by Kelley Herring  

Not only organic foods better for the environment, but recent research shows they're also better for your health.

A study conducted at the University of California at Davis, showed that organic foods have significantly higher antioxidant levels than conventionally grown produce. Organically and sustainably grown corn and marionberries contained up to 65 percent more phenolic compounds - powerful, health-promoting antioxidants - than did the conventionally grown crops. And sustainably grown strawberries contained 19 percent more.

A USDA study compared the contents of lycopene in 13 brands of ketchup.  The results showed that the organic brands packed 57% more lycopene than the national brands and 55% more than store brands.

Choosing organic produce greatly reduces your exposure to health harming pesticides.  A wide range of pesticides have been linked with adverse effects on fertility, and fetal development as well of an increased cancer risk.  In fact more than 90% of conventionally grown produce contains pesticide residue, compared with only 20% of organically produced fruits and vegetables. You can learn more about the foods containing the higest levels of pesticide contamination at The Dirty Dozen.

Another great reason to choose organic foods, is that you'll decrease your intake of additives preservatives artificial sweeteners and food coloring agents.  Additives and preservatives have a wide range of effects on our immune system our cellular health.

If you're worried about growth hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), buying organic foods can eliminate that concern. Growth hormones have been linked to early puberty as well as a higher risk of certain cancers.