Approximately 70% of Americans purchase organic produce. I, too, prefer to buy "organic". Organic farming is designed to minimize exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The experts recommend 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day to prevent cancer and promote healthy living, so I would suppose that consuming organic products would be even more beneficial. The focus on health continues to increase, and in today's market there is an assumption that "Organic" means "Healthier".

The U.S. Government supports the organic farming process and production of organic foods through a special program: The National Organic Program. This focus on changing the way we grow and process foods makes a statement to me, the consumer, that pesticides are harmful.

Recommendations to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables stem from the philosophy that an assortment lowers the chances of toxic exposure. It is unlikely that all of your selections are highly toxic, so limiting the consumption of any one item will ensure that you don't over-consume one particular toxin at one time.

In the United States, the FDA and EPA regulate the production of produce, and the USDA regulates the growth of animals for meat and other products (milk, eggs, butter). On August 3,1996 President Clinton signed the Food Quality Protection Act bill, and it became a law. Although similar to the 1994 bill, this version provided a broader focus on continual testing and improvements, while imposing stricter enforcement of the law. Hence, the consumer will be more informed, better protected, and experience less exposure to toxins.

Children are more vulnerable to toxic exposure. They consume higher levels of certain foods that are considered to be "at higher risk" (milk, orange juice, apple sauce). They play on the floor and in the lawn, and place foreign objects into their mouth. Early stages of development in life are certainly likely to be affected by toxic exposure, so it is important that we understand and control our environment. A University of Washington study compared the consumption of organic versus traditional produce in children ages six to nine. Findings showed that children consuming organic foods showed six to nine times less exposure to pesticides and toxins. Over the past several decades, we have begun to associate higher levels of toxic exposure with long term neurological, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Short term exposure symptoms include dizziness and nausea. Ongoing studies on how chemicals disrupt the endocrine system continue to support our logical assumptions that toxic exposure is not healthy.

"Organically grown" food is defined as food grown and processed, using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (biological pesticides) may also be used in producing organically grown food. The right to label a product "organic" is regulated, and there is a difference between "organically grown", "organic", "100% organic", and "made with organic". Buyer beware. With any food and beverage item, we as consumers have the right to read exactly what we are buying on the label.

It is ironic that part of cancer prevention includes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, however cancer patients themselves must be cautious and avoid un-pasteurized products. (Pasteurization is a process that eliminates harmful levels of bacteria in foods.) The National Cancer Institute has many recommendations on healthy eating and food safety tips.

When evaluating if the higher cost of buying "organic" is (overall) worthwhile, I would say yes. There are some food items that do not present themselves as dangerous, as their outer layer is more protective than most freshly grown items. For these items, it may not make a big difference: Watermelon, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Onion, Kiwi, and Avocado. For more information, follow the link below to the Environmental Working Group listing "Food News".

My grandparents were farmers. They didn't use pesticides often. The horses and cows provided them with plenty of fertilizer for the crops. Grandma is 96, and I believe that the way she fed herself with healthy, naturally grown foods is why she has lived through almost 10 decades. I will not be farming, but I will buy most of my food with the "100% organic" label. I hope to live a long and healthy life.