Why it’s important to seek out organic or GMO-free food
The demand for organic food has soared in recent years, thanks to an increased desire to eat food that is as close to its natural state as possible. The appeal of organic food lies in the fact that it is grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sewage, radiation, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which earns it the “organic” seal of approval. The great concern about GMOs is that they are created in labs and can’t be found in nature.
As we learn how pesticides and GMOs create havoc in our bodies and minds, we want to make wise food choices. Some of that havoc shows up as inflammation caused by certain foods–such as gluten, corn, and soy–that are sprayed with pesticides and fungicides and might be genetically modified. Our bodies often don’t know how to process GMOs because they don’t recognize GMOs as real food.
This inflammation can lead to a range of symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), joint pain, headaches, infertility, and acne.
Unfortunately, genetically modified wheat, corn, and soy are incredibly cheap to produce. And although GMOs are more likely to be found in processed foods rather than in fresh produce, genetically modified zucchini, yellow squash, sweet corn, papaya, and apples can be found on shelves in U.S. supermarkets.
The good news is that as a result of legislation passed in 2016, GMO food products in the United States will have to be labeled beginning in 2022. In the mean time, if you’re choosing processed foods, make sure that they at least carry the Non-GMO Project Verified label so that you’re sure that they are GMO-free.
Should you add ALL organic foods to your diet?
It’s scary to think that the adage “you are what you eat” could mean that we’ve been inadvertently filling up on toxins, heavy metals, and other health-damaging compounds. Switching to organic foods is a great way to keep you and your family healthy and to cut back on avoidable medical expenses due to poor lifestyle choices.
However, do organic foods tend to cost more? Well, yes… a lot of the time. Keeping your eyes open for special discounts or joining co-ops or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups can help mitigate the higher cost of organic food.
What most people don’t know is that this isn’t an all or nothing scenario. There are many fruits/vegetables that are important to purchase organic, but there also are a ton of others that are fine to purchase if they’re conventionally grown.
Fortunately, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list each year of the “Clean 15” and the “Dirty Dozen” produce. The EWG carries out research on a range of issues related to agriculture and toxicity in food and other consumer products, and its yearly Clean 15/Dirty Dozen list is an excellent source of info on what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to buying produce organically.
The Clean 15 are the foods you can safely consume–even though they aren’t organically grown–without having to worry about toxins. Here are the produce items that are “cleanest,” according to the EWG’s research, for 2020.
As you can see from the order of items, avocados and sweet corn came out on top with less than 2 percent of samples exhibiting pesticides. More than two thirds of the Clean 15 had absolutely no pesticide residue.
The Dirty Dozen are the produce items that carry the heaviest load of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and toxins. Here are the culprits for 2020, according to the EWG’s research.
Sadly, conventionally grown kale in particular is bogged down by 18 varieties of pesticides in 2020. Plus, one third of the Dirty Dozen were laden with two or more pesticides.
Ways to explore organic and GMO-free options
By shopping for organic foods when it counts the most, you can save money and bolster your health at the same time. Look for the “USDA Organic” logo on organic foods to ensure that you’re buying truly organic products.
Don’t be afraid to venture outside your supermarket’s produce section to find fresher fruit and vegetable choices. The local farmer’s market is a great place to get fresh-picked organic food; plus, the produce tends to be cheaper. Another benefit of buying locally growers is that it keeps money in your community, thus helping it to flourish.
Think also about the organic choices before you when you go out to eat. Farm-to-table restaurants focus on gathering ethically-sourced and locally-grown seasonal ingredients to bring out the freshness of their dishes. Rather than patronizing chain restaurants, seek out farm-to-table restaurants to enjoy culinary delights made with the fresh bounty of produce grown near you. Some restaurants even grow their own foods in-house.
Plus, you can grow your own organic food if you have a green thumb. I’ve been experimenting with growing my own veggies and herbs, and it’s really a gratifying process. If vegetable gardening isn’t your thing, you can certainly seek out organic foods at your grocery store!
This is very helpful and will save me money when I go grocery shopping next! Thanks Alison!
Glad to be of help, Crystal!
Thank you for sharing this eye opening information. I eat grapes like they are going out of style, as we say. I am disappointed to find them on the dirty list. Also surprised to see spinach, kale, celery tomatoes and pears on that list. I guess I have to buy organic.
I was surprised to see mushrooms on the clean list so that’s great. I have been eating a lot more of them lately as they have zinc which boosts the immune system.
Stay healthy.
Hey Sandra! Yes, there are a lot of surprises, good and bad, on the 2020 list. It’s like any thing we enjoy has to be bought organic! This is why I encourage people to buy organic seeds and, where possible, grow their own produce. You stay healthy, too!
Alison Hector recently posted…Not all food choices have to be organic