Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 - Is organic worth it?

The food we eat each day plays an integral role in our overall health and wellbeing. Our bodies rely on a vast array of nutrients in order for it to function optimally. It is important that we nourish our cells with the highest quality of nutrients with the lowest pesticide residue.

Pesticides have been linked to a variety of health concerns such as cancer, brain toxicity, hormone imbalance, nervous system disruption, etc. Buying organic is one way we can reap the health benefits of fruits and vegetables without exposing ourselves and those around us to potentially harmful chemicals.

This being said, it is sometimes burdensome to buy everything organic. Some common barriers to this are the availability and cost of many organic products. Lucky for us, the Environmental Working Group developed the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 to help us make the best choices when it comes to what fruits and vegetables are the most and least contaminated by pesticide use.

Dirty Dozen: indicates foods that have the highest level of pesticides, organophosphate insecticides, etc. Be sure to buy them organic.

Clean 15: indicates foods that have the lowest level of pesticides, organophosphate insecticides, etc. These are safe to buy non-organic.

Take a look at the list, print it off for your wallet, and start to reduce the pesticide burden you are placing on your body.

The Bottom Line: include fruits and vegetables in every meal and snack you have. Even if not organic, their benefits are endless and outweigh not eating any fruits or vegetables at all.

If you have questions or want to book a free 15-minute meet and greet to see how I can help you, contact me at kristinwootton.nd@gmail.com.

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