Going Organic on a Budget
Q: I'd love to go completely organic, but I just can't afford it. Are there any fruits and vegetable that are okay to buy the non-organic versions of?
Dr. Wright: Several years ago, the USDA and FDA examined pesticide levels of various produce items, and found that many items sold in supermarkets have unacceptable levels of contamination. It's definitely in your best interest to try to switch to organic versions of these highly contaminated produce items.
However, there are some fruits and vegetables that didn't rank as high on the pesticide scale. These items are ones that are likely safe to eat simply after a thorough washing. The list of the produce that had the lowest levels of pesticides when tested included:
- - Asparagus
- - Avocados
- - Bananas
- - Broccoli
- - Cauliflower
- - Corn (sweet)
- - Kiwi
- - Mangos
- - Onions
- - Papaya
- - Pineapples
- - Peas (sweet)
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. has degrees from both Harvard University (cum laude) and the University of Michigan. More than any other doctor, he practically invented the modern science of applied nutritional biochemistry and he has advanced nutritional medicine for nearly three decades.
As of today, Dr. Wright has received over 35,000 patient visits at his now-famous Tahoma Clinic in Washington State.
To learn more about Dr. Wright, and to sign up for his free Health e-Tips eLetter, please visit www.wrightnewsletter.com.
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Comments
Kris Johnson
Although it's tempting to buy the cheaper non-organic fruits and veggies, I'd be cautious. Although bananas are listed as being low in pesticides, I find that non-organic bananas taste of pesticides to me. I'd review you food budget. Are you buying convenience foods, such as dry cereals, when old fashioned oatmeal can be far more nutritious? Processed foods made with white flour, refined sugar and commercial vegetable oils provide calories but are sorely lacking in nutrients. Are you eating more expensive meat than you really need? Liver and dried beans are inexpensive and very nutritious. Cooking more things from scratch can save a lot of money. Visit a farmers market. Ask the farmer how s/he deals with pests. They may not be certified organic, but use organic methods anyway. Find a community garden and plant a vegetable garden. When you buy & consume better food you will save many trips to the doctor!
Seedsaver
YOu don't say if you live in the city or country but I have used all of these in both.
Join or start a food buying club that is organic. Some states allow these clubs to accept food stamps. Check with your state.
Join a CSA. That is a farmer sho sells shares to his crops for a fixed amount of money you pay upfront. Some allow work shares which means you can work at the farm, or do paperwork for the farmer instead of paying for your share. Some states pay these farmers to supply a certain number of "free" shares to those over 55. It may also apply to those who are disabled. Check with your state senator on that one.
Buy in bulk over the internet or by mail order. Be prepared to store grains in metal cans with tight fitting covers or in glass with twist lids in a cool dry place.
A great investment when a lump comes in is to get either a ver good food processor that can render just about anything into a 6 minute(cooking time) soup, or get a juicer. Drink the juice and cook with or eat raw the pulp
Sprout some of your grains and seeds. A big glass jar ( ask at a restaurant, or at the deli of a supermarket though glass is getting harder to come by free), a fine mesh ( I find guaze or a piece of an old fine sieve, or even a piece of nylon netting works well and also substitutes as a good vegtable brush to get the dirt off those potatoes and carrots.
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