To buy organic, or not to buy organic: that is the question (concerning most grocery shoppers, at least).  

While the decision to buy organic products may not be the life or death matter that troubled Hamlet in his famed soliloquy, most individuals are not fully informed on both the benefits and deceptions of the organic food industry.  

Lately, it seems as though almost all products seen at the local grocer adorn the coveted “organic,” or “all-natural” sticker.  However, do the means justify the costs?  What’s the difference between inorganic and organic food, anyways?

In order for a food product to be designated “organic” by the USDA, it must adhere to rather strict guidelines that prohibit the use of synthetic chemicals used in the agricultural process.  

Pesticides are the most commonly used synthetic chemical to keep many microorganisms from consuming crops.

While the FDA makes a valiant effort to regulate potentially harmful levels of this toxic substance, varying amounts have been correlated with increased risk of nerve damage and cancer.  

Thoroughly washing the exterior of purchased produce will reduce the concentration of this substance, but minute concentrations can still remain, potentially causing adverse health risks.

Preservatives are another added component to inorganic foods and are used to maintain consistency, to enhance flavor or to delay a product’s spoilage. However, the human body has difficulty breaking down some of these products, and some contain carcinogenic factors.

Some additives include synthetic steroid hormones, which have been shown to further increase your risk for cancer.  

Just how beneficial to your health are organic fruits, meats and vegetables?  Well, it depends on the particular product.

All organic food will be absent of synthetic preservatives and pesticides, thereby posing as a healthier option.

Nonetheless, not all of your favorite food products are worth the organic price tag.  

For dry foods, like pasta or crackers, it is more important to choose the whole grain option than the organic one.  And just because some cookies are deemed organic, that doesn’t mean you should still eat the whole box.

As a general rule of thumb, fruits and vegetables containing edible skins (e.g. apples, strawberries, cherries, bell peppers, etc.) should be purchased from organic farms.  It is okay to buy non-organic produce if it has an inedible peel, like avocados or melons.  

You should also choose organic eggs and milk while shopping because the alternative products are known to contain high levels of growth hormones and preservatives.

Be wary, though, of the claims made on the carton of eggs or milk because claims such as “cage-free” or “all-natural” are not regulated by the USDA.  Only foods with the USDA seal of approval contain all the benefits of organic productions.  

Local grocery stores with a majority of organic products in the near proximity include Whole Foods (2880 S. Colorado Blvd.), Vitamin Cottage (5058 East Hampden Avenue) and Sunflower Market (2880 S. Colorado Blvd.).

So, on your next trip to the grocery store, choose carefully when you splurge on organic foods.