
Did you make a Resolution to Eat Healthier in 2012? You may be considering switching to an “all-organic diet”. But when making that switch, do you really know what organic means? Bethenny Frankel takes the confusion out of Buying Organic with her
The word “organic” tends to make us think of the terms “healthier” and “more nutritious,” but this is not always the case. While the majority of organic products are just that, there are some things you should know before spending that extra cash.
Here are some facts to help you better understand the meaning behind the organic label:
When something is labeled “organic” it has been given a seal of approval by the USDA as being a product that was grown according to certain specifications.
ORGANIC VEGETABLES are grown without using pesticides, artificial preservatives, fertilizers, herbicides, sewage sludge or irradiation, which acts as a preservative.
ORGANIC MEATS and EGGS come from animals that are raised sustainably. These animals are not allowed antibiotics, growth hormones, altered corn or feed. Essentially, all of the food these animals take in are all natural and chemical free. They graze straight from the land.
ORGANIC DAIRY also comes from animals that feed in an organic manner.
ORGANIC SEAFOOD doesn’t really exist unfortunately. It is hard to maintain an organic system for fish and other seafood, so the USDA does not yet have a label for organic seafood. Stay tuned.
It is also important to note the different kind of organic labeling you may see on products:
“100% Organic”: All products with these labels are made up of 100 percent organic ingredients.
A round green USDA seal: All of these products are made up of at least 95 percent organic ingredients.
“Made with organic ingredients”: All of these products are made up of at least 70 percent organic ingredients.
Any product that is made up of less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot be labeled as organic.
Not all organic is made equally, so do your research and find the items that you like best.
And if you don’t want to necessarily shell out for the more expensive organic products, these thick-skinned veggies are great even when not organic:
-Onions
-Pineapple
-Avocado
-Mango
-Sweet peas
-Watermelon
-Sweet potato