organic food really means. It is more or less a trend that is followed. With the cost being higher than most conventional options, we are comforted by the "fact" that it is healthier...or is it?
Let's start by defining what makes food organic. The organic movement was born in the 1940's in response to the industrialization of agriculture, aka: the Green Revolution. By law, organic foods are farmed without involvement of modern synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They also do not undergo irradiation, which is common in conventional farming. For food to be labeled as organic, producers must attain special certifications. The standards are set by national governments and international organizations.
Without getting too technical, let's quickly discuss pesticides. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit
organization that advocates global health policies, has done research showing the effect of pesticides to the human body in small doses. Adverse effects can be seen during vulnerable life stages, such as fetal and childhood development.
There is a yearly list of foods that you should, at all costs, try to purchase organic. It is referred to as The Dirty
Dozen. Here is 2013's list:
1. Apples: More than 40 different pesticides have been detected on apples. (Buy organic apple juice and apple sauce too)