The trend of organic foods is rising – grocery stores often designate a section for them – but what does the term "organic" really mean? Is the difference in cost worth the health benefits? According to Paul Ratte, ND, naturopathic practitioner at Woodwinds Natural Care Center, "The organic label means something. It's a practice that is followed and it meets certain standards. Certain conventional methods cannot be used to grow these products, such as using pesticides." Dr. Ratte adds that other terms such as “naturally raised chicken” do not mean a food is organic. Only foods with the “USDA Organic” label have met USDA standards.

What do the labels mean? How do you know if what you’re purchasing is organic? If a food bears a USDA organic label, it means it’s produced and processed according to the USDA standards which dictate that at least 95 percent of the food’s ingredients are organically produced. Other organic labels include:

• 100 percent organic: products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients;
• Organic: products that are at least 95 percent organic; and
• Made with organic ingredients: products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients; the organic seal cannot be used on these products.

Because of the increasing demand for organic foods, corporate conglomerations have been doing just enough to be able to label their food as organic, and charge a premium price. “This is the dark side to organic,” says Dr. Ratte. “Large corporations want to be able to say their food is ‘organic,’ yet pay the same to raise their products, essentially watering it down.”

One misconception is that organic means healthy. Dr. Ratte asserts that just because a product is organic, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. “It may be made with cleaner ingredients, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy,” he says. However, organic foods are higher quality and taste better, according to Dr. Ratte.

Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic foods compared with conventionally grown products. Other studies have found this inconclusive.

According to Dr. Ratte, benefits of organic foods include:

• Organic foods have a higher nutrient content, more vitamins and minerals;
• Organic products taste better than conventionally grown products;
• Organically grown products are more respectful to the planet;
• Organic foods are more sustainable;
• Organic foods are less toxic to humans; and
• Organic foods are safer to consume.

Whether or not you are a regular consumer of organic products, or have just ventured down the organic aisle, it’s wise to know what you’re paying for. Consider the facts about organic foods, and decide what’s right for you