Price of Organic Produce V. Price of Cancer

“If you think the price of organic food is expensive, have you priced cancer lately,” asks Joel Salatin. The price of organic food versus the benefits of organic food is a hot issue throughout the nation. Many debate whether the extra dollar or two (sometimes even more, depending on the product) is worth the benefits of eating organic food or using organic products. Non-organic eaters claim there isn’t enough scientific evidence relating cancer and other fatal diseases directly to non-organic food, while organic aficionados claim they will live a healthier, more natural life because of the organic food and products they choose to buy.

But, let’s face the facts, buying organic is more expensive the majority of the time. Many people are finding it harder to spend the extra cash on organic food when they could be saving that money for something else, especially during this tough economic downturn.

Because of this trend, the USDA and the FDA compiled a list of produce that should be bought organic due to the amount of pesticides residue found on the skin. Buying these products organically is said to dramatically reduce your pesticide intake (as much as 80 percent!!) So, here it is, the “dirty dozen”:

1. Apples
2. Blueberries
3. Cherries
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Strawberries
7. Nectarine
8. Celery
9. Bell Peppers
10. Collard Greens/Kale
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

As the consumer, you have to ask yourself, “To buy organic or not to buy organic.” That is the question. As Joel Salatin says, you could spend the money now on natural food, or spend the money later on medical bills.

A way to avoid the high prices of organic food is to buy from a local farmer or farmers’ market. Many small, local farmers practice organic farming but do not have the money to spend on a extremely expensive USDA Organic label. So, start a conversation with your local farmer(s). Ask them how they grow their food. Supporting them keeps their prices low and your body pesticide-free!

(Photo courtesy of Farmer’s Pal)