Why buy Organic Fruit and Vegetables?

Why buy organic fruit and vegetables many people ask, for they don't taste any different to the others, and they are much more expensive .Maybe they are right , the taste may not be all that better, but that's not why you should buy organic, and yes they do cost more. The problem with the regular supermarket vegetables is the quality of soil they are grown on, the chemical treatment of the seeds before they are planted, the pesticides that are used during the vegetable and fruit growth period, and the post harvest treatment of the produce. Organic fruit and vegetables are not treated with chemicals during their growth period or post harvest.

Why Buy Organic Fruit and  Vegetables?

There is actually an average daily tolerance intake for these chemicals, and yet you are told there are no pesticide residues in your fruit and vegetables.  Myths of Safe Pesticides  by Andrew Leu , lists some of the chemicals found in Australian foods in 2003: " Acephate, Azinphos-methyl, Bifenthrin, Bioresmethrin, Captan, Carbaryl, Chlorfenvinphos, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, DDT, DDE, Dimethoate, Diphenylamine, Endosulfan, Fenitrothion, Fenoxycarb, Fenthion, Iprodionem Maldison, Metalaxyl, Methamidophos, Methidathion, Methoprene, o-phenylphenol, Parathion-methyl, Permethrin, Piperonyl butoxide, Pirimicarb, Pirimiphos-methyl, Procymidone, Propargite, Propiconazole, Pyrimethanil, Tebufenpyrad, Tetradifon, Vinclozolin". This might be enough evidence to present a reasonable argument for buying organic fruit and vegetables.

Why buy organic fruit and Vegetables?

There is also an allowable daily intake for cadmium, and unfortunately one of the  vegetables we are  told to be certain we include in our diet, is known for its ability to take up cadmium from the soil. The health benefits of broccoli have been much publicized, it has been credited with anti carcinogenic properties, and we are encouraged to eat it. However, broccoli is one of the vegetables grown to decontaminate soil containing cadmium, this process is called phytoremediation. It does this most efficiently through its root system, this is not meant to  imply that the broccoli used in the process of phytoremediation is sold to consuimers.

Regular broccoli sold in supermarkets has often been grown on soil fertilized with superphosphates, and it's this, which contaminates the soil with cadmium. Some phosphate rock which is used in the manufacture of fertilizer is more  heavily contaminated with cadmium than others. Like the pesticides, there is also an allowable daily intake for cadmium. So far your intake of chemicals is already significant from the consumption of regular supermarket vegetables, surely the foregoing facts should prompt you to buy organic fruit and vegetables, if not for yourself, certainly for your children.

You may be reluctant to buy organic fruit and vegetables because they have obvious imperfections, some of the leaves may show evidence of insect attack, the fruit may have a few bumps and spots, but stop and think, this is great for you know that this fruit has not been heavily sprayed with pesticides and insecticides, it's actually safe to eat! Andre Leu's article, The Myths of Safe Pesticides states" The greatest concern about these pesticides in our food and water is for the unborn and children.The 20th Australian Total Diet Survey found pesticide residues in infant food. The regulatory authorities ignored the data by stating " These results confirm that although infant foods contain pesticide residues, these are at very low levels."  In general the dietary exposure to pesticide residues was highest for the toddler age group."

The post harvest practice of dipping mangoes, peaches, and other fruits  in dimethoate to keep the fruit insect free and increase shelf life, is outrageous, dimethoate's poison rating S6 indicates its level of toxicity. It is a neurotoxin, very toxic to birds, fish, bees and livestock. Remember when shopping at your local supermarket for fruit and vegetables that you are actually buying a cocktail of toxic pesticide residues for your family, the produce may look inviting and the delicious aroma of tropical fruits may prove irrestible, but stop and think before you buy that produce.

Another dastardly post harvest practice of irradiating fruit and vegetables with gamma rays to destroy microbes and increase shelf life ensures that the produce has lost its vital force altogether. Support the organic growers and buy organic fruit and vegetables, at least you can then be sure that you are giving yourself and family the very best opportunity to enjoy radiant health and vitality.

 Read more: Aspartame Toxic Contents

References: Leu Andre, The Myths of Safe Pesticides.

Environment Center NT Media Release Tuesday October 2004. Toxic Mangoes. 

Food Irradiation,www.foodirradiationinfo.org.

Vege Notes, www.cadmium-management.org.au