Dr. Myshka of Fayetteville AR encourages patients to shop organic when possible. It's the best way to avoid pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones that can compromise the safety and nutritional quality of your food.

Learning about organic food in Fayetteville AR

Organic foods contain more trace minerals, fewer nitrates, and can even contain more vitamins in some cases. However, organic foods that are heavily processed will have the same drawbacks as any processed foods.

The first step is to look for the "organic" label. Current laws require anything labeled "organic' to be at least 95% organic. Words like "natural," "farm fresh," or "locally grown" have no such requirement.

Get the FoodNews Guide to Pesticides to identify the foods that are most likely to contain pesticide residues so you'll know which foods require the most vigilance.

Then make sure the produce you buy is very fresh. Any plant food loses nutrients over time. Travel can be an issue as well - that's why the tomato from your garden tastes so much better than the one that's been in a refrigerated truck for days. If you can grow your own or buy locally, do.

Does the price of organic food discourage you from buying it? Choose bulk, unprocessed foods and you'll save enough on your "box foods" to make up for the added cost of organic meat and produce.

If you're not sure about organic foods, try choosing just one or two of your family's favorite foods and buying organic for those items. It's a good way to start, and you'll find it easier to add on more items gradually.