Organic vs non-organic food
We’ve seen plenty of stories about people going organic as well as the benefits it has on the environment. But with the high price tag that comes along with organic food, it’s hard to know what to buy.
We’ve compiled a list of food for your organic shopping list to help reduce the risk of illness. We’ve also highlighted other types of food that are lower in pesticide, and therefore safer to continue buying as normal.
What is organic food?
Organic food is produced using methods of organic farming, which comply with organic standards set by national governments and international organisations. Organic fruit and vegetables contain less toxic pesticides and herbicides than conventional produce. By consuming organic meat, it can help eliminate the negative effects of growth hormones and antibiotics. Some studies claim organic food has higher antioxidant and micronutrient content, such as folic acid and vitamin C.
12 things consider buying organic
Also known as the "Dirty Dozen" here are 12 things to shop organic for:
- Apples
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Spinach
- Nectarines
- Grapes
- Bell peppers
- Potatoes
- Blueberries
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Collards (similar to kale)
15 conventional things you can continue buying
The "Clean 15" is a list of conventional types of food that contain the least amount of pesticide and you can still purchase these as conventional food sources:
- Onions
- Sweetcorn
- Pineapple
- Avocado
- Asparagus
- Sweet peas
- Mangos
- Eggplant
- Kiwifruit
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Sweet potato
- Grapefruit
- Mushrooms
Where to buy organic food
You can now buy most organic foods online and have them delivered to your home. Some New Zealand organic companies now offer ‘Vege Boxes’, as well as more detailed information about organic food through their websites.
- Luke Crawley - Health & Wellness Consultant
