Organic food is worth the extra cost?

Food and health

The USDA does not claim that organic foods are safer, healthier and more nutritious than conventional food. There is little research on the health outcomes of people consuming primarily organic diets.

government limits are determining the amount of pesticides that can be used in farming and food processing, and the amount of pesticide residues allowed in food.

According to the EPA website, as the children's immune systems are not fully developed, may be at increased risk of certain pesticides than adults. The site also notes that the Law on the protection of food quality in 1996 set the highest standards for protecting babies and children from the risks of pesticides.

The purchase price of organic foods

How much more expensive is to go organic? You can expect to pay 50% -100% more for organic food. This is because, in general, is more labor intensive and without the use of pesticides, the yield is not always favorable.

To maximize your dollar organic food, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, recommends going organic on the "dirty dozen" - the types of products that are more susceptible to pesticide residues:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (imported)
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

And organic products is probably not worth the extra expense? The group lists these 12 items as having the least pesticide residue:

• Papayas
• Broccoli
• Chou
• Bananas
• Kiwi
• Peas (frozen)
• Asparagus
• Mangos
• Pineapple
• Sweet corn (frozen)
• Avocados
• Onions

You can help reduce costs by buying sale items, compare prices, buy local, or farmers' market or co-op. The sale of organic food in supermarket chains is also likely to help keep prices down in the long run.

Reduce pesticide residues

Whether or not you buy organic, you can do your part to reduce pesticide residues in foods with the following tips:

• Wash and scrub produce under streaming water to remove dirt, bacteria and pesticide residues produce flat surface with inedible skins such as cantaloupe. Do not use soap.
• Remove the skin of fruits and vegetables.
• Remove the outer leaves of leafy vegetables.
• Trim visible fat and skin from meat and poultry, as pesticide residues accumulate in fat.
• Eating a variety of foods from different sources.
• Join an agricultural cooperative that supports community agriculture.