Organic. This seems to be the "in thing" these days. If you're not going organic, you are obviously clueless about good nutrition. But what exactly is meant by organic? Is it the same as natural food? And who says if something is organic or not? Indeed, there are so many questions involving organic food that a thorough understanding is needed before one simply jumps into the organic bandwagon. When it involves your health, knowledge is what you need to make informed choices that benefit you physically, emotionally and financially. It's the same as organic food and it's time you read up on what it really is all about.

In 1990, the Organic Foods Production Act was put in place. Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), standards were set for identifying foods that were grown using organic methods. The USDA, then, is the final regulating authority on all things organic. You need to look for the USDA organic seal to assure you that the product you buy that's labeled "organic" have passed the strictest handling and production methods. Fruits, vegetables and grains can only be organic if no conventional pesticides, fertilizers, sewage sludge, ionic radiation or some other synthetic ingredients were used during their production.

Moreover, instead of using convenient insecticides that are just easily sprayed all over the field, farmers involved in organic farming utilize the power of good old traps and the natural predator-prey relationship of certain insects to keep their fields from being attacked by pests. So they can harvest quality produce, natural fertilizers and compost are used rather than manufactured ones.

Organic meat, eggs, poultry and other dairy products, meanwhile, can only be called organic if no antibiotics or growth hormones were given during their raising. As part of the standards set by the USDA, animals grown for organic meat are not kept in cages or cramped stalls but are instead allowed to roam outdoors. Take note however that the USDA organic seal only assures you that the farm uses the appropriate organic methods and procedures. It does not necessarily tell you that an organic produce has more nutrients compared to non-organic food. Research has shown, however, that organic food has higher concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals compared to those that are traditionally grown. Also, you must understand that only the term "organic" has been strictly defined by the USDA. Thus, you have to be cautious when a farm or food manufacturer uses the term "natural" to describe their products. "Natural" does not mean "organic," so be wary. This is especially true of packaged foods. Again, the organic label is not necessarily a gauge for the nutritional value of foods, so read the package to understand the nutrition that goes into it.

Don't be surprised that organic food costs more than their non-organic counterparts. Organic farming methods are more labor-intensive. Add this to the cost of organic certification and shipping and you'll begin to see where the additional dollars figure in. To save, buy produce when they are in season and buy in bulk.