Organic food facts

June 23, 8:56 PMSF Mind and Body ExaminerAna Poirier

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When taking on healthy dietary changes, it is important to choose organic whenever possible. Organic foods have fewer toxins, at least 50% more nutrition and are grown in ways that do not harm the environment.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that even after washing, some fruits and vegetables consistently carry much higher levels of pesticide residue than others. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, researchers have narrowed down the most toxic offenders to “The Dirty Dozen”. To avoid exposure to excessive toxins, it is best to consume the foods below organically.

Must-buy organic foods:
Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Cherries
Chilean grapes
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries

When organic is not available, the following foods have a much lower toxic load when grown conventionally.

Okay to buy conventional (lower pesticide residue)l:
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Blackberries
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Corn
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Lettuce (Romaine)
Mangos
Okra
Papayas
Pineapples
Onions
Radishes
Tangerines
Tomatoes
Watermelon

Easy, fun and inexpensive ways to get the highest quality foods include local farmer’s markets, joining a CSA (community supported agriculture), looking to see what is grown locally at your market and growing your own. Very often produce which is in season and grown locally is on sale and fresher.
Local Harvest is a wonderful resource for finding local farmer’s markets and CSA’s.

For more information: visit Devana Wellness