We started eating organic foods about 8 years ago when my oldest daughter had an allergic reaction to a pesticide on cherries. We started out with just the fruits and vegetables where you consume the skin. But over the years it has evolved to include almost all of our food.
Organic means that conventional pesticides are not used in the growing process or the after-harvest. Additionally, the seeds are not from strains that are treated to be pesticide-resistant. Organic produce is not allowed to be genetically modified either. (That's a whole other issue for another day).
Are pesticides bad? I've heard that question before also. Take a look at this photo. Protective gear must be worn near these pesticides and yet somehow it's safe for us to consume them?!
And it's not just one spray that's used. For strawberries alone, there are over 50 pesticides that are allowed to be used simultaneously. They don't just kill bugs and diseases.
And that's just strawberries.
If you feel overwhelmed and wonder where to start, I always say to start with the dirty dozen. Each year the Environmental Working Group releases a list of the top 12 fruits and vegetables that should always be eaten organically. Changing just these twelve can decrease your exposure to the worst pesticides by 80%! This is the most recent list:
Some complain that organic produce costs more. I would argue that cancer costs more. Co-pays and medications cost more. Feeling lousy costs more.
Now my children can actually taste pesticides if we are at a friends house or a bbq where organic fruits and veggies are not available. You will realize in time that organic foods are not only better for you, they just taste better too!
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