If you are concerned about the effects pesticides and other chemicals have on your wellbeing, you might already be an organic convert.
However, if you are new to the organic buzz, here is a list of 12 commercially-grown fruits and vegetables you should try to avoid.
2013's 'dirty dozen' includes apples, grapes, nectarines, peaches and strawberries on the fruit side. As far as vegetables go, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, hot peppers, potatoes, spinach, capsicum, kale and collard greens, and zucchini were the worst offenders.
High levels of pesticides and chemicals are used on these items, so you should opt for the organic version where possible.
If you plan to make a delicious and nutritious meal with a delectable cut of grass-fed lamb or beef, make sure you go for the full organic treatment with your vegetables too.
Remember, Naturally grown produce has beneficial effects for your health.
According to Australian Organic, natural foods are free from preservatives, additives and GM ingredients that have been linked to various conditions such as allergic reactions, asthma and ADHD.
Commercially grown produce contains pesticides, which have not been adequately tested, according to Organic New Zealand. The organisation said there is no research to see what the effects of these chemicals on humans might be, especially in the long term.
Buying organic is the only guaranteed way to ensure you are avoiding genetically modified (GM) food, as there is no requirement for these items to be labelled in Australia.
GM foods can also affect animals and the meat they provide, as you never know if commercially raised animals are feeding on GM crops. Therefore, making sure you only consume organic meat could be beneficial for your health.
Organic meat has obvious benefits too, when compared to the commercially grown alternatives, including higher levels of minerals zinc, iron, and important omega-3 fatty acids.
