Going Organic

Organic, are there any benefits to buying them and what does it actually mean?  For the last 10 years or so everyone is talking about going organic and how much healthier it is for you.  But is that really true? Most consumers believe eating organic means eating healthier and they taste better.  Organic products can cost more than double than no-organic foods, is it really worth the price? 

Let’s define the word organic.  "Organic crops are raised without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Animals raised on an organic operation must be fed organic feed and given access to the outdoors. They are given no antibiotics or growth hormones."  We have been told an increased exposure to pesticides can increase our health risks, especially in our children. The EPA states that coming in contact with pesticides can increase your chances with cancer, birth defects and nerve damage. 

There are two lists put together that help consumers decide which products are really necessary to purchase organic and which are not. The list was put together by the United States Department of Agriculture it determines the amount of remaining pesticides are left after non organic produce after they have been washed.

The produce on the “The Dirty Dozen” list, tested positive for at least 47 different chemicals.  All produce on the Dirty Dozen list should be purchased Organic.

·       Celery

·       peaches

• strawberries
• apples
• domestic blueberries
• nectarines
• sweet bell peppers
• spinach, kale and collard greens
• cherries
• potatoes
• imported grapes
• lettuce

Produce on “The Clean 15” found little to no traces of pesticides, and if consumers choose to do so they can purchase non organic and feel safe….

• onions
• avocados
• sweet corn
• pineapples
• mango
• sweet peas
• asparagus
• kiwi fruit
• cabbage
• eggplant
• cantaloupe
• watermelon
• grapefruit
• sweet potatoes
• sweet onions