You've heard all about organic foods and how they are more beneficial to you than traditional foods, but exactly what does organic food mean?

Organic foods are the "certified organic," "USDA organic," or "100% certified" labeled foods that you purchase at your local grocery store or farmer's market. According to the USDA, food items labeled as such, must be at least 95% free of synthetic pesticides, additives, irrigation, and genetic engineering, with the remaining 5% processed with additives listed on the USDA approved additives list.

Organic fruits, vegetables, and grains are grown using only the healthiest of farming methods such as crop rotation, compost fertilizer, and cover crops to promote all natural nourishment and soil regeneration. Crops grown in this manner, tend to be quite efficient on their own, and therefore able to sustain without the use of heavy fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and other harsh chemicals.

In organic farming, farmers plant a variety of plants according to climate and soil, which maximizes the natural growth cycle of the plants, the use of the soil, and the land space.

Organic livestock farming promotes the humane treatment of animals by providing animals with a healthy lifestyle. Through this type of healthy lifestyle, animals are cared for with certified organic meals that are free from antibiotics, hormones, GMO's, and animal by products.

Animals are also permitted to roam free in large, comfortable pastures, with plenty of natural socialization with other animals. Using these natural efforts, farmers have lowered the risk of diseases and growth inhibitions associated with conventional livestock.

The benefits of organic foods run far and wide, as with any healthy, chemical free diet. Some benefits of organic foods include:

Organic farming reduces soil erosion, pollution, increases soil fertility, conserves water, and is beneficial to nearby water sources that are consumed by both humans and animals.

Because organic foods contain no preservatives, they can have a "fresher" taste over more conventional foods. Pesticides and other chemicals can also rob foods of their taste and nutrients, which also contributes to the "fresh" taste of organic foods.

Since organic foods do not contain herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other chemicals, selecting organic over conventional foods can lower your risk of cancer and other diseases associated with chemically treated crops.

The dirty dozen is a list of the dirtiest vegetables and fruits on the market. These fruits and vegetables could contain up to 10 different pesticides and are hard to wash or rinse clean. Since this produce is usually eaten raw or unpeeled, it is recommended that you purchase the organic versions of these fruits and vegetables, whenever possible, to lower your risk of pesticide intake.

• Lettuce
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Imported grapes
• Apples
• Domestic blueberries
• Nectarines
• Spinach, kale, and collard greens
• Sweet bell peppers
• Cherries
• Potatoes
• Celery

This list includes many fruits and vegetables that are considered "clean," because they only contain up to two different pesticides, are easy to wash, and trace amounts of pesticides are usually stripped through peeling.

• Sweet onion
• Asparagus
• Sweet corn
• Pineapple
• Onions
• Avocados
• Mangos
• Sweet peas
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Sweet potatoes
• Grapefruit
• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Kiwi fruit

• Conventionally grown produce usually contains a four digit code.
• Organically grown produce contains five digits and begins with a 9.
• Genetically modified produce has five digits and begins with an 8.

Not only are organic foods better for humans, animals, and the environment, but it also helps farmers eliminate the ingestion and saturation of harmful chemicals, so they are healthier too! When going organic, you should note that organic foods can be a bit pricier than conventional foods, so don't be afraid to visit your local farmer's market, where you are sure to get some great deals on organic produce.