Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, making it a healthier and safer option for your grocery list. But with so many fruits and vegetables available, it can be hard to know which ones to buy organic. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has compiled a list of the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables that you should buy organic. Read on to learn more about why you should buy organic and which items you should prioritize.
When it comes to organic produce, there are a few key benefits. Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, making it a healthier option for your grocery list. Additionally, organic poultry and pigs receive food that is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and they don't receive antibiotics, which is common practice on conventional farms. Experts agree that the regular use of these drugs can lead to the appearance of dangerous bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
The EWG has compiled a list of the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables that you should buy organic. Topping the list is strawberries, followed by spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes. If you can't find organic versions of these items in your local grocery store, consider picking up items such as organic grains, nuts, seeds and nuts from stores with bulk containers. Fortunately, there are some items that have very low levels of pesticides even when they are not organically grown. These include onions, avocados, sweet corn and pineapples.
If you're looking for ways to save money on organic produce, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables at home. Most gardeners can easily grow their own celery, peach trees, strawberries, apples, peppers, nectarines, spinach and potatoes. When it comes to dairy products such as butter, yogurt, cream or milk, make sure that the whole dairy products you eat are organic. Organic dairy products guarantee a few things: firstly, the cows must graze on pastures throughout the local grazing season; secondly they must obtain at least 30% of their calories from grazing; thirdly they must not receive antibiotics or hormones; and fourthly they must not be fed genetically modified or pesticide-rich corn or soybeans. Organic meat cows must meet the same guidelines as organic dairy cows: access to pastures during the grazing season and 30% of their calories from those pastures. While organic meat from grocery stores is likely to be raised with soy and corn, the food will not be genetically modified or rich in pesticides. Most pesticides and contaminants also accumulate preferentially in adipose tissue so be especially sure that the fatty meat you eat is organic.
Additionally, green leafy vegetables such as spinach kale lettuce and kale take up virtually entire surface area so their entire bodily manifestation is fully exposed to anything that is sprayed or applied on farm to kill pests. When it comes to eggs from pasture-raised chickens (organic or not), experts recommend buying organic eggs from grocery stores as fat-soluble pesticides in chicken feed are transferred to the egg yolks and tissues of the chicken. In conclusion, buying organic produce is a great way to ensure that you're eating healthy food without any synthetic pesticides or contaminants. The EWG recommends buying organic versions of strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries pears tomatoes celery and potatoes. Additionally consider buying organic dairy products such as butter yogurt cream or milk as well as fatty meats such as beef pork lamb etc.
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