Information on an organic diet
Pesticides are used to repel, control or kill organisms in order to reduce their negative impact on agricultural products. Modern pesticides target weeds, insects, bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and other pests that reduce agricultural yield.
The problem is that excessive pesticide contamination can be harmful to human health. Even after washing, some fruits and vegetables consistently carry much higher levels of pesticide residue than others.
What makes organic fruits and vegetables different is the way they are grown. For example, only fertilizers like compost or manure can be used: chemical fertilizers are not allowed, nor are most synthetic herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. The environmental impacts of organic farming are vastly superior to those of conventional farming, with its reliance on synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers and other practices. Since how you shop is at least as important as how you vote, keep in mind how your produce shopping affects the environment.
Some fruits and veggies are better to buy organic, and others are safe to buy non-organic. Some fruits and vegetables require very few pesticides for growth. Some, due to tough skins or peels, absorb fewer residues. Many fruits and vegetables, however, are sprayed with multiple pesticides, and act like sponges, absorbing residues that are difficult to wash off entirely. Peaches have very thin skin, and are hard to wash, so it is recommended that you buy organic if you can.
In general, if you eat the skin (peaches, apples, celery, berries), buy organic. But if you peel or discard the rind (pineapples, onions, avocados, corn), you might be OK with regular produce.
Check out Saagara's Organic Diet Buddy for a convenient, on the go guide to pesticides.
Diet - Information on healthy eating
Information on an organic diet
