Should I buy Organic?

A question that I am asked a lot is, "Should I buy Organic?" The answer to this question is not black and white. Some families struggle with getting their children to even consume vegetables. Some individuals are limited by income. However, many are ready to take this next step in a healthier lifestyle. 


First of all, what is the definition of organic? "Organic" is a designation to certify foods that were produced without synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, genetic engineering, radiation or sewage sludge. 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1993. Each year, the EWG analyzes test data regarding the pesticides in foods from the United States Department of Agriculture(USDA). The USDA completes this testing after washing, peeling, and scrubbing the produce. From there, EWG ranks the pesticide contamination of 46 popular fruits and vegetables. 


Approximately 70% of non-organic fresh produce contains chemical pesticides that are potentially harmful to those that consume them. We should also be aware that these same produce items still have pesticides in their canned and frozen forms. While EWG does encourage eating organic whenever possible, the emphasis should always on consuming these foods organic or not as part of a healthy diet. 

There is a way to pick and choose that can help you save a little  money while still making healthier choices. 

EWG complies their yearly lists as the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15. The Dirty Dozen is a list with the 12 highest pesticide load. These are the foods that we want to buy organic as much as possible.




If you choose to buy non-organic foods, the Clean 15 are the safest to consume in regards to pesticide contamination.


                                       

Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the keys to good health!

Need help reaching your nutritional goals?

Contact Natalie Hofmeister MS, RDN, LD/N at Lifestyle Nutrition Consulting



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