Health Info |
A Guide to Going Organic Although pesticides can help protect fruits and vegetables from insects and disease, more people are deciding to buy organic produce. Learn when you should splurge on organic and when you can save at the checkout line.
Dirty Dozen
These foods have thin outer coverings that are more prone to being laden with chemicals, making them ideal for organic purchases.
Apples
Blueberries (domestic)
Celery
Grapes (imported)
Kale/collard greens
Lettuce
Nectarines (imported)
Peaches
Potatoes
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet bell peppers
Clean 15
Most of these foods have a thick skin that is removed before eating and can be eaten with less worry of pesticides and chemicals.
Asparagus
Avocado
Cabbage
Cantaloupe (domestic)
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Mangoes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapples
Sweet corn
Sweet peas
Sweet potatoes
Watermelon
Whether organic or not, it’s still important to have fruits and vegetables on your plate — something many Americans don’t get enough of.
“You shouldn’t avoid eating fruits and vegetables if you can’t buy them organically,” says Amber Massey, registered dietitian at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. “Regardless, you’re still reaping a wealth of nutritional benefits.”
Need ideas for fresh, healthy meals? For a variety of free recipes, visit TexasHealth.org/Recipes.
(Spring 2012) |
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