Monday, September 8, 2008

What to buy Organic



I read this article in American Baby and thought it was pretty informative. I never thought I'd be one of those "Organic-buying" people....I used to think it was silly and an extravagance....but since reading more and more about it, and having a little Briggy....my mind has completely changed. This article details the 7 best organic food items to feed your children (although the recommend eating as organically as possible)

*Fact* Babies eat more than adults, pound for pound, and are more vulnerable to environmental toxins

1. MILK

although it is 50% MORE than conventional milk...it DOESNT contain th antibiotics, artificial hormones and pesticides that the conventional milk does.
Organic milk also contains significantly higher levels of heart-healthy fatty acids and antioxidants.

2. POTATOES

Potatoes are one of the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits/vegetables....81% of potatoes still contain pesticide AFTER being WASHED and PEELED!

3. PEANUT BUTTER

The pesticides used on peanuts are found to be ESPECIALLY toxic...also genetically modified soy may cross over into the peanut crop...which many believe is the reason for the dramatic decade-long increase in peanut allergies.

4. BABY FOOD

The body and brain of a newborn---> 3 year old grow faster than any other time in our lives.

5. KETCHUP

Research has found that organic ketchups are 57% higher in lycopene and have WAY more antioxidants than their conventional counterpart. Also, organic ketchups DO NOT have SUGAR and ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS.

6. APPLES

Apples are one of the most contaminated by pesticides...the organic version has been found to have higher levels of disease-fighting polyphenols and other phytonutrients.

7. BEEF

Antibiotics are used to promote growth in livestock, and those drugs may make it into our systems. And most American beef comes from cattle that is corn or grain fed, which is NOT healthy for us. Organic, grass-fed beef tends to be LEANER and has FIVE times the OMEGA-3 fats which are good for the heart. To locate organic beef in your area visit organicconsumers.org or at your local farmers market.

Massachusetts Organic Farms that sell organic/grass-fed beef:

Caledonia Farms--Barre, Ma
www.caledoniafarms.com

Crabapple Farms--Chesterfield, Ma
100 Bryant Street
413-296-0310



The Dirty Dozen
(These earn the distinction as the most contaminated by pesticides; buy organic when possible)

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

2 comments:

Jocelyn

what a great post! Although I'm not completely sold on an all "organic" diet.{ I would like to be organic as much as possible} I have been talking to Ryszard about going organic {with milk especially} when Brock starts solids.
I would love to start a garden and grow our own veggies, and such, but I'm afraid the animals would get to it long before I did.

jessie lee

collin's aunt ruby has a ranch that does grass fed beef, we sent some to mommy and daddy for christmas.

they also have a 'dude ranch' that people go to visit (remember "hey, dude"??)

here is the link -- http://www.bar10beef.com/