What is organic food?
Organic farming resembles the origins of farming and food production, without the use of artificial chemicals, antibiotics or genetic modification.
Consuming 100% organic food is not always practical or affordable. Pesticides used in agriculture can often leave residues on food. These can have a negative effect on health and hormones. The amount of pesticides and toxins on fruit and vegetables can vary greatly, here is a list of the worst twelve 'offenders' and fifteen which are safer to eat, helping you to reduce your toxic load when buying food. Maybe you can grow some of the 'dirty dozen' foods in your garden or an allotment if not able to purchase. This list can change annually, go to https://www.pan-uk.org/dirty-dozen/ for an updated list
Dirty Dozen
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Grapes
6. Peaches
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Tomatoes
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Sweet peppers
Clean Fifteen
1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbage
5. Peas – Frozen
6. Onions
7. Asparagus
8. Mangoes
9. Papayas
10. Kiwi
11. Eggplant/Aubergine
12. Grapefruit
13. Cantaloupe/Melon
14. Cauliflower
15. Sweet potatoes
This list only addresses fruit and vegetables but there are benefits of consuming organic meat and dairy products too. Growth promoters, including hormonal substances and antibiotics, are used to increase growth of livestock animals. There is usually better welfare of animals raised organically. Consumed via animal products, these can contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt human hormones. Although more expensive, if consumed in moderation, overall cost is not much more than consuming non-organic regularly. There are other health benefits to minimiing meat intake, if eaten in excess, meat can have an inflammatory effect on the body. Have a variety protein sources including; beans, legumes/lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, fish as well as meat and dairy.
If you want to find out more about how to support your health, or discuss symptoms such as digestive issues or hormonal imbalance, I offer free 20 minute consultations.