Since no studies have systematically compared organic food regimens against conventional fare, why do so many people advocate the consumption of organic? Or put another way, why all the warnings about the dangers in consuming conventional food?

Ann Kulze, MD, a family physician in Charleston, South Carolina, believes Americans often "don't get it" when it comes to eating properly. Since more than 60% of us are packing enough extra pounds to be considered clinically overweight, she certainly has a point.

Eating is not just a way to look good for your 20th high-school reunion, says Dr. Kulze, a wife and mother of four whose new book, Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet, will hit bookstore shelves in October. Eating is a way of life, she tells OrganicAuthority.com-and consumption of organic foods is the best way to go.

Here are 10 ways to incorporate organic foods into your healthful diet.

When it comes to women's health, one word regularly pops up on the radar these days: "soy."

In reality, anyone can benefit from eating products made from soybeans, a popular member of the pea family. They are high in quality vegetarian protein and low in calories and cholesterol-an important dietary plus when you realize that more women die from heart disease each year than from all forms of cancer.

The most popular legume in the world (particularly in Asia), soybeans are also an excellent source of vitamin B, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron and other minerals. In addition to the native bean form, soy can be enjoyed as soymilk, tofu (unflavored bean curd), tempeh (a firm curd with a nutty flavor, usually fermented), textured vegetable protein ("veggie" burgers or "meat" loaf) and miso (like soy sauce, used to flavor a variety of dishes). Creative manufacturers have also added soy to a host of packaged foods.