The Organic Dilemma: When to choose Organic?

We’ve all seen the booming (and expensive!) organic sections in our local grocery stores but what is the real benefit of spending more money to buy organic.  I’m here to help simplify this dilemma!

What is Organic?

Simply put organic farming is an organized system of farming that promotes the sustainable health and productivity of the ecosystem- soil, plants, animals and people.  Organic produce and grains are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or GMOs (genetically modified organisms) while animals are never fed by-products of other animals and are raised with the ability to roam free and socialize.

Why Choose Organic?

Generally fruits and vegetables are sprayed with synthetic pesticides and other toxic chemicals to preserve them and help them grow.  Different pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including hormone disruption, cancer and brain toxicity.  Eating organic foods reduces our exposure to these harmful synthetic chemicals and can have a number of long term health benefits. But for most people, switching to organic produce is a gradual process.  Because organic foods tend to be more expensive than their counterparts, making informed choices in the produce aisle helps minimize pesticide consumption while keeping the budget in check!

When buying non-organic foods my tip is to:
“Avoid the Dirty Dozen and Choose the Clean Fifteen”

The Dirty Dozen are produce that typically absorb higher amounts of pesticides and chemicals in their skin and seeds.  When purchasing these foods, try to choose organic.  It’s important that you don’t completely eliminate these healthy foods from your diet, instead start with buying the top 3 foods organic and gradually work your way down.

The Clean Fifteen are produce which tend to absorb and contain the least amount of pesticides and chemicals.  Choose these foods when sticking to the non- organic section of your grocery store.

The Dirty Dozen (in order of contamination)

Apples    Celery    Sweet bell peppers    Peaches    Strawberries    Nectarines    Grapes    Spinach    Lettuce    Cucumbers    Blueberries    Potatoes

 The Clean Fifteen (in order of least contamination)

Onions    Sweet Corn    Pineapples    Avocado    Cabbage    Sweet peas    Asparagus    Mangoes    Eggplant    Kiwi    Cantaloupe    Sweet potatoes    Grapefruit    Watermelon    Mushrooms