Why Buy Organic?

How many of you look for organic food in your grocery, but quickly decide against it due to the high prices? Yes, they are more expensive, but after learning how much better organic is, I do what I can to buy as many as I can afford.

First of all what is organic? Natural does not mean organic. Broadly defined, organic is a method of farming and gardening that relies on natural systems and products, and is free of virtually all synthetic and toxic chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. The United States Department of Agriculture has strict regulations farmers must follow to be certified organic, (Demandorganic.org).

The Environmental Working Group research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day, (foodnews.org). With that short lesson, you should realize the importance of buying organic when you can. Here are some foods you may want to consider buying organic because of the high amount of pesticides:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Grapes(imported)
• Carrots
• Pears
There has been a link to wide-spread human health impacts such as birth defects, diabetes, auto-immune disorders, such as allergies and asthma, and some cancers due to pesticides. Not only does going organic decrease the risks, many studies have shown greater nutrient density in organic foods, and higher levels of polyunsaturated fats (the good fats) in grass-based, organic livestock.
Can washing and peeling help eliminate pesticides? Rinsing reduces but it does not eliminate pesticides. Soaking your fruits and veggies in a veggie wash you make or buy, is important to not only remove pesticides but to clean harmful bacteria’s that can exist on them. Peeling can help, but then important nutrients are lost down the drain in the skins.
In conclusion, buying organic can definitely benefit your health. The less we spend on food, the more we spend on health care. Today, Americans spend almost 20 cents of every dollar managing disease such as allergies, diabetes, asthma, cancer and obesity – and only 10 cents of every dollar on food.