Milk, eggs, bread, fruit. Typical items on everyone's shopping list. But how do you know which is the most healthy for you, your family and the environment? The best choice when picking these items will be products that are Organic. According to the Organic Consumer's Association, eating Organic is more nutritious, safer, and free of harmful chemical additives. Organic foods have the benefit of containing crucial minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium while simultaneously lacking artificial sweeteners, preservatives and flavor enhancers. The advantages of eating Organic extend beyond human health and has a direct impact on the environment. Research performed at The Rodale Institute has shown that Organic farming practices can remove about 7,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and appropriate it within an acre of farmland yearly. If all farmland converted to Organic methods it has been estimated, by the institute, that it would equate to eradicating 217 million cars. Stringent regulations on what can be considered Organic help to maintain a healthy alternative for consumers. Reading the labels will help you understand the varying degrees of Organic foods. Only products that are labeled 100% Organic or Organic, meaning that 95% of the ingredients are unrefined, can display the USDA Organic Seal. 

If the item in question states that it is made with Organic ingredients it means that at least 70% of the listed components 

are Organic. As a final point on non-produce items, if the manufacturer declares that the product is made with less than 70% Organic ingredients, then the Organic items will be found in the ingredient list only.  There are alternate ways of verifying the purity of produce. The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) developed a numeric labeling system for fruits and vegetables that reveals a lot of important information about their origin. According to this system, any fruit or vegetable that is considered Organic will begin with the number 9 and contain five digits. For example, an Organic orange can have a label reading 91234. Produce that is grown conventionally, with pesticides and fertilizers, will be designated by a four-digit number beginning with either a 3 or 4. Finally there are fruits and vegetables that fall under the Genetically Engineered category. These super fruits must begin with the numeric digit 8 followed by four numbers. So the next time you pop in to the supermarket to buy your groceries for the week, shop smart, and look at the packaging and labels to ensure the best for your family.
Click here for a helpful list of Organic products and where to find them.