Is Organic Food Always Better For Your Health?

[01dragonslayer]

The opinion on organic produce seems to swing wildly, from saving the planet to being completely worthless. One thing we can all agree on is that fewer industrial chemicals in your body the better.

In a perfect world, everything would be organic. Unfortunately, organic often translates into “expensive,” and eating a completely organic menu isn’t always an option for some people. Luckily, the Environmental Working Group, a leading environmental health research and advocacy organization, has updated its list that can help you get the biggest bang for your buck and the cleanest food for your funds. The Dirty Dozen are foods that tend to have the highest pesticide contamination and are thus worth the extra money to buy organic; The Clean 15 contain the lowest levels of contaminants, meaning that conventionally farmed version are most likely safe to eat.

The Dirty Dozen (buy organic)
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Nectarines
7. Grapes
8. Cherry tomatoes
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Snap peas
12. Potatoes

Lettuce and spinach had previously made this list, so it may be wise to buy organic versions of those as well.

The Clean 15 (buy organic or conventional)
1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Cabbage
6. Sweet peas
7. Asparagus
8. Mangoes
9. Eggplant
10. Kiwi
11. Cantaloupe
12. Sweet potatoes
13. Grapefruit
14. Cauliflower
15. Papaya

Mushrooms and watermelon were formerly on this list, so it’s most likely okay to buy conventional versions of those.

 

[Rukayn]

I see it's been a while since this was posted, but I’ve been wondering—has anyone actually felt a difference in performance or recovery when switching fully to organic? I’m trying to figure out if the extra cost is really worth it for someone training hard. Maybe some of you tried both and saw changes in energy levels or digestion? Would be cool to hear real experiences, not just the theory.

 

[01dragonslayer]

Organically grown foods are better for the environment due to less heavy farming methods used, which cuts pollution, but there is no significant difference in terms of taste or nutritional value.

While organic foods reduce your exposure to pesticide residues, there is no conclusive evidence that they are better for your health. Traditional farms are also regulated, and only safe levels of pesticide residue are allowed in their products.

Some studies have shown small to moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce, but more research is needed to prove they are better for your health.

The Environmental Working Group annually releases a compilation of the 12 fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residue, often referred to as the “Dirty Dozen.” For those worried about pesticide exposure, it may be a good idea to purchase organic versions of these items.



1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, collard and mustard greens

4. Peaches

5. Pears

6. Nectarines

7. Apples

8. Grapes

9. Bell and hot peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green beans

Clean 15
The Environmental Working Group has identified a list of 15 fruits and vegetables that have the lowest amount of pesticides, which is the opposite of their “Dirty Dozen” list. People may choose to buy organic or non-organic versions of these items.



1. Avocados

2. Sweet corn

3. Pineapples

4. Onions

5. Papaya

6. Sweet peas (frozen)

7. Asparagus

8. Honeydew melon

9. Kiwi

10. Cabbage

11. Mushrooms

12. Mangoes

13. Sweet potatoes

14. Watermelon

15. Carrots