Why choose organic? As a Naturopath I always try to encourage my clients to consume fresh, unprocessed, organic, whole foods. For many people the choice between buying organic and conventional foods has a lot to do with cost. Undoubtedly, majority of consumers would like buy more organic food if it wasn’t so expensive.
The Environmental working group have compiled a list of “clean” and “dirty” fruit and vegetables. Listing the fruit and vegetables which contain the most chemicals and are recommended to buy organic and which are safer so you can balance out the cost.
The Dirty Dozen include
Apples, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, capsicum, potatoes, spinach, berries, kale, zucchini and lettuce.
The clean 15 include
Avocado, pineapple, cabbage, onions, asparagus, mangos, kiwi fruit, eggplant, grapefruit, cauliflower, rockmelon, sweet peas, paw paw, honey melon and sweet corn.
Here is my list of why choose organic? I hope it helps making the switch just a bit easier….
Avoids pesticides
150 of the commonly used pesticides are linked to many diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, asthma, depression and anxiety, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and cancer, including leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
High standards
Organic farms are inspected by an independent third party every year.
Protect the environment
Organic farmers work with nature providing habitats for natural predators such as beetles, spiders and birds, which help control pests.
Climate Change
A UK Government study found organic farms use 30 – 40% less energy than non-organic farms.
Avoid GM
Organic food and farming prohibits the growing of any GM (Genetically Modified) crops.
Taste
Organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly and have a-lower water content, which as a result, contributes to the flavour and nutrient content.
One of the top trends in recent years has been the return of farmers markets. Buying direct from local growers means that you are supporting the producers and not the big supermarket chains. In addition, farmers markets are a great source of finding the best local and seasonal produce in the one location while connecting with your local community.
Not to mention, here are also many on-line organic food suppliers to choose from that offer home delivery.
So join the growing numbers that are making the switch.
For more information regarding “Why choose organic” or to book a naturopathic consultation contact B inspired healthy lifestyle.
References:
Sources: Environmental working group (2017) Dirty dozen and clean 15. Retrieved from URL: http://www.ewg.org
Munch crunch (2015) Why go organic. Retrieved from URL: http://blog.munchcrunchorganics.com.au/why-go-organic-2-avoids-chemicals-pesticides-fertilizer
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