In Defense of Organic Food: Many people’s purse strings are pulled a bit tauter these days, and this can pose a dilemma when perusing the produce aisle at your local grocery store. Is it really worth buying organic? That small but significant difference in price can be enough to send some shoppers to choose the “conventional” route. We have little control over any number of toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis simply by living on this planet. We do, however, have control over what we put in our mouths. The pesticides, preservatives and chemicals used to extend the shelf life of food can have a detrimental effect on the body by weakening the immune system, stressing the liver and disrupting the endocrine system. Now, more than ever, the choices you make around food quality directly impact your health. If the thought of switching to all organic feels too overwhelming, then begin with choosing organic when it comes to the top 12 foods most heavily sprayed with pesticides. (Source: The Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org)
“The Dirty Dozen”: Write down these foods on a scrap of paper to keep in your wallet and reference when you go shopping.
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Peaches
- Bell Peppers
- Cherries
- Grapes (imported, Chile)
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Nectarines
- Pears
The question may not be “Can I afford to go organic?” but rather “Can I afford not to?”
