Shopping organic can be expensive and not necessarily better for you. Many consumers feel that if you buy macaroni and cheese or chips in the organic section, then you can eat as much of it as you want. Not the case. Yes, maybe the chips are made with organic flour but the calories and fat are nearly identical. Portion control is still the key.
However, if you can afford to spend the money on organic items you should do so in the produce section of your supermarket. Non-organic fruits and vegetables are treated with pesticides when they are being farmed which many scientists believe will have a negative impact on human health. Rinsing the produce does not wash off the pesticide. Peeling does help, however, with fruit like apples and peaches, a majority of the fruit’s nutrients are found right under the skin.
Organic produce is pesticide free. Below is a list of the 12 fruits/vegetables with the highest level of pesticides. If possible, buy organic of the produce below. This information is from the Environmental Working Group (You can print a wallet guide of the “Dirty Dozen” and “The Clean 15” at www.foodnews.org and carry it with you at the supermarket.)
- Celery
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Nectarines
- Bell Peppers
- Spinach
- Cherries
- Kale/Collard Greens
- Potatoes
- Grapes – imported
