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Go Green or Bust? When to Buy Organic
Unpeelable Produce
Verdict: Go green
Fruits and veggies that can't be peeled (or where you usually eat the skin) are typically coated with insect repellants -- the USDA has found 28 pesticides on conventionally grown potatoes, 39 on strawberries, and 48 on grapes and apples. Unfortunately, the substances that keep bugs off your berries have been linked to cancer, lung disease, birth defects, reproductive problems, and more, so opt organic when purchasing leafy greens, apples, potatoes, and the like; they're grown with nonsynthetic pest controls. (Always be sure to avoid the Dirty Dozen -- the most pesticide-laden fruits and veggies.)
Can't afford organic produce? Try this make-your-own wash, from Jackie Newgent, RD, author of Big Green Cookbook: Mix 1 cup each water and white distilled vinegar, 2 teaspoons each fresh lemon juice and baking soda. (Foaming may occur.) Spray and scrub with a produce brush, then rinse to shower off some pesticide residue.
You can also try shopping your local farmers' market for hidden organic gems. "Many farmers follow environmentally friendly practices but haven't completed the certification process to be considered officially organic," says Newgent. Just ask Farmer Bill if he uses chemical pesticides -- you might snag an undercover eco-friendly deal!
What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.
Kelli, it is true that organic foods still can contain high amounts of sugar and other ingredients, it is always the better choice! Mainly because of what is NOT in the products. I always look for the organinc products which are on sale and stock up! fruit can be washed and frozen for great smoothies! Supporting organic, sound farming practices is important. We need to take health into our own hands. We all know the FDA and other government agencies like them are not going to!!!
1/30/2013 10:00:40 AM Report Abuse"The organic advantage: Organic bans the use of chemical pesticides, keeping them not just out of your food, but also your community¿s water, air, and rain."
9/10/2012 06:00:06 AM Report Abuse"The organic advantage: Antibiotic-resistant superbug germs are far less likely to be found on organic meat because organic bans the use of antibiotics. You¿re more than 30 percent less likely to come in contact with superbugs in the meat supply when you choose organic"
9/10/2012 05:59:14 AM Report Abuse@ kelli.fulkerson If you are avoiding CHEMICAL PESTICIDES, it is! From your link: "While not a main point of the Stanford study, researchers did conclude that organic food contained significantly lower levels of pesticide residues, something previous research suggests could help protect kids from autism and ADHD, among other ills." I wonder why anyone would think that organic is MORE NUTRITIOUS in the first place!
9/10/2012 05:57:26 AM Report AbuseOrganic isn't always better...science proves it! Check out what your competitors have to say about it! http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/thisjustin/organic-food/?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-WomensHealth-_-Content-Health_Blog-_-OrganicFood
9/6/2012 10:03:56 AM Report Abuse