when it pays to buy organic

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

With the economy tanking, even health-conscious consumers are starting to think twice before forking out the extra money for organic products. According to Newsweek magazine (October 13, 2008), the number of Americans who regularly consume organic food and beverages has decreased from 25% to 22% in the last year. While it is true that some organic products are not superior to conventionally grown products, there are times when it makes sense to buy the pricier organic counterpart.

For example, families who go through a lot of milk each week should consider purchasing organic varieties because of the high amount of hormones and antibiotics in regular milk. Some studies have found that organic milk contains higher levels of healthier fats and more antioxidants than nonorganic milk. Beef is another case in which it pays to buy organic. The U.S. government permits cattle—but not pigs and chickens—to be fed hormones. However, organic beef must be fed 100% organic feed and is hormone free.

The least-contaminated produce tends to have protective peels, like bananas, citrus fruits, pineapples, mangoes, onions, eggplants and avocados. Because they are naturally encased, these do not need to be organic.

However, the following items should be purchased organic: