The Top Ten

I wrote this for those people who are pondering the purchase of organic foods. I'd like to begin by telling you what “organic” means to me, and also some of the reasons why I personally made the switch.

For food to be classified organic means it is produced without the use of chemicals, herbicides, fungicides, petroleum, sewage, sludge-based fertilizers or chemical pesticides. These foods are also not bio-engineered, genetically modified, or irradiated, and contain no or much less synthetic or artificial flavorings, colors, chemical preservatives, pesticides, hormones or antibiotics.

Also please note that “Natural" or "All Natural" doesn't mean organic. Because organic foods are popular becoming more popular, many companies are labeling unhealthy foods "Organic," such as Fruit Loops and other junk-type foods. So a good rule to remember is to stick with raw, unprocessed foods and use your best judgment.

It was my concern that the widespread use of antibiotics in conventionally raised animals and pesticides use on crops may spawn drug resistance, and that synthetic growth hormones could cause cancer or speed up puberty for children (especially little girls).

Pesticides do cause disease and death. Their goal is to kill off bugs and pests, but it was my concern that they could also have a serious impact on the lives of humans, especially children. This is particularly important because the long-term effect of this combination of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and chemicals can affect fertility, development, and the overall health of our children.

Here, according to Delicious Organics, are the Top Ten Fruits and Veggies produced using the most chemicals. These are the ones that you should try and buy organic if you can ALL of the time.

FRUITS	VEGETABLES	OTHER
Strawberries -one of the most pesticide laden food of all Raspberries Apples Grapes Raisins Grape Juice Peaches- listed as the worst with the highest levels of pesticides of all conventional produce Nectarines Apricots Pears Cherries Lemons Limes Bananas - heavy chemicals for the trip to America including Thiabendazole, which damages the brain and nervous system Kiwis Cantaloupes - from Mexico Tomatoes	Potatoes Green Beans - Acephate, Benomyl, Chlorothalonil, Methamidophos - Damages Brain and Nervous System, Cause Birth Defects Carrots Corn - bugs love it, plus most corn is now genetically modified! Celery Cucumbers Spinach Green & Red Bell Peppers Lettuce Hot Peppers Green Beans Hard Winter Squash	Rice - loaded with pesticides! Oats Milk - antibiotics and hormones are forced into America's conventional dairy cow Baby Foods Farm raised Salmon GMO - like Corn and Soy

And here are the Top Ten Fruits and Veggies produced using the least amount of chemicals.

• Onions
• Avocado
• Pineapple
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Mangoes,
• Papaya,
• Sweet Peas
• Cauliflower
  
• Kiwi

While it’s true that organic items can be a bit more pricey to purchase, I would suggest looking for coupons in the Sunday paper, e-mailing companies and asking for coupons (they will generally send them), and purchase items that are on sale. And oh, let’s not forget about the good benefit of locally grown fruits & veggies that can usually be found at co-ops.

Sources:

-WebMD Medical News January 10, 2006
-The National Dairy Council
-USDA Pesticide Data Program.