Opinion is still divided about whether or not organic food is more nutritious than non-organic food. What everyone can agree on, however, is that organic food is healthier:
Why?
- Certified organic food has almost no synthetic pesticide residue.
- It has virtually no food additives.
Also, organic farming is better for the environment. Since organic farmers use less chemicals, their farms contribute significantly to global sustainability.
What if you can’t afford to buy organic?
One solution is to use your ‘organic budget’ wisely by buying according to residual pesticide residues and not buying everything organic.
Fruits and vegetables are often washed before being sold. Most people wash their produce again before using or consuming. Despite several washings, some fruits and vegetables will still have pesticide residue. People can lower the amount of synthetic pesticides that enter their bodies by buying organic varieties of those foods which tend to retain pesticide residue.
Every year the EWG, Environmental working group, releases their annual dirty dozen + fruits and vegetables that you should always buy organic whenever possible.
apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach, sweet bell peppers, strawberries, celery, hot peppers, kale, collard greens, zucchini, blueberries, and lettuce
Testing shows that these foods hold the least pesticide residues. As a result, they are safer to eat non-organic:
asparagus, avocados, cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, eggplant, grapefruit, kiwis, mangoes, onions, papayas, pineapples, sweet corn, and sweet potatoes.
Using your ‘organic budget’ where it will do the most good gives you the best health for your money.
So, next time, make sure the ‘apple of your eye’ hasn’t got some pesticide residue tagging along.