Our daily diet is crucial for our overall health.  The word “organic” gets thrown around a lot in a grocery store, and to demystify the health buzz word, alternative health expert Bryce Wylde stopped by Cityline to share some of his wisdom and tips on eating more organic.  

Organic foods are free of: GMOs (genetically-modified organisms), pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones.  In addition, organic growing takes into consideration the growth process (i.e. soil rotation adding minerals into our food). 

Wylde notes that according to Stanford University, 30% of conventionally grown fruits, vegetables, and produce are contaminated.  That statistic alone highlights the need to eat more organically. 

Contrary to popular belief, buying organic doesn’t necessarily have to cost more than buying conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables.  Each year, the Environmental Working Group publishes two lists detailing which fruits and vegetables you should buy from the organic section, and which ones are safe to buy conventionally.

EWG’s 2012 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce:

The Clean 15: Produce that is lowest in pesticides and safest to buy conventionally

1.    Onions

2.    Sweet Corn

3.    Pineapples

4.    Avocado

5.    Cabbage

6.    Sweet peas

7.    Asparagus

8.    Mangoes

9.    Eggplant

10.    Kiwi

11.    Cantaloupe (domestic)

12.    Sweet potatoes

13.    Grapefruit

14.    Watermelon

15.    Mushrooms

The Dirty Dozen: Produce that has the highest level of contamination and should be purchased organically

1.    Apples

2.    Celery

3.    Sweet bell peppers

4.    Peaches

5.    Strawberries

6.    Nectarines

7.    Grapes

8.    Spinach

9.    Lettuce

10.    Cucumbers

11.    Blueberries

12.    Potatoes

Lastly, when in doubt, look for the “USDA-approved organic” sticker.  This ensures that they follow all industry protocol, and are indeed certified organic.

For more information, visit Bryce Wylde’s article on all things organic by clicking here.

What tips and tricks do you have when it comes to buying organic?  Share them in the comments below, or send them over to Bryce Wylde – submissions@cityline.ca.