Question: I have a few friends encouraging me to buy organic. There are obviously two sides to every story, so I’d love to hear your take on the pros and cons of organic foods.
Answer: There is definitely an ongoing debate about whether you should eat organic foods or not. Some say eating organic is a no-brainer because of the potential ingestion of hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and other dubious additives found in conventionally grown foods. On the other hand, some argue that organic foods are similar in nutritional quality, yet they cost more and aren’t all that accessible. Here’s the real deal. Although it’s true that organic foods are more expensive, there is a legitimate reason for the added cost. More care, time, and money go into growing organic crops, and those costs are typically passed on to the consumer (much like products in other industries). Even if they are more expensive, many folks would argue that the added cost is worth it because organic foods are healthier for you. Though this may seem logical, there really isn’t a lot of research to back up this claim. Several studies tout the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables regardless of how they’re grown. If the nutritional quality of the food doesn’t sway you, there’s also this idea that organic farming is better for the environment. This may be true, but you need to remember to buy locally-grown foods. If you happen to live in California, but your organic produce is grown in Florida, you’re doing more harm than good from an environmental perspective. Bottom line—if you can afford it, and you can buy local, go for it! If you do decide to make the switch, focus on purchasing these foods first: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach, and potatoes. These are known as the “Dirty Dozen” and generally have the highest concentrations of pesticides. You should also get in the habit of washing your produce thoroughly before eating!
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