Health Notes - Organic Food

ORGANIC FOOD

Did you know that if you consumed an average - conventionally grown - apple you could be eating over 30 pesticides, even after you have washed it?

Suggested Google search: apple pesticides

Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients, sewage sludge
(you read it right - sewage sludge!), or ionizing radiation.

Suggested Google search: land application of sewage sludge

Organic food is more expensive, but when it comes to the staples of your diet, organics are a worthwhile investment with payoffs that might surprise you. The benefits influence your health today and long-term. Organics benefit your health because they have more nutrients then conventionally grown crops and you consume fewer toxins.

Government lab tests show that even after washing, certain fruits and vegetables carry much higher levels of pesticides than do others. Eating "The Dirty Dozen" (the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables) exposes you to about 14 pesticides a day. Always buying these foods organic is ideal, but if you can't, focus on those you eat all the time.

"The Dirty Dozen": Apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, grapes (imported), lettuce, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach and strawberries.

Purchasing fresh organic produce is optimal, organic frozen is a good second choice. Canned goods should be avoided.

Suggested Google search: canned food lining

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