Economic Way to Eat Organic

One of the problems with trying to eat more organic food is obviously cost.   A 2004 USDA study on pesticide residues may help in deciding which foods to buy organic.  It turns out that there are 12 particularly contaminated foods. Some sources have estimated that 90% of our pesticide exposure may come from just this "dirty dozen".

12 Most Contaminated Foods

Strawberries, apples, lettuce, spinach, nectarines, celery, pears, cherries, potatoes, sweet bell peppers, raspberries and imported grapes

12 Least Contaminated Foods

Avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, kiwi, mangoes, onions, papaya, pineapple, and peas

Milk and baby foods are possibly another area in which organic might be worth emphasizing.  Pesticide-free baby food seems like an obvious goal.

Non-organic milk is not only ladened with antibiotics, but the cattle have often been given a synthetic hormone known as recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH).  There are real questions about possible adverse health consequences from this hormone for humans. Although there are non-organic brands which avoid this hormone, they are not always labeled as rBGH free.  Unfortunately, there is no requirement for this labeling.

If you do buy non-organic produce, wash them particularly well and remove any thick skins.  These steps will help eliminate much of the pesticide residue.  It is worth noting that peppers have been found to have greater than 40 pesticide residues and pears greater than 25.

A final note:  even if you can not afford organic produce, the health benefits of eating 5 or more cups of fruits and vegetables per day seem to well out weigh the possible risks from the pesticides.  If you drink non organic milk, look for the label that says rBGH free.  If all of us buy more of the milk labeled this way, it sends a clear message to the producers.