To Buy Or Not to Buy Organics

The “Dirty Dozen”

Today, organic food has grown into a $14 billion business and represents the fastest-growing segment of the grocery industry. In 2005, two-thirds of American consumers bought organic food at least once.A 2003 study from the University of California at Davis found that organic produce includes significantly higher levels of vitamin C and a greater variety of micro-nutrients than conventional produce.

A Danish study released in 2005 concluded that organic milk contained significantly higher levels of vitamin E, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Other studies have shown that grass-fed animals produce meats, milk and eggs with more vitamin E, folic acid, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat and cholesterol than corn-fed animals.

It’s a great healthy idea to buy organic but the cost with a family is often just to expensive . There is a balance to be struck with organics and your pocket book.For starters choose the fruits and veggies that pose the least pesticide threat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that even after a thorough washing, the fruits and vegetables below consistently carried much higher levels of pesticide residue than others.

1. Apples
2. Cherries
3. Grapes, imported
4. Nectarines
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Raspberries
8. Strawberries
9. Bell peppers
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Spinach