Is it Worth the Extra Money to Buy Organic?

The closer to nature your food is, the better it is for you. It tastes better, has more nutrients and fewer harmful toxins and pesticides. But organic food today is still expensive and not everyone can afford to buy 100% of their food organic. Conventional wisdom seems to suggest that investing in organic food is worth it for your health. This report takes a closer look at the argument, and narrows down the list to bring you the top 12 foods that you should always buy organic.



Top 12 Foods That You Should Buy Organic
If you have to choose what food to buy organic, you should focus on fruits and vegetables with soft, permeable skins. These foods absorb the most pesticides and chemicals from farming, so organic is your best bet.

1. Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
2. Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
3. Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
4. Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
5. Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
6. Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
7. Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
8. Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
9. Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
10. Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
11. Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
12. Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

(This list is based on information and studies by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group.)

These foods have the least amount of pesticides, so if you need to make a choice, you don't need to worry too much about buying them organic:

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn (However, almost all corn is genetically modified)
• Kiwi
• Mangoes
• Onions
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Sweet Peas 
  

By continuing to demand more organic foods, we force large corporations to change the foods they provide.  Increased competition to supply organic foods to the public is helping to lower the prices. Continue to vote with your dollar!

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