Going organic is a good idea… Organic foods are higher in nutritional content, from vitamins and minerals to antioxidants. They are free of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins that cause hormonal imbalances, many kinds of cancer, birth defects, and other serious illnesses. Since it is not always easy to find because labels can be confusing, here are some tips to make it easier for you…

1. Know What the Labels Mean – Figuring out which foods are really “organic” can be difficult because there are so many different labels. Anything carrying a seal 100% Organic means the food contains only organically produced ingredients. It must carry contact information of the USDA certifying agent; and bears the “USDA Organic” seal.

If the label says Organic, it means 95% of the ingredients that went into making the food are organic. The remaining 5% must be on a national list of accepted ingredients. These products also have to include the contact information of the USDA regulated certifying agent.

Made with organic ingredients means the food contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients. Again, the need to provide the contact information of the certified agent . But the remainder of the ingredients is not necessarily organic. And they cannot carry the “USDA Organic” seal. Foods with less than 70 percent organic ingredients may include any organic ingredients on the ingredients list only. They also cannot carry the “USDA Organic” seal.

2. Buy at Local Farmers’ markets. They are becoming more popular in many communities. Look for one near you. Locally grown produce is often more nutritious than store-bought, because you are getting fruits and vegetables that are in season, and they don not need to be transported over long distances. That means they have ripened closer to harvest, which makes a big difference in nutritional content.

3. Avoid These Hazardous Foods –

Milk: Commercial cattle are pumped full of hormones and antibiotics. They eat grains laced with pesticides, which cause them to be diseased animals. And it gets concentrated in their milk. The USDA performed analyses of commercial milk in 2004 and found pesticide residues in all samples tested. Organic milk is readily available in most supermarkets. Make this a priority purchase. Unless you are into drinking Raw Milk.

Avoid commercial versions of peaches or apples. They contain the highest concentration of pesticides and washing them may not offer enough protection.

• Peanut Butter

More than 99 percent of peanut farmers use conventional farming techniques in this country, including fungicides and other toxins. No Skippy or Jif – it is bad for you and your children – the peanut oil is extracted and replaced with soybean oil. I buy the Smuckers Organic Peanut Butter. You know the saying “if it is Smuckers it has to bee good?” It true…it is all natural – only peanuts and salt are added. Another great source would be grounding your own if your supermarket offers it. That’s the best!

• Imported Produce

Many fruits and vegetables out of season here in the states are in season in South America. Blueberries, tomatoes, grapes and other produce often come from Chile, Argentina, or Peru during the winter months. Don’t buy them. Many have far more pesticides and other dangerous chemicals than domestic varieties.