I have a friend who insists on eating only organic food. She quizzes waitresses about their menus and makes a weekly trip her local farmers market to source the freshest produce.

Her 18-month-old daughter has never eaten any processed food. My friend is convinced that her child's good health is a result of her organic eating habits.

I certainly think that it tastes better, but is it really better for the body?

Amy Pongrass from The Food Coach (thefoodcoach.com.au) says organic food is produced in cleaner environments without pesticides or chemicals, so the food is healthier and won’t contribute to a toxic build-up in the body.

Top tips for organic food:

1.    Some packaged foods may be labeled organic but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier or better for you. For example, organic biscuits still contain sugar, white flour and butter – the ingredients may be organic but the product still contains fat and refined sugar.

2.    Always look for nutritious foods first and try to find an organic alternative that's within your price range, read the labels carefully and make an informed decision.

3.    It has been proven that organic food is higher in vitamins and minerals, and is a richer source of antioxidants than its conventional counterparts.

4.    Organic fruit and vegetables are usually fresher because they have a shorter shelf  life having not been sprayed with any chemicals – you’ll have to eat them soon after purchase but that’s the idea!

5.    Organic produce tastes better – try comparing an organic vine-ripened tomato with a regular tomato from the supermarket and notice the difference!

6.    Organic food is more expensive, but with an approximate 20 to 30 per cent market increase each year, prices go down as more people buy it. Major supermarkets usually sell items cheaper than smaller health food stores, so look around for bargains.

7.    Visit your local farmers market where produce is much cheaper and very fresh as the growers bring it directly from the farm.

8.    There are certain items you can get away with buying non-organic, such as bananas and avocados, because they have skin that protects them from chemicals.

9.    Important foods to buy organic include berries, peaches, apples, pears. Carrots and potatoes are also a good option because they grow in the ground and can soak up toxins from the soil. Organic chicken and eggs are also important.

Do you buy organic?  Add your comment below.