- Apples - Kale - Kiwi fruit - Cabbage - Spinach - Pineapple
1. Apples
Apples, which provide a number of nutritional benefits, should always be organic due to the fact that they have thick peels where pesticides and bacteria can easily accumulate. Since apples are frequently put in lunchboxes and taken on the go, it’s important to purchase these fruits organically so you know what’s on the outside of them isn’t transferring to their flesh.
2. Kale
Kale is a hearty green that can be used in soups, salads, stir-fry dishes, or even eaten raw. It’s very delicate and easily bruised so pesticides tend to cling onto it quickly. This means you should buy kale organic to ensure you’re getting the best product possible.
3. Kiwi fruit
Kiwis are another delicate fruit so it’s important to buy them organic. The little brown spots on kiwis can be a good indicator of bruises, which could very well contain pesticide residues and bacteria. To get the most nutrients out of this fruit, it’s best to eat it organically.
4. Cabbage
Cabbages are another sturdy green that doesn’t absorb pesticides or herbicides quickly, which means you can enjoy them in all their glory if you purchase organically. While cabbages rank high on the list of foods least likely to contain pesticide residues, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
5. Spinach
Spinach, which is usually eaten raw in salads or cooked in omelets and sautéed dishes, is one of the most pesticide-laden vegetables out there. It absorbs pesticides quickly because it grows close to the ground so buying organic spinach ensures you’re eating nutritious food with no chemicals on it.
6. Pineapple
Pineapples can be purchased raw or canned, but you should always opt for organic pineapples because this fruit is highly sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. If you’re using canned pineapple, make sure to use organic juice instead of conventional brands that often include high fructose corn syrup and preservatives.
While organic food isn’t necessarily healthier than conventional options, it does contain fewer chemicals and pesticides that can be harmful to your health.
What is Organic Food?
What is organic food? Organic food refers to any food, or agricultural product that has not been grown with synthetic substances. For example, organic foods are made without genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, hormones or ionizing radiation. Organic also means the producer is not allowed to use genetic engineering, heavy fertilizers or sewage sludge, animal manure or antibiotics in order to increase its production.
6 Organic Food Benefits
Organic food benefits can be found in a number of ways, from what you eat to how it’s grown. Not only does organic food help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances, but organic foods are often deemed healthier than their conventional counterparts because they may contain higher amounts of antioxidants and micronutrients. Plus, organic farming typically uses methods that are sustainable and good for the environment. For a little extra money, organic food benefits your health among many other things.
1) Cancer prevention
There’s no need to fear cancer when you eat organic food! That’s because several studies have found that organic foods can help reduce your cancer risk. In 2012, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that organic foods had higher levels of antioxidants and micronutrients than non-organic foods. A 2014 study published in the Public Health Nutrition journal found that people who eat organic food most frequently were 29 percent less likely to develop cancer than those who ate the least amount of organic food.
2) Healthy hearts
Eating organic food has even been linked to better heart health. A 2007 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that people who ate three or more servings of organic fruits and vegetables each day had up to a 36 percent reduction in risk for heart failure compared with those who ate the least amount.
3) Healthy weight management
Women trying to maintain a healthy weight should consider eating organic food because it tends to be lower in calories. For example, a 2008 Swedish study found that obese women who ate organic foods lost more weight during their first six months compared with those eating foods high in fat and conventional products. Additionally, an article published by Consumer Reports found that organic milk had almost one-third fewer calories than regular milk.
4) Improved diabetes control
Women with type 2 diabetes may also benefit from eating organic food. A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that obese women who ate more organic foods like fruits and vegetables had significantly improved glucose control compared with those who ate fewer organic products. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed in this area to confirm the effects of organic food on diabetes.
5) Reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Eating organic food may also help reduce your risk for dementia, according to a study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. The authors found that women who ate more than 32 percent of organic foods had a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
6) Healthy pregnancy
Organic food benefits extend to pregnant women too. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that mothers who consumed more organic fruits, vegetables, poultry, dairy products and eggs during pregnancy were less likely to have children with allergies compared with women who ate less organic food.
When it comes to organic foods, it’s important to note that USDA-certified organic does not necessarily mean the product is completely organic. To be considered 100 percent organic, products must adhere strictly to federal standards dictated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). For example, all ingredients used in a certified organic product must be organic.
At-home cooking with organic food is the best way to avoid harmful toxins and chemicals that are usually present in conventional foods. Although research is still ongoing, numerous studies have found that organic food contains higher amounts of antioxidants and micronutrients than non-organic counterparts. Additionally, organic farming uses sustainable methods that are better for the environment, so it’s worth spending more money on organic foods.
Organic food is generally pricier than conventional options, so to save money you may consider growing your own vegetables. For example, if you plant lettuce seeds in a container garden, you can expect to harvest enough produce to make several salads throughout the season. If you aren’t naturally crafty, you can search online for instructions on how to make your own organic garden using items like a mason jar or a bread box.
Here are some additional ways to save money when buying organic food:
– Join an organic co-op where members pay one fee and get access to discounted organic food.
– Buy seasonal produce to save money.
– Plant your own organic garden. With some seeds and soil, you can grow fresh produce for months!
– Shop online at organic retailers like Thrive Market where prices are low and free shipping is offered on orders over $49.
Organic food is good for the environment and better for your health, so it’s worth spending more money on organic foods.
Conclusion
Although not every organic product is life-changing,(you should read this story) there are benefits to purchasing organic food. By making this one small change, you can ensure that what you put into your body will be much healthier and tastier than conventional options. Whether or not you agree with the environmental impact of our agricultural practices, it cannot hurt to choose organic food over non-organic. By doing this, you make a choice that is better for your health and the planet.
Are you ready to make the change to an organic lifestyle?
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