The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that foods labeled organic

must be grown without synthetic fertilizers,

and be free from Genetically Modified Organisms.

Meats must be from animals raised without anti-biotics or growth hormones and with access to the outdoors.

Its fans say organic foods have greater nutritional benefits and can even help fight cancer.

That's why they sometimes spend nearly twice as much for an organic product compared to a non-organic one.

But are organics really healthier? And are they really worth the money?

Here's the Situation…

Concerns about the growing use of pesticides and use of antibiotics in animal feed

prompted some consumers to look for so-called organic food.

In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act to develop national standards,

and organic products became more common.

Mainstream grocery chains started their own lines of organic food,

and larger food companies began acquiring smaller health food companies to get in on the action.

Now, from the big boxes to the small specialty stores,

three-quarters of U.S. grocers sell organics foods.

Here's the Argument…

Proponents say that organic produce has more nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins,

than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

They also suggest eating organic limits exposure to toxic chemicals that may lead to certain cancers.

But while eating organic does reduce your exposure to pesticides,

there's no evidence that the trace amounts in food are a danger.

Scientific surveys haven't found that organic foods are much more nutritious.

And, just because food is organic, it doesn't mean that it's good for you.

It may be nearly as high in sugar, sodium or other unhealthy ingredients

as non-organic products.

Yet more farms are going organic to feed the appetite for pure foods.

With Big supermarket chains like Kroger selling more organic products,

and Amazon's determination to drive down prices at Whole Foods,

organic foods should only increase in popularity, healthy or not.