Organic Or Non- Organic? That’s The Question…
Sometimes organic is better…
TOP 5 PESTICIDE LADEN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
These days, pesticides are everywhere, especially as big agriculture becomes even bigger. Non- organic fruits and vegetables are sprayed with synthetic, toxic pesticides which are designed to kill living organisms. All this produce contains residues of these toxic chemicals, but on some fruits and vegetables the amount is greater than others. The USDS Pesticide Data Program released reports on pesticide residues found in non- organic produce. Detectable pesticide residues were found in 65% of food samples AFTER they had been washed or peeled. Some pesticides cannot be removed by washing because they penetrate into the fruits and vegetables (http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/).
If you have to choose which fruits and vegetables should be organic, make sure you include the following five produce because if their not organic counterparts contain some of the highest levels of pesticide residues:
- APPLE
- STRAWBERRIES
- GRAPES
- CELERY
- PEACH
If possible, add the rest of the “DIRTY DOZEN” fruits and vegetables to your organic shopping list which are:
- BLUEBERRIES
- NECTARINE
- BELL PEPPER
- SPINACH
- CHERRIES
- KALE
- POTATO
Organic produce is usually a lot more expensive than conventional produce and it is wise to know when to buy organic. Save money on the “CLEAN 15” fruits and veggies. That will allow you to spend more money on the important pesticide laden produce.
- ONION
- AVOCADO
- SWEET CORN
- PINEAPPLE
- MANGO
- SWEET PEAS
- ASPARAGUS
- KIWI
- CABBAGE
- EGGPLANT
- CANTALOUPE
- WATERMELON
- GRAPEFRUIT
- HONEYDEW MELON
- SWEET POTATO
Happy healthy shopping…
Cheers,
Ursula
That is indeed a gr8 information regarding the use of pesticides and non organic foods. Thank you.
However, do you think natural plant based/ organic pesticides used are equally as healthy as organic foods? As these could be naturally occurring, but how could these be conflicting when we want to choose/buy fruits and veggies. Any of your feedback will be gr8tly appreciated.
Hi Srini,
Thank you for your comment and question. I think you made a valid point. Today’s scientists are discovering more and more plants that produce natural bactericides, fungicides, and insecticides which are very effective. But natural and organic doesn´t necessarily mean harmless. Find more in depth information on the following UC Berkeley site:
http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~lhom/organictext.html
xoxo Ursula