Organic Food Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

It used to be that people wanting to purchase organic food could easily expect to spend double the purchase price as opposed to conventional food. Things however are starting to change as more of the big name players enter the organic food market. Nearly 70% of consumers purchase some type of organic food or beverage each year and the trend continues to increase. With new studies showing that pesticides and other additives are more prevalent than first thought in the food we consume organic foods will be increasingly bought in greater numbers by those wishing to reduce the harmful ingredients of conventional food. However as with anything else consumers must be conscious of the reality of food labeled organic. As more big business's become involved in the organic food market it is not always the consumer who will benefit. Many companies are working to bend the rules as to what constitutes organic food. The U.S Department of Agriculture is the branch of government responsible for the organic labeling requirements and is constantly under pressure to change organic food labeling requirement so as to benefit big business.

What organic items should you try to purchase as often as possible? Fruits and vegetables are great organic purchases as the U.S Department of Agriculture reports that even after washing many fruits and vegetables carry high levels of pesticide residue. Fruits and vegetables likely to have the highest samples of pesticides include strawberries, celery, cherries, peaches, pears, potatoes and apples. Meat products are notorious for containing antibiotics and growth hormones. Buying organic meats will greatly reduce your exposure to these harmful additives. Buying organic beef will also greatly reduce your exposure to mad cow disease. To save money purchase your meat through a local organic farm if at all possible. If you have a baby buying organic is something you might want to consider. Babies and young children can be especially vulnerable to pesticides and other agents in processed food because their bodies are rapidly developing and growing. Shop around as stores prices can vary widely.