Buying organic food with ingredients you recognize can be healthier for your family as well as better for the planet. Many shoppers find that the extra cost of organic food isn't necessarily possible for their entire grocery list, however. In order to stretch your grocery shopping dollars while also buying the organic food that makes the biggest difference, it's good to know which organic foods to focus on. The three foods on this list are a great starting point:
Organic Bread
Buying organic bread reduces your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Conventional bread is often made from wheat that has been grown with pesticides and other toxins. Conventional flour is often bleached before it's baked into bread. Organic bread, on the other hand, is made from wheat that has been grown in more natural circumstances and turned into flour that is not bleached and does not have preservatives and other additives.
Not only is this bread healthier for you because it's much less processed, but it also tends to be more flavorful as well.
Organic Eggs
When you buy non-organic eggs at the grocery store, chances are the chicken the eggs came from has been given antibiotics and been exposed to other chemicals that are then passed along in their eggs. Buying organic eggs gives you peace of mind, since they contain fewer toxins and, generally speaking, the chickens have likely been treated a bit better as well.
Even better, look for an organic farm in your area that sells local eggs. These will be healthy and also full of flavor, really taking your morning meals to the next level. It's also a great way to support local businesses.
Organic Fruits and Veggies
As a general rule of thumb, buying organic produce makes the most difference when it comes to fruits and veggies that have thinner peels. That's because pesticides and other chemicals don't penetrate thicker rinds and peels as easily, which means buying organic has a bigger impact on your health with those thinner-skinned veggies and fruits. For example, grapes, berries, peaches, and lettuces should be bought organic whenever possible. Items like oranges, grapefruit, and potatoes that have thicker rinds are nice to buy organic, but not as necessary.
By purchasing organic bread and other organic food whenever possible, you will be able to expose your family to fewer preservatives, chemicals, and other problematic ingredients. Organic food also tends to taste more fresh and delicious.