By Kristen Jaskulsky
Registered Dietitian
MCG Health System 

It’s been suggested that you are what you eat. And if you eat organic foods, you might be healthier than the rest of us. The science on the health benefits of eating organic foods isn’t conclusive, but people who do eat this way, say they feel healthier and the food tastes better.

Organic foods are grown without using pesticides, hormones or synthetic chemicals. Many parents feel that organic foods help ensure the safety of their children. Young children may be vulnerable to pesticide poisoning because they are small, and their bodies and brains are still growing. Here’s some ideas of what parents can do to protect their young children when choosing organic foods:

• Choose a healthy variety of organic foods
• Make sure produce is free from molds and bruising
• Wash the produce well
• Know where your produce comes from

When eating those fruits and vegetables with the skin on, it may be a good idea to purchase organic produce. That way, you know the skin hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides. Items such as apples, pears and bell peppers fall into this category.

It’s a good idea for consumers not to get too carried away with the organic label. If you buy organic potato chips, it’s still processed food and not as healthy for you as eating a piece of fruit. The basic health rules still apply.
 
When shopping for organic foods there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check the food label.  Any food labeled 100 percent must be just that. Labels that indicate “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70 percent organic content. Foods labeled “all-natural” or “free-range” are not regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture and can’t be certified as organic. It doesn’t mean these foods are bad for you, but they aren’t as organic as you might think.
• Buy organic food locally. The sooner you eat fruits and vegetables after they’ve been harvested, the higher the nutritional benefit. Even if the label says organic, it’s always a good idea to wash your produce. This also applies to organic meats.
• Don’t break the bank. Many organic food stores offer items in bulk, such as beans, rice, flour, nuts and even chocolate chips. When you see a sale, go ahead and stock up. Many grocery store chains also carry organic foods in bulk.
• Don’t discount frozen food. Just because it’s frozen doesn’t mean it’s not healthy. Many frozen foods that contain produce are harvested at its’ nutritional peak and frozen immediately. 
• Revise your recipes. If you have a favorite dish, try replacing some of the ingredients with organic foods. For example, use organic eggs, rice or pasta in some of your dishes. If you like to bake, try organic flour.

If you like to eat out, there are restaurants that cater to organic food lovers.

Check a local restaurant guide to see if there are any organic establishments near you.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations - MCG Health Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia or employees of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation, not employees of MCG Health, Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.