Originally all of our food was organic.

But with the mass implementation of chemical farming and food processing around the globe, our food supply has become full of chemicals and pollutants.

Over 200 billion pounds of pesticides are added to our food supply each year, which breaks down to about 10 pounds per person. That’s a whole lot of chemicals for each of us to ingest.

Pesticides, many of which are carcinogenic, lodge and accumulate in our tissue resulting in a weakened immune system.

Many approved pesticides were registered a long time ago, before more recent research linked these chemicals to cancer, and diseases of the liver, kidney and blood.

Organic farming is a way to prevent these chemicals from getting into not only our food, but also the air and water.

Organic farmers are required to engage in conservation practices, positive soil-building, and crop rotation. Well-maintained and nourished soil results in plants with more nutrients than conventionally grown produce. Organic foods are better for our bodies and for the environment.

If a food product has the USDA Organic Label, that means that 95-100% of the ingredients are organic. You can also be sure that your food has not been genetically modified, and that no hormones or antibiotics were used in animal products.

Sounds good, right?

But as we all know, organic often means more expensive, at least in the short term (in the long term we save money on environmental damage and long-term health benefits ). So, here are a couple of tips to reduce both the chemicals on your plate and your grocery budget:

• Explore the bulk section of your grocery store! Many organic grains, like quinoa are available at very inexpensive prices when bought in bulk.
• Buy from small local farms. Not only are the prices more appealing, but often small farms, even if not designated as organic, will use less chemicals and practice eco-friendly farming.
• Farmers markets are a great way to get to know the people behind the product; you can usually ask them directly if they use pesticides and how they raise and treat their animals.

Even if you can’t buy all your produce organic, you can still greatly reduce your chemical intake by choosing organic for the most contaminated produce.

The following is a  list of 12 of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables (contain the most chemicals) put together by the Environmental Working Group: 

• Celery
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Nectarines
• Bell Peppers
• Spinach
• Cherries
• Kale/Collard Greens
• Potatoes
• Grapes (Imported)

For a full list visit of the least contaminated produce, which includes avocados, asparagus, and pineapple, visit: http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php. They have a downloadable wallet guide and even an ipad app!

Treat your body well. Happy shopping!