Henry County Public Library

Studies show that by eating organic food, you can greatly reduce your exposure to chemicals found in conventionally produced food.  There is no easier way to improve one's health than switching to organic meats and produce.  However, organic food costs an average of 50 percent more than conventionally produced food, and now is not the time to start making the grocery bill a bill and a half.

There is good news for those looking to eat better on a budget that won't cost an arm and a leg.  According to the research organization Environmental Working Group, while some foods are best purchased as organic, certain foods contain little to no chemical residue when produced using regular farming techniques, so purchasing organic versions offer little to no added benefit.

Foods to purchase as organic:

• apples
• bell peppers
• celery
• cherries
• imported grapes
• nectarines
• peaches
• pears
• potatoes
• red raspberries
• spinach
• strawberries
• meat and poultry
• eggs
• dairy
• baby food

Foods that don't matter

• asparagus
• avocados
• bananas
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• sweet corn
• kiwi
• mangos
• onions
• papaya
• pineapples
• sweet peas
• seafood

To learn more, including the difference between different organic labels, click through to this Consumer Reports article