What are the health benefits of Organic Fruits and Vegetables?

The 10 fruits and vegetables you should be buying organic We all know that buying organic foods is a great way to avoid pesticides and improve our well-being. Studies also suggest that people who opt for organic fruits, vegetables and other produce have 25 percent lower diagnosis of cancers. The lack of additives, preservatives, and synthetic fertilizers in organic foods also increases its nutritional value. Compared to conventional items, organic products tend to taste better as well. However, organic food is expensive. In fact, Consumer Reports suggest that buying from organic food shop – suppliers is 47% more costly than conventionally grown produce, making it impossible to eat everything organic. But where can you draw the line? Which food items carry high amount of pesticides and should be avoided completely if grown through conventional farming? Here, take a look at our list of top 10 fruits and vegetables that you should always buy from organic food and cafe in Dubai.

1. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away but if you are expecting to prevent doctor visits by eating conventionally prepared apples – think again. According to an analysis, pesticides were reported in more than 90% of the apples while a large number of the fruit also contained a pesticide that is banned in the EU.

2. Strawberries

During their tests, the Environmental Working Group (a non-profit organization) declared that more than 90% of the strawberries tested positive for at least two types of pesticides.

3. Spinach

Spinach is another produce to be concerned about. According to reports, 97% of samples contained various types of pesticides including neurotoxin – a toxin responsible for altering nerve tissues.

4. Nectarines

In a recently conducted test, almost all samples of nectarine tested positive for pesticides. Surprisingly, some samples contained more than 15 types of pesticides each.

5. Grapes

The conventionally grown grapes contain around five types of pesticides. In fact, reports suggest that almost 96% of the tested grapes contained some forms of pesticides.

6. Peaches

Almost 99% of the peaches tested by the Environmental Working Group tested positive for pesticides. The report also shows that almost all of the conventionally grown peaches contained at least four types of harmful toxins.

7. Cherries

The conventionally grown cherry samples contained an average of five different types of pesticides. Some samples also included a pesticide that is banned in the UK as a potential cancer-causing agent.

8. Tomatoes

On an average, most of the conventionally grown tomatoes contain around four types of different pesticides – with some samples containing up to 15 types of various pesticides.

9. Potatoes

According to the reports, conventionally grown potatoes have more amounts of pesticides than any other produce tested by the EWG. Additionally, most of the tested potatoes contained traces of pesticides that are renowned to negatively influence the central nervous system.

10. Hot peppers

Hot peppers are the newest addition to the list of ‘pesticide-containing’ vegetables and fruits. According to the authorities, almost ¾ of the hot peppers tested contained traces of pesticides. Should I only buy organic fruits and vegetables? It is not possible to make the switch to organic foods overnight. Instead, use this list as a guide and make healthier food choices – especially when it comes to your favourite items.

Organic produce contains fewer pesticides. Organic food is often fresher because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Organic farming is better for the environment Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts. Organic meat and milk are richer in certain nutrients. Organic food is GMO-free.