Is choosing organic better for your health?

Every year the Environmental Working Group puts out a report that lists the produce highest in pesticides (up to 20) which they call the Dirty Dozen.  These foods have been subjected to harmful pesticides, herbicides and other toxins that can lead to acute and chronic conditions (1, 2) .  They are best bought organic to lower your risk of exposure and to help prevent unwanted health concerns later in life.

Some of the health effects these harmful chemical have of the body include:

- respiratory tract irritations
- allergic sensitisation
- eye and skin irritation
- headache, nausea, diarrhea
- infertility
- estrogen dominence
- depression and anxiety
- ADHD
- diabetes and obesity
- hypo and hyperthyroidism
- neurological disorders like parkinsons
- cancers due to their carcinogenic effects on the body

Source - https://www.pan-uk.org/health-effects-of-pesticides/

Being aware of the impacts these chemicals have is the first step towards a healthier and more resilient body.

The other list the EWG puts out is called the Clean Fifteen which provides consumers with a list of foods that are safer to buy and not sprayed as much with chemicals.  

These two lists give consumers the ability to choose their food for better health and for those on a budget to know when they should consider buying organic produce rather then the standard crops.  The most economical way to purchase seasonal organic produce is through a box scheme. There are so many in and around the Witney area that you wouldn't find it that difficult to make the switch.   Here is the updated list as of May 2019. (based on US Crops - many of which are similar in the UK & EU)

DIRTY DOZEN (Highest in Pesticides - Buy Organic)

 STRAWBERRIES




SPINACH and KALE




NECTARINES




​APPLES

PEACHES

PEARS




CHERRIES



​GRAPES

​CELERY








​TOMATOES




POTATOES

 ​CUCUMBERS (optional but since these are still cheap I always buy them organic)

CLEAN FIFTEEN (Lowest in Pesticides- focus on locally sourced, support your local farmers)

1. SWEET CORN * Since corn is high on the GMO list of foods it is best to buy organic still

2. AVOCADOES




3.  PINEAPPLE




4. CABBAGE




5. ONIONS





6. SWEET PEAS (FROZEN/FRESH)




7. PAPAYA



8. ASPARAGUS



​
9. KIWI



10. AUBERGINES




11. HONEY DEW MELON




12. KIWIS




13. CANTALOUPE



14. CAULIFLOWER



15. BROCCOLI

Start to feed your body what it needs to stay healthy and avoid chemicals and toxins whenever possible to better not only your own health but the health of your entire family.

Support your local farmers, organic suppliers and box schemes all doing their part to keep organics on our tables.

Happy Eating
Debbie Vanderboom

1.  EWG, (2015). EWG. [online] Available at: http://www.ewg.org [Accessed 2 Jun. 2015].
2. Kurstin, M. (2015). Another Reason To Eat Organic. [online] EWG. Available at: http://www.ewg.org [Accessed 2 Jun. 2015].