What is the Difference Between “Organic” and “Non-Organic”Food?

Organic food is grown without the use of toxic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and chemical fertilizers. Organic food is not genetically modified. Organic foods are, therefore “cleaner.” They provide our bodies with higher nutritional value. Organic farming is cleaner and safer for the Earth. Non-organic soil is depleted of nutrients because of the chemical sprays. Organic farming restores the soil.

Non-organic food has been grown with toxic chemicals that deplete the food and soil of nutrients. Non-organic meat comes from animals that were fed GMO feeds, including corn and soy, and given hormones to speed their growth and antibiotics to keep them healthy under crowded and unsanitary conditions. All of these toxins remain in non-organic meat; therefore these meats should be avoided. If you eat meat, eat only meat from free-range birds and animals that are fed organic feed and have never been given hormones or antibiotics. Choose organic produce and meats whenever possible.

What foods are grown with the least pesticides, and which non-organic foods are safest?

I always recommend people buy organic whenever possible for everything. When we eat organic, we immediately reduce our chemical exposure. If you are unable to purchase organic, the following list uses the least amount of pesticides when growing and therefore these foods have fewer chemicals.

Lowest in pesticides:

1. Onion

2. Avocado

3. Pineapples

4. Cabbage

5. Asparagus

6. Mango

7. Eggplant

8. Kiwifruit

9. Cantaloupe

10. Sweet potato

11. Grapefruit

12. Watermelon

13. Mushrooms

Recommended recipes, if you are choosing non-organic, are Guacamole and Sweet Potato Fries.

The following list uses the most pesticides when being grown, so it is important you buy these foods organic.

Highest in pesticides:

1. Apples

2. Peaches

3. Nectarines

4. Celery

5. Bell peppers

6. Strawberries

7. Grapes

8. Spinach

9. Lettuce

10. Cucumbers

11. Blueberries

12. Potatoes

13. Kale

Should I wash my fruits and vegetables?

Yes. You can rinse them with water alone or make Lemon Water and clean them in that. The acidity of lemon helps to remove toxins and parasites.