As you all know organic and local foods are the best choices. But sometimes you're on a tight budget or, end up at the local supermarket out of convenience. Whatever the reason for choosing non-organic, you should be aware of what organic foods you should be making the splurge for. And here's why.
MEAT
Animal products tend to bioaccumulate toxins from their pesticide-laced feed, concentrating them to far higher concentrations than are typically present in vegetables. The pesticides and drugs that these animals get exposed to during their lives can become incorporated into their very tissues, especially their fat. These animals also contain antibiotics and other growth-promoting drugs that ultimately end up in you.
Beef should be grass feed and chickens should be cage-free, or free-range, chickens
EGGS
Organic, pastured chickens are fare less likely to contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, and their nutrient content is also much higher than commercially raised eggs. However, the organic eggs in your grocery store may have undergone additional treatments during cleaning and processing that you're better off avoiding. Avoid supermarket organic eggs - here's why
APPLES
The FDA states that more pesticides are found on apples than are found on any other fruit or vegetable -- a grand total of 36. One test found seven chemicals on a single apple.
BABY FOODS
An infant's immune system is less developed than an adult's, and more vulnerable. Nonorganic baby foods tend to use fruits and vegetables that have been treated with chemicals.
DAIRY
Dairy cows eat grains that are heavily treated with chemicals, which show up in the milk. Non-organic milk can also contain bovine growth hormone and antibiotics. The best option for milk (beyond organic) is RAW milk if it is purchased from a conscious farmer. In that case, it may not be certified organic, but it will essentially be organic anyway, and drinking your milk raw is the best option.
CANTALOUPE
Cantaloupes often are contaminated by five of the longest-lasting chemicals. Dieldrin, a very toxic and carcinogenic insecticide, still gets taken up through the cantaloupe's roots even though it was banned in 1974.
CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers were ranked the 12th most contaminated food and the second in cancer risk due to their pesticide content.
GRAPES
Grapes get treated with numerous chemicals, especially Chilean grapes, which can be sprayed with as many as 17 of them.
GREEN BEANS
There are over 60 pesticides that are registered for use on green beans in the U.S.
SPINACH
The chemicals used to treat spinach may cause cancer or interfere with hormone production.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are among the most contaminated of all produce.
WINTER SQUASH
Winter squash, like cantaloupe, can absorb dieldrin from the soil.
The above list was provided by Real Simple.
Many of you have also heard of the "Dirty Dozen" below is a list of produce that should always be organic. These have the highest levels of pesticides.
Peaches
Apples
Sweet bell peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Lettuce
Grapes (imported)
Pears
Spinach
Potatoes
The produce listed below has the lowest pesticide load when conventionally grown. If you can't buy everything organic, these would be the exceptions.
Broccoli
Eggplant
Cabbage
Banana
Kiwi
Asparagus
Sweet peas (frozen)
Mango
Pineapple
Sweet corn (frozen)
Avocado
Onion
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