2011 Organic Produce Recommendations

Do you know that this apple may not be as healthy for you as you think? Apples are number one this year on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2011 list of most heavily pesticide sprayed crops. If you're one of my clients than you know how strongly I advocate eating organic. Our produce, if not organic, can be laden with pesticide. Buying organic assures that you are not ingesting toxic chemicals. It also assures that you are not consuming Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's). Conventional corn and soy, our nations largest crops, are all now GMO's. In addition, studies have shown that organic produce and meat are more nutritious for you than conventional. Buying organic dairy and meat assures you are not consuming added hormones, antibiotics or other artificial drugs that were fed to the animal.

The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Web site is a great place to get updated information on organic produce and other health/environmental issues (including water quality). This year they released an updated version of the "dirty dozen." A list of fruits and vegetables that are heavily sprayed with pesticides. The EWG Web site offers a small printable list you can carry in your purse or wallet. For a $10 donation, you can receive a shopping bag tag (similar to a luggage tag) that features the "dirty dozen" printed on it. And, they now have a smart phone app. In iTunes, look up "Dirty Dozen," for the free downloadable app or here's a link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dirty-dozen/id312336368?mt=8

Other products to eat organic: almonds and coffee. They are also among the most heavily sprayed crops. If you consume processed sugar, eat only organic. Other wise it's a GMO. I prefer to use sweeteners such as honey, agave, palm or date sugar. These sweeteners offer more nutrition than processed white sugar. Please note that there are some products that you don't have to eat organic (to avoid pesticides) such as bananas (and other "thick skinned" fruit), asparagus, avocado and sweet peas. Check out the EWG Web site for the full list.

EWG's Web site links:

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/ (videos available)

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/ (full list of produce)