There are many reasons to eat organic produce. However, we know that organic food is more expensive. It is not easily affordable for all income levels. But, there should be a way to maximize the benefits (healthy eating) while minimizing the cost. If we can not buy all veggies and fruits from the 'organic shelves', we could choose to purchase organic those fruits and vegetables which tend to have the most pesticides. It is estimated that if a person avoids eating non-organically grown produce in the top 12 "Dirty Dozen" ( you will see them listed below), pesticide exposure can be reduced by up to 80%. (Environmental Working Group. 96,000 studies by the USDA and FDA of the 49 fruits and vegetables.)
Organic food sales are growing; nevertheless, the large share of the food market is still controlled by conventional food. Thus, my goal is to understand and also help you to be prepared with important facts about food we buy.
Below are some simple facts that will appeal to any responsible person.
1. Organic Food is Safe.
2. Health and safety should not be confused with nutrition. While most research can't prove, beyond a doubt that organic food is more nutritious, it is much safer, which may translate to a healthier body, able to absorb healthy nutrients.
3, Non-organic food often contains harmful hormones and pesticides. Pesticides are poisonous - by nature they're designed to kill. Pesticides can cause neurological problems, cancer, infertility, nausea, allergies and asthma, rashes and other skin problems, birth defects and more.
4. Pesticides Can Remain in the Human Body for Years
5. Organic Food is important for the (yet unborn) babies: research by the Environmental Working Group shows that chemicals, pesticides in food and other pollutants cross the (mother’s) placenta.
6. Organic Food Keeps Our Water Clean: pesticides and chemicals don't belong in drinking water, lakes or oceans, but right now most of the water on earth is at risk. The water runoff from non-organic farms and other food operations can deposit pesticides into lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Many pesticides don't break down in water and may remain in the water system for years.
4. Organic Food Helps Protect Animals: wild animals, fish and birds depend upon healthy plants, streams, rivers and lakes in their habitat.
7. Organic Food Offers Better Flavor: organic foods don't contain artificial preservatives, so they sit on the shelf for less time, and consumers get a fresher, better tasting product.
8. Organic Food is Becoming More Affordable: when people continually purchase organic food it shows consumer support for organics and then companies will try to meet that demand with more competitive prices. The only way to show the government and businesses that people care about quality, affordable organics is to buy quality organics. Your organic purchases now make a difference in the long run.
But, if you are still buying conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, here is what you should know and do: Soak Vegetables & Fruit in Sea Salt Water to Remove Pesticides
Fruit and Vegetables Pesticides are heavily used on much of our produce, and while this keeps insects from destroying fruits and vegetables, it harms humans. The sea salt solution can be more effective than washing produce with water alone. This is especially important for vegetables and fruits which are not peeled before eating such as apples, bell peppers, potatoes and strawberries.
After you get back from the supermarket:
1 . Remove the outer leafs and skins from the produce, (if applicable.)
2 . Fill a large bowl with warm water. Add ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of vinegar to the warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves.
3. Add the fruits and vegetables to the bowl. Wash the outside of the fruit with your hands, or use a vegetable scrubbing brush to wash the produce safely.
4 . Rinse the vegetables and fruit off. Use clean water to rinse the solution from the produce, and then dry them off with paper towels. Now the food is prepared for storage.
OR : soak fruits and veggies on the salt water for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in running water and proceed consuming (eating). ;-)
And finally, the promised earlier : - “Dirty Dozen”:
This is a ranking of the different items, from the most problematic in terms of pesticides, to least likely to have pesticide residue.
1.(worst) Celery
2.Peaches
3.Strawberries
4.Apples
5.Blueberries - U.S. Grown
6.Nectarines
7.Sweet Bell Peppers
8.Spinach
9.Kale and Collard Greens
10.Cherries
11.Potatoes
12.Grapes – Imported from outside U.S.
13.Lettuce
14.Blueberries - Imported
15.Carrots
16.Green Beans – U.S. grown
17.Pears
18.Plums - Imported
19.Summer Squash
20.Cucumbers - Imported
21.Green Beans - Imported
22.Hot Peppers
23.Red Raspberries
24.Oranges
25.Grapes – U.S. grown
26.Cantaloupe
27.Cucumbers - U.S. Grown
28.Cauliflower
Well, now you know…
Stray healthy for many years, my friends!
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