Buying Organic – Is it Worth the Cost?

August 10th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under • by Debbie Dragon

Over the past few years, many people have started to buy different kinds of organic products. Many of these products cost more than their non-organic counterparts. While some of these products may be a worthy investment, others may just be a marketing ploy to get more money out of their customers. Here are a few tips to help you tell whether buying an organic product is worth the cost.

Do You Eat It?

The best products by far to buy in their organic form would have to be edible products. This is especially true for different types of produce, such as tomatoes and lettuce. Because these items are certified as organic, it usually means that only organic pesticides have been used on them. This means that they are probably safer to eat, and more worthy of the higher cost. You still need to be careful buying organic produce. Some of it may not actually be certified as organic, which means it may not be organic at all. Be sure to ask your grocer if it is certified organic.

Food Rip-offs

While produce is good to buy in organic, other foods may just be a rip-off. Check your cans of organic soda for aspartame, especially if they are diet. Aspartame is a dangerous chemical, and just because something is organic, it doesn’t mean that it is safer in spite of the aspartame. Also, carbonation damages bones, so no amount of “organic” ingredients will make this safer for you. If you like the taste, continue buying it, but if you’re buying it specifically for the organic label, beware. Also, any soy product is more dangerous than good. Because soy damages the thyroid, eating high quantities of soy products can actually hurt you instead of helping you.

Beauty Products

Some organic mineral products can actually damage your skin if you are not careful. People with sensitive skin may have trouble with organic foundation, because it has such a high mineral content. Minerals are considered good, but in high quantities they can damage skin instead of repairing it. Always test these products on a small patch first, and beware if you have sensitive skin.

Organic products can be healthier for you, but beware of where you buy them from, and exactly what ingredients are in them. Soy is especially dangerous, so be careful. If you shop with caution, you can eat healthier foods, use healthier products, and still not break the bank.