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apr 23

Organic Produce Might Pay Off in Better Health

You might have to spend an extra buck or two to buy organic fruits and vegetables. Is it really worth the extra cost? Science suggests that it could be, especially when you consider what you’re NOT getting when you buy organic produce — pesticides. Government tests show that conventionally grown fruits and vegetables can retain up to 13 pesticides even after washing and cooking. And scientists have shown that children age 5 and under eat an average of 8 pesticides each day. Pesticides are toxic chemicals. They have been linked to childhood cancers, neurological damage, birth defects and prostate cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides in food because they eat more of them relative to their body size. Yet the food in grocery stores today can contain pesticide residues that don't meet safety standards for children's health.

You can take simple steps that will help keep you and your children safe from the harmful effects of pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables:
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables, but minimize your exposure to pesticides by buying organic produce—especially the dirty dozen that are most exposed to pesticides, which includes peaches, apples, strawberries, and spinach.
  • Wash and rinse all fresh produce before you eat it.
  • Buy locally grown produce whenever you can. Imported fruits (especially grapes) and vegetables may carry harmful pesticides that are not regulated in the same way as they are in the United States.
  • You can get more information about organic food, national labeling standards and online organic food sellers from NRDC's Organic 101 fact sheet.

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  • Print out the list of 12 fruits and vegetables that are most important to buy organic because of the higher concentrations of pesticide residue. Keep it handy when you’re shopping for food.
  • Learn where you can buy organic food -- either in stores or through home delivery service — and where the farmers markets are in your area. Or sign up for weekly baskets of fresh food delivered from your local farmer through a community supported agriculture (CSA) program. Check out Local Harvest to find a farmer's market or CSA near you.
  • Work with your child's school to serve healthier meals to kids. Start by sourcing a couple of vegetables or milk from nearby farms, and work with other parents and school officials to introduce more wholesome food into schools. Sustainable Table has practical guides to help show you how.




Comments (15)
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1. 07/19/2007 08:30:21 AM
Another thing to consider when choosing between Organic and conventional produce is that they possibly differ greatly in nutrient levels.  
 
According to an article by medical news today (found here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10587.php) "organic crops had significantly higher levels of all 21 nutrients analysed compared with conventional produce including vitamin C (27% more), magnesium (29% more), iron (21% more) and phosphorous (14% more). Organic spinach, lettuce, cabbage and potatoes showed particularly high levels of minerals." 
 
Though not yet officially established, the higher nutrient content in Organics remains another interesting benefit to consider on your next trip to the grocery.
Written by Food Fan (Guest)
2. 08/06/2007 09:53:33 PM
Hi! 
 
HOw can I get organic produce to sell to other people? 
 
 
where can I get them from? 
 
I live in Orlando, Florida. 
 
Thank you.
Written by Antonio (Guest)
3. 08/24/2007 11:51:03 AM
There are Whole Foods markets in Winter Park and a Chamberlains Natural Foods market located in Orlando. Also some of the grocery chains like Publix carry organic goods especiall the one on East Colonial Dr.
Written by Green (Guest)
4. 09/11/2007 07:39:56 PM
Since I first read the following "special report" article (see URL below), I have seen more & more information that would indicate that the "neutral" position of experts & scientists [as shown here and elsewhere] is wrong and that consuming organics can be very important. Still, this article seems to ask questions we all are interested in hearing answered. Are the researchers here so far off just because a few years have made a huge difference in what we know : 
 
http://www.eatingwell.com/news_views/special_report/special_report_organics.html
Written by Jerry (Guest)
5. 10/18/2007 10:29:14 AM
where can i get organic food from in rochester, New York
Written by willie (Guest)
6. 10/18/2007 10:38:48 AM
where can I find organic produce in the Northwest Ar. area?
Written by Peggy (Guest)
7. 10/19/2007 11:11:44 AM
i would like to know where to find organic food in birmingham, al
Written by lucy (Guest)
8. 02/16/2008 06:18:40 PM
I looking to find a place to get a viriety of organic fruits and vegetables in my locaal area.I live in detorit Michigan.Please help
Written by David Clark (Guest)
9. 02/19/2008 08:21:43 AM
NRDC
You can find farmers markets, family farms and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area on the Local Harvest website. A quick search turned up 84 places in the Detroit area. Enjoy!
Written by NRDC Staff
10. 02/27/2008 12:46:51 PM
I am looking for a way to purchase organic foods in the Dothan, AL area - via stores, local markets, farms, etc. I noticed the closest Farmers Market Supermarket is about 3 hours away. I would prefer to find local areas to purchase organic food for my family. Please help me!!!!
Written by Michelle (Guest)
11. 03/04/2008 08:59:44 PM
I live in central Kansas and would like to plant some organic potatoes but don\'t know where to find them. I have planted them before and had outstanding luck but forgot where I ordered them from. I really hope you can help me. Thank you so much!!!!!
Written by Gretchen Unruh (Guest)
12. 03/07/2008 09:23:33 PM
Sirs; 
 
I have recently established a web site with the purpose of selling organic foods. I have affiliated with Blackwing to sell their meats. I would like to establish a similar arrangement with you. My website is "fox-enterprises.com" 
 
Please communicate at your disposition. 
 
Sincerely, Robert F. Fox
Written by Robert F. Fox (Guest)
13. 03/29/2008 07:56:08 AM
Are organic fruits and vegetables grown outside or in a controlled environment?
Written by Bobbi (Guest)
14. 04/28/2008 01:36:13 PM
My husband and I own a Mamey farm along other exotic fruits in Homestead, Fl (south of Miami. We pride ourselves in organic living because is a great thing for our environment as well as our bodies!!! If anyone is interested in buying Mamey, Lychee or mango's. Please contact me via email at glendaiveth7@yahoo.com
Written by G (Guest)
15. 09/04/2008 10:46:36 AM
I was raised on a farm. I understand where organic fertilizer comes from. I am terribly concerned about the transmission of bacteria and disease from animals to humans via garden produce. Not all manure is completely composted. Some is delivered fresh to the field. Local farmers markets do not ask or research how organic fertilizer is applied to the vegetables sold there.
Written by Kitty (Guest)

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