Most Important Foods to Buy Organic
There has been a lot of buzz about organic produce and food over the last few years. We all know that organic foods are better for us, but they are also significantly more expensive. Many families can’t afford to buy all organic food, but, are some foods dangerous if not organic? Are some organic foods a waste of money? Use this handy guide to determine which organic foods offer the most bang for the buck.
Can't Afford All Organic?
Don’t worry, there are options for people who can’t afford an all organic diet. In fact, there are plenty of “clean” foods that offer little pesticide exposure even if they aren’t organic. Alternatively, there are some foods that are dangerous if not organic and should definitely be avoided in theirnon-organic produce form, especially if there are very young children or people with a compromised immune system in the house. The Environmental Working Group conducted a study and found that by consuming “clean foods” and avoiding the contaminated ones, a typical shopper can reduce her exposure to pesticides by 80%.
Cleaning and Washing Produce
In general, foods that have thick, inedible skins are a good choice when looking for a safe food because most pesticides don’t reach the edible part of the plant. Also, plants that grow in cooler seasons when there are fewer insect predators mean that there is less need for spraying and thus, less pesticide exposure. Some of the best safe non-organic foods include the following:
* This counts for the fruit only. The zest of the fruit may contain high levels of pesticides and should be cleaned thoroughly before using.
Pesticide-Heavy Foods
Just as thick peels or skin protect fruits and vegetables from pesticide exposure; thin edible skin has just the opposite effect. Every year, the Environmental Working Group creates a “Dirty Dozen List” of the 12 most pesticide-contaminatedfoods dangerous if not organic. Not surprisingly, most of the produce on the list has thin, delicate skin. Fruits and vegetables on the 2010 list include the following:
What might be startling is that organic meat and milk are at the top of the list for 2010. Meat and milk, though not directly sprayed with pesticide, can still contain hormones and antibiotics used in raising the animals. Beef and pork fat can also serve as a store house for pesticides that can build up when the animal is exposed to them in its feed. By far, the best money spent on organic food will be on meat and dairy products. Look for a USDA organic label on meat products which ensures that the animals were raised with organic feed and not given growth hormones or antibiotics. However, be prepared to spend quite a bit more money on organic animal products—sometimes twice as much.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Eating
If the thought of spending extra money for organic produce and meat seems hard to stomach, there are some other options for a hardworking family.
Meatless Meals
Increase the number of organic vegetarian meals your family eats and you’ll instantly eliminate a lot of the cost of organic meat and dairy. Turning to grains, legumes, and vegetables at least one night a week will not only save money, it is also a wonderful gift to the environment since meat products are some of the worst polluters.
Grow a Garden
Organic gardening has been increasing in popularity, and now there are a lot of commercial products readily available for those that want to grow foods without chemicals. Many of the foods on the dirty dozen list are easily grown in temperate climates. Growing fruits and vegetable is rewarding and a money-saver. Plus, no store-bought produce can compare to the things you grow at home.
