Quick Bites

Pesticides, Antibiotics, Hormones...Oh My!

Its spring- which means a large variety of fruits and vegetables will be in season. Soon, you'll see more and more organic produce in your grocery store. But, should you buy it? The term "organic" means that your favorite produce was grown sans synthetic pesticides or fake fertilizers and was not irradiated or genetically "toyed with". Organic meat (such as beef and chicken) was raised on 100% organic feed and was never exposed to growth hormones, antibiotics or other drugs. The meat was also never zapped with radiation. As for organic milk, it comes from animals that were fed 100% organic feed for at least a year and were not given growth hormone (rBST) or antibiotics. But, what does all that mean when it comes to your health? Here are 5 reasons to consider organic:

1. Less pesticides: All fruits and vegetables contain some pesticides; chemicals that have been linked with asthma, lymphoma, Parkinson's disease and several cancers. Our bodies can handle a small amount of pesticides, but less is better. The top 12 fruits and vegetables highest in pesticides include: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and tomatoes. Don't waste your money on organic broccoli, onions, bananas or kiwi. Their pesticide content is relatively low.

2. Go green! Organic fruits and vegetables are easier on the environment.

3. Less antibiotic resistance: Non-organic animals are exposed to antibiotics (for growth stimulation or disease prevention). If bacteria come in contact with those antibiotics, some may survive. If they reproduce, their offspring are resistant to the antibiotics. If you get sick from the resistant bacteria and an antibiotic is prescribed, the drug will not work effectively.

4. Kindness to animals: Organically raised cows and chickens have more access to the environment than conventionally raised animals.

5. Taste: Once you've tried organic milk or meat, you won't want the 'regular' stuff again. Organic milk and meat has a cleaner, smoother taste.

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