There have been studies based on U.S. government data that ranked pesticide levels in conventionally grown (non-organic) fruits and vegetables. One recent study found that kids who ate conventionally grown fruits and vegetables from supermarkets had pesticides in both their urine and saliva. So why not go organic? "Organic" refers to farming methods that avoid the use of pesticides and other chemicals in order to protect the environment. Organic farms use about 50 percent less energy than conventional farms.
Top 14 Fruits and Veggies You Should Buy Organic
- Apples
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cherries
- Imported grapes
- Lettuce
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Red raspberries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
About Organic Foods
Radha McLean, author of "The Green Pregnancy Diet," explains why it is beneficial to eat organic foods -- during pregnancy and beyond -- and how to start going green in your kitchen.
Next, the mercury found in all kinds of fish (not only high-mercury fish) is associated with premature birth and autism in the babies of moms who had high mercury levels in their bodies during pregnancy.
Lastly, the hormones fed to some non-organic animals grown for meat can cause breast cancer. So there is no doubt that you and your baby are better off if you eat a green diet. You can even start changing your diet before pregnancy!
The first thing you can do is start buying organic food. It sounds so overstated, but it's true. Many people think they cannot afford organic stuff or that it's hard to find. Start with the basics. Organic apples and bananas, for example, cost about the same as the conventionally grown ones. Dairy is a big one, too. Organic milk can be found in most grocery stores these days.
Even if you pick one or two foods to buy organic and spend no more than a few extra dollars, you are making a difference.
For your kitchen, the most important thing you can do, other than recycle and reuse plastic and glass containers, is buy non-toxic (cast-iron or stainless steel) pots and pans. The Teflon, aluminum, and non-stick pans that most people use actually leach toxins into the food you cook. Cast-iron pans have been around for a long time, so they are pretty inexpensive and easy to find. Added bonus: they actually "leach" something good into your food: iron!
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