Organic Foods
Organic fruits and vegetables are grown in a way that limits the amount of synthetic materials used during production. Pesticides and herbicides were not introduced until the 20th century, so for a large majority of history all foods were organic. In the past 100 years or so, there has been a significant increase in pesticide and herbicide use, especially in the production of food. The way these chemicals affect the human body is not totally known. It is known that these chemicals accumulate in the body’s tissues. In general, the human body sustains immunity and people feel better when they eat food that is grown as naturally as possible, without the use of synthetically derived materials.
Today organic food may be difficult to find or is more expensive than conventionally produced food. There are certain foods that consistently contain less pesticide residues than others, and these are known as the “Clean 15.”
The “Clean 15” – (Lowest in Pesticides)
- Onions
- Avocado
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapple
- Mangos
- Sweet Peas
- Asparagus
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Grapefruit
- Sweet Potato
- Honeydew Melon
Likewise, there are foods that consistently contain higher amounts of pesticide residue, and these are known as the “Dirty Dozen.”
The “Dirty Dozen” – (Buy these Organic)
- Celery
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Nectarines
- Bell Peppers
- Spinach
- Kale
- Cherries
- Potatoes
- Grapes (Imported)
Benefits to Buying Organic:
In addition to health benefits, organic farming is much safer and healthier for the environment since the soil is not depleted of essential nutrients, and because it does not contribute toxic runoff as their conventional counterparts do. Toxic runoff damages not only surrounding eco-systems, but those downstream as well, causing huge and damaging algal blooms at the mouths of our rivers. Organic agriculture relies on non-chemical ways of maintaining soil fertility, managing pests and controlling weeds, thus eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers and toxic pesticides.
Try it out for yourself! Make your next on-course snack an organic one. See if you are able to tell a difference in the way the food tastes or the way you feel.
Visit www.foodnews.org for more information and to get a copy of their free guide “Pesticides in Produce.”
Are you interested in other health-related articles? Visit the J.L. Lewis Team Articles section of of JLLewisGolf.com to read more articles on golf exercise and nutrition!
