Cost seems to be the biggest issue with consumers when it comes to organic. And rightfully so. It is expensive, but like most things in life you get what you pay for. I personally look at it as an investment in my health. I’d rather give up eating out for example to afford organic food. The thought of pesticides in my body, especially with a fetus growing in me, is just repulsive. You don’t have to buy everything organic though to notice a difference in your food. Start out with what is known as the “dirty dozen”, 12 different fruits and vegetables that carry the most pesticide residue. Definitely splurge on organic for these:
Peach
Apple
Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes (Imported)
Carrot
Pear
Foods that are considered more clean and are lowest in pesticides include:
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato
Below is some information from the EWG that may further influence your decision to choose organic.
Why Should You Care About Pesticides?
The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood. Scientists now know enough about the long-term consequences of ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our consumption of pesticides.
What’s the Difference?
EWG research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily. The Guide helps consumers make informed choices to lower their dietary pesticide load.
Will Washing and Peeling Help?
Nearly all the studies used to create these lists assume that people rinse or peel fresh produce. Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.
How Was This Guide Developed?
EWG analysts have developed the Guide based on data from nearly 87,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce conducted between 2000 and 2007 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You can find a detailed description of the criteria EWG used to develop these rankings and the complete list of fruits and vegetables tested at, www.foodnews.org. Reference: Pesticides in Produce. Retrieved March 4, 2010 from http://www.foodnews.org/EWG-shoppers-guide-download-final.pdf
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