Monday, August 13, 2012

 

Prioritize when it comes to buying organic foods

Many people can’t afford to buy all organic foods. If you are concerned about your health but also worried about the price tag, there are ways to prioritize when to buy organic and when you don’t really need to.

The Environmental Working Group has developed a list of the foods highest in pesticides. Called the Dirty Dozen, the list includes celery; peaches; strawberries; apples; blueberries; nectarines; bell peppers; spinach; kale; cherries; potatoes; and grapes. These are some healthy and great tasting foods, but if at all possible, buy these foods organic.

I also recommend that you buy organic milk and meats. In my opinion, the expense is worth it.

But not all food needs to be organic. Food generally considered to be lowest in pesticides are: onions; sweet corn; pineapple; kiwi, mango; asparagus; cabbage; eggplant; tomatoes; broccoli; sweet potatoes; and watermelon.

Another suggestion I have is to buy local whenever possible. Farmers markets are springing up in every town, and produce is usually freshly-picked and generally contain less pesticides and other chemicals. 

Alice Facente is a community education nurse for the Backus Health System. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.

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