by Susan Payrovi, our Doctor of the Month.
The reality is that it is impossible to ensure any food is 100% organic. Because contamination from soil, air, and water are unavoidable. However, organic is still a healthier option than conventionally grown food. Pesticides are used on conventional crops. Are deliberately designed to be toxic to pests. Unfortunately, they are also harmful to human health. Pesticides have been implicated in learning disabilities and behavioral problems. They are also known as “endocrine disruptors”, meaning they interfere. With hormone function, such as thyroid and testosterone. This is especially problematic for children, who have smaller bodies and rapidly growing brains.
So in a perfect world, you would buy everything organic. But if cost is an issue, here are some guidelines from The Environmental Working Group (EWG):
Clean 15: These foods have low pesticide loads so you don’t have to buy them organically. (avocados, corn, pineapples, cabbage, sweet peas, onions, asparagus, mangoes, papayas, kiwi, eggplant, honeydew, grapefruit, cantaloupe, cauliflower)
Dirty Dozen: These are full of pesticides so spend your money. On organic here (strawberries, apples, nectarines, peaches, celery, grapes, cherries, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers)
And it is always a good idea to wash all fruits and vegetables. Organic or not, with a bar of mild soap and water, before eating.
[Photo by Kevin Noble, our Photographer of the Month.]