| Many consumers are becoming more aware of the | | | | attached to fruit and vegetables, you can determine |
| need to purchase organic foods that are free from | | | | the production method that was used to grow them. |
| pesticide and other harmful chemicals such as steroids | | | | If you see that the code begins with a 4, it is |
| and hormones that can reside in the cells of produce | | | | produced in the conventional manner on large farms |
| and meats sold in the common marketplace. Some | | | | for mass production. If it begins with a 9, you are |
| diseases and illnesses in humans may be the result of | | | | looking at a genetically engineered product that you |
| ingesting these toxins in small doses over a period of | | | | want to avoid. If the code begins with the number 9, |
| time. | | | | bingo, you have found a certified organically produced |
| Tests in even young children have found that there | | | | product. |
| are trace levels of pesticides and hormones that can | | | | 3. Grow Your Own - While this may seem to be a |
| only be there as a result of ingesting foods that are | | | | daunting task, especially if you're quite busy, you can |
| laced with the agents. While it's virtually impossible to | | | | begin gardening a small area that can yield lots of |
| get away from some minor exposures to low levels | | | | organic produce for your table. A "table garden" is |
| of toxins in some form or other, it is possible to | | | | ideal for those who enjoy farming their own produce |
| significantly lessen our exposure to them through | | | | on a very small scale. |
| foods to such an extent that it may positively affect | | | | 4. Buy Locally - Some areas of the country are home |
| our long term health. | | | | to farmers who sell their home grown produce at |
| If you have ever wondered how to find the best | | | | local farmer's markets. Some of these farmers also |
| organic foods or at least foods that offer much | | | | grow and sell local, organic crops that receive a |
| lower exposures to possibly harmful agents, here are | | | | higher dollar value than traditional produce. In either |
| a few tips that may help you locate some of the | | | | case, you are much more likely to find better tasting, |
| healthiest available to you. | | | | less chemically laden foods that are better for you. |
| 1. Choose Foods from the Outer Aisles of Your | | | | 5. Buy from Your Whole Food Store - Larger areas |
| Grocery Store - Interestingly, if you only shop for | | | | of the country are home to many health and whole |
| foods that line the outer aisles of your typical food | | | | food stores that bring in organic foods from other |
| market, you will find the most fresh foods and foods | | | | areas. You can find tasty although sometimes quite |
| that are not as processed. For example, you will | | | | expensive produce and other foods at many whole |
| always find produce lining the side of your grocery | | | | food stores. |
| store which is either not processed or actually has | | | | If you really want to cut down on the toxins that |
| labels that indicate they are organically grown. Usually, | | | | you and your family probably consume as a result of |
| prepackaged foods are in the center of the store | | | | eating mass produced foods, these are several ways |
| where there are a plentiful array of processed, | | | | in which you can locate what you need. Not only is |
| preserved foods. | | | | there more and more evidence of the health |
| 2. Check the Labels on Your Produce - If you check | | | | benefits, but you will also notice a more robust flavor |
| the PLU code that is stamped on a small label | | | | in all the organic foods you select. |