THE DIRTY DOZEN

Eating fresh produce is the best way to get fiber, nutrients and antioxidants into your body for optimal health and longevity. But with fresh produce, especially in the U.S., comes a mother load of pesticides. These toxic chemicals present a real health risk, especially for children or anyone with immune system challenges or health concerns.

According to Dr. Weil: “The toxicity most commonly associated with pesticides in animal studies include disruptions in the normal functioning of the nervous and endocrine system, and increased risks of cancer.”

Eating organic foods helps to eliminate these unnecessary chemicals and you can get all the wonderful benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables without the risks associated with pesticides and other sprays.

The dirty dozen guide above will give you a guideline on what must be organic or you really should not consume. These are fruits and vegetables that we eat the skin of or the skin is very thin and the pesticide residue goes deep into the fruit. There is no way to avoid these toxic chemicals entering your bloodstream.

“The Clean 15 foods had the lowest pesticide load, and consequently are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume from the standpoint of pesticide contamination.” That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy organic when possible but absolutely you must buy organic for the dirty dozen.

Knowledge is power, if you have it. I would rather spend a little more money and avoid health challenges and even cancer than spend much more treating diseases that are preventable. You will pay for it now, or you will pay for it later.

Eat well, Be well,

Laura