Nutrition
Is going organic really better for you?
Natalie Roberts Licensed Dietician

As you walk down the aisles of Wal-Mart and Brookshire's, most likely you've noticed the addition of "organic" items.

You may have also noticed that these organic foods are anywhere from 25 percent to nearly double in price as their counterparts.

So, is going organic really better for you? And is it worth the extra money?

What does "organic" mean anyway?

Organic refers to the way farmers grow, handle, and process the foods we eat.

The land in which fruits and vegetables are grown can't have any prohibited substances applied to it for at least three years before the harvest of an organic crop.

Organically raised animals have not been treated with antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal byproducts.

Food hasn't been genetically modified, or irradiated.

Fertilizer does not contain sewage sludge, and produce hasn 't been contaminated with synthetic chemicals, like pesticides.

A food labeled "organic" must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients.

Products labeled "made with organic ingredients" are processed food products (like cereals, pastas, bread, etc...) that must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients.

If the product contains less than 70 percent organic ingredients, it can list those ingredients as organic but cannot be labeled "organic."

Look for the voluntary seal, "USDA Organic."

This ensures the product has met USDA standards for processing and is at least 95% organic.

But does this mean organic is the way to go? Not necessarily.

Some studies show a possible link that organic is safer and healthier than non-organic foods.

However, large-scale studies have shown an unlikely benefit of organic versus conventional foods.

Most experts agree that the small amount of pesticides remaining on the outside of produce pose very little health risk, especially if you wash and peel your produce before eating it.

Whether you decide to spent the extra money on organic foods or not, a healthy diet consists of eating more fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and whole grains.

Here are some buying tips the next time you walk down the grocery aisle:

! Buy fruits and veggies in season to ensure highest quality.

! Read food labels. Just because it says organic or contains organic ingredients doesn't mean it's healthier. Some products may still be high in fat, salt, sugar, or calories.

! Natural does not mean organic. Only those foods with the "USDA Organic" seal have met USDA standards.

! Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria. Use a scrub brush if you plan on eating the peeling.

! Concerned about pesticides? Peel your produce and trim outer leaves of leafy veggies in addition to washing them.

If you have questions, e-mail me at nellyanne@earthlink.net. Subject line reference: "Bullard news nutrition"

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Natalie Roberts has been a licensed dietician an for more than six years. She's a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees. Natalie currently works as a community health educator, as a high risk counselor for WIC and clinical dietician.