With warmer weather just around the corner, many of us will be spending more time in the fruit and vegetable section checking out the new produce. Some of you may find yourselves debating whether to purchase organic fruits and vegetables instead of your usual selections. With more food choices than ever before, how do you decide which is best? Are there really any benefits to buying organic?

Organic foods certainly are one of the fastest growing categories in the food industry. Yet today the benefits of organics are still being debated. The USDA does not make any claims that organically produced fruits and vegetables are any healthier than their traditionally produced counterparts. But USDA standards do require that organic foods be produced without the use of pesticides, or synthetic or sewage-derived fertilizers, or bioengineering, or ionizing radiation techniques.

Some studies claim that organic produce is more nutritious, in part because of its reduced exposure to pesticides. As a consumer, I have to believe that reducing exposures to these chemicals may reduce harm and be healthier in the long run.

If you cannot find an organic product and you still want to reduce your exposure to toxins, some of the following tips may help:

• Wash produce well with water or consider using a cleansing product specifically formulated for washing fruits and vegetables and removing pesticides. 
• Peel produce before using (but be aware that you may lose some important nutrients by peeling outer layers).

And keep in mind that no matter which side you fall on — organic or conventional — there's no doubt that eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily is the healthiest choice.