The best way to reduce exposure to chemicals, pesticides and hormones in food is to choose organic. For food to be USDA certified organic means that it was grown and processed according to federal guidelines. Those guidelines concern pest and weed control, soil quality and animal raising practices just to name a few. The regulations are different for produce, meat and packaged foods. Produce can be labeled organic if no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used during the growing process. Organic meat requires that animals be raised in their natural living conditions like the ability to graze on pasture and fed 100% organic feed. Organic meats also have to be antibiotic and hormone free.
Multi-ingredient foods like packaged snacks and bread have to be free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and require that their ingredients be primarily organic. It’s likely no surprise that organic food tends to be more nutrient dense. When food is allowed to grow chemical free with biological based farming methods it will result in more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Becoming more familiar with what organic means can empower consumers to make informed decisions about their food and improve their overall well-being. Try for yourself! See if you taste the difference with organic foods.
