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Why You Should Buy Organic Fruit & Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables produced commercially, unless they are certified organic, have potentially been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilisers at some stage in their growth and may still contain residues when you eat them.


These include a range of highly toxic chemicals such as chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, difocol and dimethoate. Insecticides containing chlorpyrifos affect the nervous system and have been linked to damaging the developing brain of children (neurotoxins) causing interference with development of intelligence and to behaviour problems in children. It is toxic to bees, aquatic organisms including fish, and to some invertebrates.

Herbicides such as Glyphosate, which is manufactured by the company Monsanto and used in the production of their weed-killer, Roundup, is one type of herbicide that may be used on conventional (non-organic) crops. This common herbicide has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.


Exposure to these toxic chemicals from conventional pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilisers have been linked to such health issues as:

  • Cancer and diabetes

  • Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS

  • Brain damage and developmental delays in babies and children

  • Birth defects and reproductive disorders

  • Asthma, COPD, and more




Reasons to purchase organic produce:

  • Generally organic produce are Non-GMO

  • No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers or fungicides used

  • Glyphosate (Roundup) is prohibited on organic crops

  • Reduced toxins in the environment

  • Safe for wildlife & insects (such as bees)

  • Reduces (if not eliminates) off farm pollution

  • Reduce the toxic load in the air, water, soil and our bodies

  • Improves soil quality & health

  • Supports pollinators & biodiversity

  • Protect our children's health -infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in utero

  • Often more flavourful

  • Keeps toxins and chemicals out of our water supplies and ocean

  • Supports farmers health, wellbeing and business

  • Due to the health of the soil it is highly likely that the fruit and vegetables is more nutrient dense

  • Healthier for you, reduces your toxic load (eating an organic diet for just a week can cause pesticide levels to drop by almost 90% in adults)





Produce With Highest Level of Pesticide Contamination

  • Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e., Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.

  • Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.



Fruit & Veg That Has High Levels Of Pesticides And Chemicals And You Should Try To Always Purchase Organic

  1. Apples

  2. All berries

  3. Grapes

  4. Celery

  5. Peaches

  6. Spinach

  7. Cherries

  8. Sweet bell peppers (Capsicum)

  9. Nectarines

  10. Cucumbers

  11. Tomatoes

  12. Snap peas

  13. Potatoes

  14. *Hot peppers

  15. Leafy Green Vegetables- Lettuce, kale, collard greens etc



Fruit And Veg That Had Been Shown To Have Lower Pesticides & Chemicals When Grown Conventionally

  1. Avocados

  2. Sweetcorn (Conventional corn is always GMO)

  3. Pineapples

  4. Cabbages

  5. Frozen sweet peas

  6. Onions

  7. Asparagus

  8. Mangoes

  9. Papayas

  10. Kiwis

  11. Eggplant

  12. Grapefruit

  13. Cantaloupe

  14. Cauliflower

  15. Sweet potatoes

  16. Bananas

  17. Broccoli

  18. Mushrooms



ADDITIONAL TIPS:

  • Start small- purchase what you can, when you can.

  • In a perfect world, we would buy all of our groceries organic. If you’re only going to buy some produce organically, choose from the list above.

  • When eating conventional fruit and veg be sure to peel the outside skin

  • Wash your produce thoroughly (whether organic or conventional)

  • Soak produce in baking soda to remove excess exterior pesticides and chemicals. (mix a table spoon baking soda in water and soak for 12 to 15 minutes.)

  • Buy local and seasonal produce


Remember, your health, the environment, the animals & your future generations will thank you looking after your health.


Health = Wealth




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