Controversy arose earlier this year when Stanford University published a study that suggested organic fruits and vegetables may not be as healthful as touted by the pro-organic community. Unfortunately this received quite a bit of superficial publicity from mainstream press.

However, this is an extremely important topic and is worth taking a deeper look into the reasons we need to go organic: for our families, our communities and our global environment. Here are six big reasons to go organic:

1. Expense: Yes expense. Organics do tend cost a bit more. How can this be a reason to go organic? Companies and businesses that promote "conventional" (a term often used for non-organic) food, cleaning supplies, pesticides and fertilizer make their profits betting that people like you and me are more interested in saving money than saving ourselves, and the environment. As businesses begin to realize that producing an organic product is what the consumer demands, more and more green companies will emerge and more "conventional" companies will see the wisdom in going green. When this happens, the power of competition will help drive prices down.

2. Toxicity to Earth & Water: Chemical fertilizers and pesticides harm our environment. These chemicals are known to cause cancer, birth defects, and neurological impairment. Bees, which we rely on in nature to pollinate crops and produce food are becoming endangered; possibly due to the widespread use of pesticides. (Bees travel from field to field and are unable to determine which crops are organic or "conventional".)

3. Toxicity to Our Bodies: The chemicals that we use in our food supply, our households and in our communities are toxic to our bodies. The human body is an amazing and miraculous collection of systems and functions that work endlessly to keep us well. Over time, with continued bombardment of poisonous compounds, these systems start to fail. Risk of cancer, auto-immune disease, and neurological disorders increase with every exposure; every year, every day, every meal, every bite. Yes, every bite counts because it not only presents our bodies with pollutants that must be overcome, but it also contributes to and supports the mainstream conventional culture.

4. Tastes Better: In studies that compared the taste of organic to "conventional" food, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and poultry; people consistently preferred the taste of organic food to "conventional" food.

5. Cruelty to Animals: "Conventional" practices of raising animals for food involve not only feeding the animal food that is laden with pesticides and herbicides, but also hormones, antibiotics and even arsenic. Animals are often maimed, tortured, and found wallowing in and ingesting feces.

6. Karma: Whether you believe in Karma or not, the fact is that when you choose organic food and products, you are doing good things for you, your family and the planet. The result is a more vibrant, healthful, world both inside the body and out.

Start now. If you are not currently choosing organic or green products, take a look around your home and in your kitchen to see where you can start. Perhaps you will begin by selecting one or two products, those that will make the greatest impact on you and your family. Once you begin to go green, you will find yourself becoming more mindful about the choices you make. Go organic, feel good and do good.

Dr. Mary Jayne Rogers is an Exercise Physiologist specializing in whole-person wellness and fitness education and instruction. As an educator, Mary Jayne brings multi-dimensional wellness and fitness experiences along with a welcoming and genuine teaching style to inspire students and wellness enthusiasts of all ages.  Dr. Rogers is the owner of Profound Wellness LLC. You can find more information at www.doctormaryjayne.com.