What are the benefits of organic fruits and vegetables?

Eating organic fruits and vegetable has many benefits and not only for your health. This is a short guide to help you make better purchasing decisions.

For many people, the main reason to buy organic is to reduce exposure to pesticide residue. Due to strict farming practices, organic farm products contain less pesticide residue. Several studies have also found that phytochemicals (the good things that help prevent disease) in fruits and vegetables are higher in organic products than in conventional crops. The Environmental Protection Agency has significantly reduced the use of pesticides in all agricultural products grown in the United States and committed to helping the organic industry continue to grow.

Do you know why do you have to wash the vegetables properly?

This practice has been increasing because many foods have been produced in an agro-industrial way, where they use chemicals and pesticides, sometimes protective waxes to make the fruit or vegetables look more palatable. Without warning on the label that the fruit was treated.

Although we wash in various ways and techniques, we will not be able to eliminate all the absorbed chemicals. But, despite this, in some fruits and vegetables, thanks to their own characteristics, they incorporate much less toxic agents in their tissues during their growth and that, therefore, we can consume without necessarily having to come from producers with ecological or organic farming.

Why prefer organic fruits and vegetable?

• More nutrients: That contains more vitamins, minerals, etc.
• Soil protection: They only use natural fertilizers for their production.
• Richer: They have better flavor, color, aroma and sometimes they are even bigger.
• Take care of the environment: Because they do not contaminate the earth, air and water with pesticides or chemicals and the health of farmers is protected.
• Improves the immune system: since you do not incorporate toxins in your body that lower your defenses.

Studies support that organic fruits and vegetables have more nutrients, including a greater amount of antioxidants (they help to eliminate free radicals, which are associated with aging), making them of better quality for our body.

Many times, we cannot access organic vegetables, but this should not stop you from increasing your consumption of vegetables and fruits in your diet, because we have a list that will let you know what agricultural products you can buy and consume without fear of the agrochemicals.

Why are chemicals and toxins harmful?

Because enough studies relate them to diseases such as cancer, hormonal imbalances, abnormal development of the nervous system or the brain, accumulation of heavy metals, loss of the immune system, among other problems that can affect our health.

According to the NGO, Environmental Working Group (EWG) and studies advised fruits and vegetables that you should always buy organic ideally within your means, and some that you could buy from non-organic production, without fear of toxins from herbicides and insecticides that are usually used.

You should buy organic

• Apples
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Celery
• Spinach
• Paprika
• Cucumbers
• Potato
• Tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Chili pepper

You can buy non-organic

• Avocados
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Kiwi
• Cantaloupe
• Corn
• Mango
• Cauliflower
• Pineapple
• Onions
• Broccoli
• Papayas

We hope this information is useful in improving purchasing decisions. Remember that you can support local farmers.

Tips for buying organic fruits and vegetables

Eating fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. All types of fruits and vegetables are vitamins, minerals, and fiber resources. They are also low in calories.

Organic products have increased in sales and popularity, causing many people to wonder if they should buy organic fruits and vegetables.

While organic farm produce is safe to eat, but you should learn some tips to buying organic fruits and vegetables …

1) Read the label

Look for the Organic label to ensure that a product is certified. The Organic label on agricultural products indicates that the use of pesticides on plants and soil and in water treatments, and the use of genetically altered crops or seeds is highly monitored with regular inspections of facilities affiliated with the National Organic Program.

2) Save on purchase

You can enjoy organic fruits and vegetables economically. Here are some tips to save …

• Look for offers in market announcements.
• Plan your menus ahead of time and make a shopping list based on fruits and vegetables that are in season or on sale.
• Look for locally grown and seasonal farm produce. These are the ones that often have lower prices compared to other items.
• Buy items in bulk or in large quantities when it makes sense to do so. Consider freezing unused portions for later use.
• Select fresh and completely agricultural products, which will be cheaper than buying washed and pre-cut products.