Organic foods have been around for a while now. Some of us are even used to having them every day now. But can you really differentiate organic foods from non organic ones? Can you pick which one is which if two oranges are placed right in front of you, both delicious looking and beautiful in colour? Both full of Vitamin C, both with a good amount of fiber, both free of cholesterol, so which one do you choose and how? Get the facts right before you go grocery shopping the next time.

The biggest reasons why more people are now switching to organic foods are fewer pesticides and more nutrients. Studies have shown that organic foods have about 40% more nutrients than foods grown the conventional way. Most of us don't make a fuss about eating traditionally grown foods but those who feel they could opt for organic alternatives and consume foods minus the pesticides and added nutrition have several options at the supermarket.

"Organic" really means the way farmers grow and process their agricultural produce. Organic farming focuses greatly on soil conservation and causing less pollution whatsoever. If a crop is grown organically, it would simply mean that there are no fertilizers, chemicals or pesticides used on them which compared to non organic foods, makes them safer to consume. Farmers use more of manure or compost to enhance plant/crop growth when cultivating organically.

How to trust which foods are genuinely organic and which aren't, you ask. Well, in most countries that let you buy organic foods, there are certification programs that require the growers to meet certain standards of quality. These standards are parameters to keep the growth, treatment and processing of organic foods in check. So you can always ensure for Government approved labels that ensure those foods have been cleared as healthy to eat!

The bottom line is that however, there is more nutrition in organic foods as compared to their non organic counterparts but even then there isn't a fool proof way to ensure if they have been exposed to chemicals or fertilizers in an indirect way. If purchasing all foods of organic produce is not an option for you, choice wise or financially (organic foods are more expensive), you can just buys those foods that are generally the highest contaminated like Apples, Celery, Strawberries, Spinach, Grapes, Potatoes, Blueberries, Lettuce, etc.

So, weigh your options and make the pick, organic or non organic.