Organic foods are exploding onto the supermarket shelves. Data from the Food Marketing Institute reveals that 51 percent of U.S. shoppers purchase some organic foods, most frequently fruits and vegetables, followed by dairy products. But the big question behind the organic boom is: Are they really healthier for us?

The USDA does not claim that organic foods are more nutritious or safer for people. A 2007 study, however, from the University of California Davis analyzed the antioxidant content of tomatoes over a 10-year period and found that the organic tomatoes did contain more flavonoids, a type of antioxidant.

While this study doesn't say we should all start buying organic, it does show that the nutritional content of organic produce can differ from conventionally grown produce.

And research does support the expected result that organic diets for children result in fewer pesticides ending up in their bodies. While consuming non-organic foods hasn't been found to cause neurological damage or other harm, purchasing organic foods for little developing bodies and minds may be prudent.  

I think more research is needed before we can say that, yes, all organic foods are more nutritional. Some organic foods, such as crackers and cookies, are certainly no better for us than regular snack foods.

Of course, the term "organic" doesn't only refer to the foods themselves. Farmers who produce organic foods use techniques that eliminate pesticides and conserve soil and water, making organic foods a greener choice environmentally.

The reason why consumers aren't going all-out for organic is the cost. With food prices only going up at the supermarket nowadays, watching our grocery expenditures is a must.

My advice: If you're going to spend the extra money for organic foods, spend it on organic produce, not on organic snacks and sweets. The bottom line for health is still to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or not.