For decades, I have been advising people to create a garden to grow your own food! Not only is it a great learning experience, a good resource for your family, a way to create more independence from big government, it saves money, AND it's healthier, too!!
The reality is, organic food not only generally tastes better, but it often supplies much more nutrients and vitamins than their multi-sprayed and synthetically fertilized counterparts!! Some fruits absorb more pesticides than others.
In my opinion, all food is better when it's organic but I realize that's not always feasible for a variety of reasons. There's no easier way to get organic food than to grow it yourself!!
The big question a lot of people have, especially when first becoming aware of organic food benefits, is "which foods MUST" be organic. So, I thought I'd list out a few for you!!
There are plants that are often treated with pesticides or fungicides more than others. Also, there are plants that absorb more toxins than others. And then there are also plants that absorb leftover toxins from the soil, even if their application in the agriculture for decades has not been allowed, but are still stored residually in the earth!!
For example, certain grains still absorb dieldrin (a highly carcinogenic insecticide) even though this toxin was banned in some countries as early as 1974 (globally, dieldrin - as a member of the pollutant group known as a "dirty dozen.") 🙄
If you can not afford to buy all organic food, at least make note of these top 12:
🍏Apples
Apples absorb more pesticides than any other fruit!!! In apples, approximately 36 different chemicals could be found and seven different chemicals were already discovered in a single apple. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to buy to this fruit only organic!
If you have any nearby, contact farmers who have apple orchards that allow you to pick apples there. Make it a fun outing!! Be sure to ask them if they're untreated.
Other likely fruits similar in treatment to apples would be: tangerines, bananas, and watermelons. Strawberries are one of the most contaminated fruits you can buy at any time. Before you buy conventionally grown strawberries, you should know that they can be grown on every balcony in boxes or in small flower beds!! So easy!
🍑 Peaches And Nectarines
These fruits are also known to contain far more chemicals and pesticides than most other fruit varieties. In fact, nectarines are known to have up to 33 chemicals in/on them.
👶🏼 Baby Food
Children don't have the detoxification mechanisms required to purify the currently existing poison from food and the environment. If at all possible, breastfeed. And wherever it is possible, buy organic baby food or make it yourself by puréeing fresh organic fruit and veggies.
🍇Blueberries
Although blueberries are regarded as a superfood, this is true only if they are organic. Tests have shown that blueberries can be contaminated with 52 different pesticides. Seriously!!
🍇Grapes
Grapes are full of antioxidants and vital substances. But they might contain up to 17 chemicals and pesticides inside!
🥛 Dairy Products
Most cows consume food which is contaminated with genetically modified plants or even consists primarily of them. On the other hand, the usual cattle food contains residues of chemicals and pesticides, as well as synthetic additives and medication.
Whenever possible, if you consume dairy products, choose organic which you can purchase directly from the farm in the form of raw milk. Raw milk and raw milk cheese are regarded as healthier or less harmful than the alternatives.
🥩 Meat Products
Meat, including fish, and products made from it. There's also an ethical aspect, to consume meat only from ranchers who are ethical and humane! And regarding beef, only derived from grass-fed/grass-finished beef.
🥒 Cucumbers
Cucumbers do really poorly in these tests. Whole pesticide cocktails are usually detected! Best to choose organic only cucumbers AND peel them.
🌶 Peppers, chilies, and Spices such as Paprika
Since peppers/chiles (i.e. to make paprika) has a very thin skin, they absorb pesticides and chemicals VERY quickly. Try to get peppers, chiles, and spices from organic farming.
🥬 Spinach & Green Cabbage
The leaves of spinach and green cabbage are able to absorb up to 48 different pesticides.
🥔 Potatoes
Potatoes can absorb up to 37 chemicals and pesticides. Potatoes are SO easy to grow yourself, too. This is a great starter veggie for your garden!!
🌱 Green Beans
Green beans can absorb up to 60 different pesticides used during the growth phase of the vegetable for insect repellents.
I know it can get overwhelming (and annoying, maddening, and frustrating!!) so I hope this helps you!
Save it for when you plan your garden before next Spring!
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🍏 Elise
Integrative Health Practitioner, level 2
🎙 Substack & Podcast: Detox Life PODCAST
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None of the statements on my blog, in my programs, or within my emails are intended to be medical advice. All of my content is based on my own experience and advice from my own doctor, and through my personal research. Always consult your Dr. if you have concerns or a medical need.
