Feb 27, 2024

 by Marina Martinez

When looking to achieve peak health & vitality, every choice matters, from the produce we pick to the meats we munch on. When considering conventional versus organic, grass-fed versus grain-fed, the question arises: Is organic worth it? Dive into this topic with us to uncover the power of organic & why more than a preference, it's a strategic move to bettering health.

When striving to craft your body into a finely tuned machines, the quality of the fuel you provide them becomes critical. Pesticides, the silent intruders in our food chain, pose significant risks to our health. From disrupting hormonal balance to compromising immune function, these chemicals can lead to chronic diseases. Opting for organic options not only serves as a strategic move for safeguarding our health but also means a more sustainable future.

Why Opt for Low Pesticides?

Pesticides have been linked to various health issues, including potential harm to the nervous system, developmental problems, and even certain types of cancer. Choosing organic options for the Dirty Dozen helps protect you and your family from these potential risks while supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system. Plus, going organic often means fewer synthetic chemicals and more natural, rich flavors!

Protection from Harmful Chemicals

Choosing organic offers some safety from these threats, providing food as nature intended—pure, untainted, and brimming with essential nutrients. By eliminating exposure to pesticides and other toxins, organic foods help reduce inflammation in the body. This is crucial for maintaining overall health, preventing or managing pain, and preventing various chronic conditions. Going organic also translates to better gut health, improved mental well-being, and a richer taste experience.

Starting the Organic Journey

While the benefits of organic are clear, embarking on this journey can seem daunting, especially for those concerned about costs or hesitant to make significant changes. Fortunately, there are practical steps to ease into the organic lifestyle:

Embrace the Clean 15 & Avoid the Dirty Dozen: Familiarize yourself with the Clean 15—a list of produce least affected by pesticides—and prioritize organic options for the Dirty Dozen—a list of produce with the highest pesticide residues. This simple strategy allows you to make informed choices without overwhelming yourself or breaking the bank.


  

DIRTY DOZEN
(Opt for organic!)

🫐 Strawberries - Often contain high pesticide residues; consider organic.
🍃 Spinach - High pesticide concerns; opt for organic if possible.
🥬 Kale - Frequently found with pesticide residues; choose organic.
🍑 Nectarines - May have pesticides, organic is a safer choice.
🍎 Apples - Commonly treated with pesticides; go organic.
🍇 Grapes - High pesticide levels, especially in imported varieties.
🍒 Cherries - Prone to pesticide residues; opt for organic.
🍑 Peaches - Typically high in pesticides; choose organic.
🍐 Pears - Often treated with pesticides; consider organic.
🌶️ Bell Peppers - May have pesticide residues; go organic.
🌱 Green Beans - May contain pesticide residues; opt for organic.
🫐 Blueberries - High pesticide concerns; choose organic when possible.

CLEAN 15
(Conventional is ok)

🥑 Avocado - Low pesticide residues and a great source of healthy fats.
🌱 Sweet Peas (Frozen) - Often pesticide-free, enjoy these guilt-free.
🍄 Mushrooms - Few pesticides used, a fungi-tastic choice.
🍈 Honeydew - Usually low in pesticide residues.
🥭 Mango - Typically low in pesticides and oh-so-tropical.
🍠 Sweet Potato - Minimal pesticide concerns and packed with nutrients.
🍉 Watermelon - Generally clean and oh-so-refreshing.
🥕 Carrot - Low pesticide concerns and a classic healthy snack.
🌽 Sweet Corn - Limited pesticide use; some in the US are GMO, so check for non-GMO.
🥭 Papaya - Low in pesticides and packed with vitamins.
🥬 Cabbage - Usually low in pesticides, great for slaws.
🌱 Asparagus - Minimal pesticides used, loaded with nutrients.
🍍 Pineapple - Typically low in pesticides and oh-so-refreshing.
🧅 Onion - Minimal pesticide concerns.
🥝 Kiwi - Low pesticide concerns, high in vitamin C.

On the path to optimal health & vitality, choosing organic isn't just a trend. Free from synthetic additives and chemical residues, organic foods nourish our bodies in ways that extend beyond mere sustenance. So, make the conscious choice to prioritize organic options for a healthier you.

Need additional guidance? Check out our nutriton programs/partners! (Have your insurance card ready if you'd like to see if your insurance will cover it.)

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