Fit Tips-Organic Foods Health Benefits

There's been a lot of debate in the media lately regarding organic foods. Specifically, are they worth it? And are they really that much healthier for you? It's a personal choice we each have to make. It's important to do your own research and find good sources of foods. Personally, I favor organic foods, if they are labeled "certified organic". Be careful of manufacturer's misuse of the words organic, whole, and natural.

My best to you in health and fitness,

Larry Wasserman

Fit Tips
Organic Foods- Health Benefits
Submitted by AOA Dryland Director Sarah Applegarth

WHICH FOODS ARE WORTH BUYING ORGANIC?

Strawberries, the most heavily contaminated crop, often have high levels of methyl bromide and hormone- affecting pesticides. Leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuces, along with grapes, rice, almonds and sunflower seed, tomatoes sweet peppers and imported fruits also routinely contain high levels of organophosphates and other toxins.

Even after washing, many fruits and vegetables consistently carry much higher levels of pesticide residue than others. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S government pesticide test results, researchers at the Environmental Working Group have developed the "dirty dozen fruits and vegetables". They recommend consumers should always buy these organic to avoid heavy doses of pesticides:

Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Imported grapes
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries

Reference: Fitness Trainer Canada October 2006

Sarah Applegarth MSc, PFLC, CSCS AOA
Fitness Director, Active Life Conditioning Inc.