Fruits and Veggies: Should You Always Buy Organic?

Fruits and Veggies: SHOULD YOU ALWAYS BUY ORGANIC?

by Daniel Lambraia

Should You Always Choose Organic?...Maybe Not Some fruits and vegetables should always be bought organic, but some traditionally grown produce is fine to include in a pesticide-free diet.

The reasoning often has to do with a protective outer skin. For example, pineapples have a thicker skin than strawberries, so they tend to have significantly less pesticides.

According to recent research, there are 12 fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic, but 18 that you can opt for conventionally grown options.Â

From a USDA Study...

The consumer desire for organic foods has been growing in recent years. A 2013 USDA study found that almost â…” of produce samples tested contained pesticide residue.

In fact, 165 different pesticides were found in the 3,015 produce samples tested.

The "Dirty Dozen" Every year, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a guide that identifies fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest pesticide residues.

Because high-pesticide produce has been linked to poorer fertility and nervous system problems in children, it’s important to be conscious of the produce you’re consuming.

If you have access to organic produce, here are the 12 fruits and vegetables that you should always buy organic: https://www.ewg.org/release/out-now-ewg-s-2018-shopper-s-guide-pesticides-produce#.W0YLZ9hKii7

The Dirty Dozen with

Proceed

Caution

Strawberries — ⅓ of all

Spinach — has almost

Nectarines — 94% of

samples contained at

twice as much pesticide

conventional samples

least 10 pesticides

residue by weight when

contained two or more

Apples — 80% contained

compared to any other

pesticides

diphenylamine, a

crop

Peaches — 99% contained

pesticide that’s banned in

Grapes — 96% contained

pesticide residue

Europe

some pesticide residue

Potatoes

Cherries

Tomatoes

Sweet Bell Peppers

Pears

Celery

list courtesy of http://www.eatingwell.com/article/15806/the-dirty-dozen-12-foods-you-should-buy-organic/

The "Clean Eighteen" You can eat this non-organic produce without significant exposure to pesticides Asparagus

Onion

Avocado

Mango

Cabbage

Mushroom

Cantaloupe Carrots (peeled) Cauliflower

Papaya Pineapple Sweet Corn

Eggplant

Sweet Peas

Grapefruit

Sweet Potato

Kiwi

Watermelon

https://www.salon.com/2015/06/23/18_foods_you_dont_need_to_buy_organic_partner/

In many parts of the country, it is difficult to access organic produce. These “food deserts” are usually in urban areas, like New York City.

Additionally, organic produce is often not available for low-income families because of the higher prices.

Knowing the list above can help everyone save money and the hassle of locating organic options in a pinch.

Whether they’re organic or not, eating more fruits and vegetables is better than eating none at all.

The nutritional value and benefits for your body are key for a healthy, well-balanced diet.

However, if organic produce is a viable option for you, you should be sure to buy organic when it matters.

Thank You! Find me on Medium to read my full-length blog article on this topic.

Or follow my nutrition blog at DanielLambraia.net

https://medium.com/@dlambraia/fruits-and-veggies-should-you-always-buy-organic-fdf87293027e