Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Should my family go organic or not?

Organic Carrots

Organic fruits and vegetables: To go organic or not? That very often is the question, especially when the cost of organic fruits and vegetables is higher than the commercial counterpart. But let’s consider this… We are susceptible to pesticides and the consumption of pesticides and other chemicals can have a drastic effect on our health. Therefore in the long run the organic foods may be the less expensive option. But even with that rationalization many of us still need to make the organic choice weekly at the grocery store. Here is a simple list you can print and keep with you to remind you of the foods you should buy organic.

What produce to buy 100% organic and when it is okay to go commercial:

Certain produce is sprayed with more chemicals, or because of a thin or porous skin, absorbs more chemicals. For these reasons the “dirty dozen” and “clean 15” lists were created. The produce items found on the “dirty dozen” list are the most sprayed and also the produce options which have absorbed the most chemicals. available domain names Therefore these fruits and veggies are hard to clean, and even if washed and scrubbed will still contain a significant amount of chemicals.

The Dirty Dozen and The Clean Fifteen

According to the Environmental Working Group as of 2012-2013 www.EWG.org

 Dirty Dozen (always choose organic)

Organic leafy greens

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Nectarines – imported
7. Grapes
8. Spinach
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Blueberries – domestic
12. Potatoes
13. New additions – Kale/leafy dark greens and green beans

The Clean 15 (Lowest in pesticides)

1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Cabbage
6. Sweet Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Mangos
9. Eggplant
10. Kiwi
11. Cantaloupe – domestic
12. Sweet Potatoes
13. Grapefruit
14. Watermelon
15. Mushrooms

Remember that the pesticides are not only a toxic load to the body but can also alter GI microbial balance, hormone function and balance contribute to symptoms and conditions like leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues and sex hormone imbalance.

In good health,

Dr. Kim Bruno