The Big Question - Organic vs. Non-Organic

The big debate has been for a while now...is it really that important to eat organic and what is the difference between Organic and non-organic foods.  Well hopefully I can clear that up for you.  Organic refers to the way the crops are grown and handled before they get to you.  For example, conventional farmers apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth, spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease and use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.  On the other hand, Organic farmers apply natural fertilizers such as manure or compost, use beneficial insects and birds to reduce pests and disease and rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.  Conventionally grown crops are stored in warehouses and artificially ripened with gases while Organic grown crops are delivered fresh daily.  The problem with conventionally grown foods is that all of the harmful things they use in the growth of their produce cannot just be washed off, it is in the soil, soaked up through the roots and implanted directly into the food you are eating.  While it isn't financially possible for most of us to eat everything organic, because yes it does cost more, I did some research on the subject and came up with a list of the conventionally grown produce that is most contaminated with chemical pesticides and should be eaten organic if at all possible.

Nectarines - 97% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Celery - 95% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Pears - 94% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Peaches - 94% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Apples - 91% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Cherries - 91% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Strawberries - 90% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Imported Grapes - 86% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Spinach - 83% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Potatoes - 79% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Bell Peppers - 68% sampled contained chemical pesticides

Red Raspberries - 59% sampled contained pesticides

There is some good news though, I found that the following produce was said to have had the least amount chemical pesticides when it was tested so should be pretty safe to buy conventionally...

Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Kiwi, Mangoes, Onions, Papaya, Pineapples and Sweet Peas.

I know this is a lot to take in but I think it is always best to know what you're putting into your body.  Would you drink a glass of chemical pesticides or rub it on your body...I didn't think so, and while you aren't getting it that concentrated as actually drinking it, it is building up in your body over time and will lead to sickness, disease and deterioration.

So bottom line, in my opinion Organic is better and I try to buy as much organic as possible.  I think if you are going to buy packaged food, it is always best to buy organic because they put so many ingredients and preservatives in the regular ones. If buying organic packaged food isn't possible or isn't available to you, look for items that contain less than 10 ingredients and make sure you can pronounce all of them and you should be pretty safe.