If you buy organic?

If you buy organic?

Go organic?

Organic foods are generally good for the environment. But often they are tough on your wallet: The USDA has found that the costs of organic fruits and vegetables are up to 30% more than conventional products. Sometimes the difference is much greater, especially for things like organic milk. Is it worth the extra expense? In some cases, yes. You can reduce your exposure to chemicals and artificial ingredients. In others, it can not be healthier than traditionally grown products to buy. Some basic information can help you make better choices for your budget and the health of your family.

Which means "organic"

The term refers to how a food is grown, handling and processing. These practices are designed to protect the environment. The government has strict rules for its label "USDA Organic" products must be grown without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers that are not naturally made, sewage sludge, irradiation and genetically modified organisms. They can not be administered antibiotics and hormones to animals.

Understand labels

Labeling can be confusing. The government monitors the use of these terms:

100% organic: All the ingredients are certified organic.

Organic: at least 95% of the ingredients are certified organic.

Made with organic ingredients: At least 70% of the ingredients are certified organic.

Other labels, such as "all natural" and "firm in relief," are not regulated, so does not mean much.

The truth about pesticides

This can be a surprise, but not necessarily organic foods are free from pesticides. Organic farmers are not allowed to use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. But they can implement basic natural ingredients, which can still be harmful to your health. And research shows that some of these pesticides can be harmful to the environment as synthetic fibers.

If your diet includes a variety of products, it is less likely to get a large dose of a pesticide.

Bovine meat: Buy organic

Breed cows in non-organic farms often receive sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, to grow faster. Some experts believe that these hormones can trigger early puberty in girls, while others argue that it has no effect. If you have children or are pregnant, think about the taste of organic meat. Some research shows that may have more heart healthy omega-3s. But further studies are needed.

Peanut butter: Buy organic

Regular peanut butter often has sugar and fat to make it creamy and stable to preservation. Some brands use partially hydrogenated oil, an important source of trans fats. And too many that increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Other walnut butters are mixed in fully hydrogenated oil, a source of saturated fat that clogs the arteries.

Choose an organic peanut butter made with only two ingredients: peanuts and salt.

Poultry and pork: Buy organic

Organic poultry and pigs are foods that do not contain pesticides and chemical fertilizers. In addition, they do not receive antibiotics, which is common practice in conventional farms. Experts agree that the regular use of these drugs can lead to dangerous bacteria resistant to antibiotics. If you buy conventional meat, degrease and skin. This is where the pesticide hides.

Pop-corn microwave: Buy bio

For years, many microwave popcorn bags used perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to prevent the grains from sticking. After being linked to some cancers, the FDA has banned. But scientists fear that chemicals used up dangerous place. In addition, research shows that an ingredient in artificial butter can lead to respiratory problems. Go organic or use an air popper or stove - and add your own flavors.

Seafood: Buy Conventional

The USDA has no standards for organic seafood. So this piece of fish labeled "organic" is not guaranteed to be safer for you (or the environment). They may still have contaminants. A better approach: fish store is low in mercury, a metal that can damage your nervous system. Smaller seafood, such as shrimp, salmon and anchovies, are good bets.

Lawyer: Your call

Its thick, rough skin protects this creamy fruit. This means that pesticides rarely reach the meat. In fact, when scientists analyzed 48 different fruits and vegetables, they found that avocados have less pesticides. A general rule: Produce thick skins are shelled or pulled, such as pineapple and melon, have lower levels. Just wash thoroughly before cutting.

Maple Syrup: Buy Classic

Soft clothes come from forests that are not usually treated with pesticides or fertilizers. In the store, buy 100% maple syrup. Some maple flavored products are made with high fructose corn syrup, colors and preservatives.

Strawberries: Buy Local

Soft and delicate, strawberries easily rot. This is why their crops are sprayed with several chemicals: An analysis showed that the plant had on average six different pesticides. But other research shows that this dose is still well below the amount that is dangerous for humans. Your best bet is to find a local farm that does not use pesticides and buy your strawberries out there. They are fresh and can last longer.

No matter where you get them, make sure you wash them before eating them.

Apples, peaches and nectarines: Buy Local

You eat these sweet fruit peels. This means that you get any persistent pesticide in their skin. Esfregar in running water for at least 30 seconds. No need for soap or fruit wash. As with strawberries, it is smart to buy these fruits from a local farmer who uses minimal pesticides.

Spinach and kale: Buy local

These vegetables are generally high in pesticides. If you can, buy a market from local producers where you can make sure they are grown without synthetic chemicals. If you cook these vegetables can reduce your pesticides, but you can also remove some of the nutrients

Potatoes: Buy Local

Root vegetables absorb pesticides and fertilizers added to the soil. Thus, traditional potatoes and organic chemicals may have. Because many Americans eat spuds - an average of 114 pounds per person - is safer to choose you grown locally know that they are not treated with chemicals as often. And, again, make sure you wash them.