There is continual discussion on this topic involving nutrition, environmental impact, pesticides, toxins and the list goes on. Personally, I have done some research and have come up with a path that I follow regarding organic vs. non organic and I would like to share a few tips with you.
There has been a massive amount of research completed proving that food heals, this research was completed using primarily conventional produce. With that said one may conclude that it isn’t worth it to buy organic. However, I believe there are some items where it is absolutely necessary to buy organic. These items are labeled “The Dirty Dozen” because they have the highest pesticide load of all fruits and vegetables. “The Dirty Dozen” include the following: celery, blueberries, kale and collard greens, peaches, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, apples, spinach and grapes.
Conversely there are 15 fruits and vegetables that have been labeled as the “Clean 15”, these items have the lowest pesticide load of all fruits and vegetables. They include: onions, sweet peas, cantaloupe, avocado, asparagus, watermelon, sweet corn, kiwi, grapefruit, pineapple, eggplant, sweet potato, mango, cabbage, and honeydew melon.
Knowing this information my first rule is to always buy organic when I shop for items listed in “The Dirty Dozen” and never buy organic when I am purchasing items in the “Clean Fifteen”. Along with this rule it is important to wash your fruits and vegetables by running water on them after you have sprayed them with a good veggie wash.
There is debate among studies concerning nutritional value of organic produce vs. non organic produce. Some studies indicate that organic produce has more nutritional value however there are also studies that indicate that organic produce does not have more nutritional value than non organic produce. With this said, I go back to rule number one that allows me to purchase the cleanest of the produce non organic.
When it comes to animal products one may think that you don’t have to worry about pesticides, however, do not buy into this pattern of thought. Animal products have a much higher residue of pesticides and herbicides because animals are eating conventional produce and these chemicals are concentrated in the tissue of the animals. Rule number two is to buy organic animal products whenever possible. And in particular buy organic eggs because conventional eggs have a unhealthy ratio of omega 3:6 fatty acids which makes our omega 6 overdose even higher. Our Omega 6 problem stems from the many refined oils in our diet.
The other compelling factor that leads me to buy organic animal products is that conventional farming now feeds animals POOP! And when it comes down to what I want to eat, poop is not on the list! LOL 🙂
Jean Sumner has pursued an interest in wellness her entire life. An avid runner, she is passionate about exercise, eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Jean was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2009 this only served to fuel the flames of her passions and encouraged her to learn more about wellness. This diagnosis actually led to the beginning of World Wellness Education with a mission of “Teaching the world about wellness — one story at a time.”
As Jean pursued alternative methods of treating cancer she met countless individuals who had great stories to tell regarding how nutrition, spirituality and exercise helped them to overcome their various illnesses. Since these stories were moving, motivating and timely she thought that each of these stories may make a difference in others lives. With the knowledge that we learn from stories more quickly than other teaching methods an organization was born in hopes to make a difference in the well being of every individual on the planet.
This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.