running water before you eat them. A good wash will remove dirt and bacteria which may be on the skin. If necessary, use a small nail brush to clean fruits or vegetables whose skin you might eat such as apples, potatoes or cucumbers. Even though organic foods are not grown using pesticides, it is a good practice to wash all fruits and vegetables first.
Take time to read the labels on the foods you purchase. Foods with organic or organic ingredient labels aren’t necessarily always going to be your best choice. These foods can contain high levels of sugar, salt, calories or fat just like non-organic foods. If your goal is to provide your family with the best possible foods, reading the labels will ensure you’re doing just that.
What many people don’t realize is that the government subsidizes traditionally grown foods. This allows the farmers to offer their food at a lower rate. If the farmers weren’t subsidized, there’s a good chance their food would be more expensive, too.
Finally, organic foods are not allowed to have chemical preservatives when they are packaged. Without these preservatives, the foods will have a much shorter shelf-life which means they will have to be replaced quicker. If you don’t use organic items before that date, that money will have been lost.
Next time we will discuss “When Is the Best Time to Start Eating Whole Foods?”
The above is extracted from a report, “Eat Whole Foods - For the Health of It” and offers the following disclaimer: This report is written for entertainment purposes only. The author is not, nor does she claim to be, an expert in nutrition or health. The report is written in an attempt to share knowledge based upon what was learned during research and by incorporating some of the information contained in it with her family. It is by no means intended for medical advice nor should it be followed as such.
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