We are bombarded by information about food. One of the most talked about subjects is what to purchase organic and why? Not many people have the ability to purchase everything organic and some may live in places where it is impossible  to purchase everything organic – so how do we choose wisely?

The first rule of thumb, especially for women, is to purchase all organic meat and dairy. Why? These items have more fat than most other things we eat. Not many people know that fat and cholesterol are a huge component of hormones. In fact two of women’s most important hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are made from cholesterol. Our bodies use whatever kind of fat we eat to make our hormones. The fat in non-organic meat and dairy most likely contain high levels of chemicals and toxins. Purchasing organic meat and dairy gives your hormones a better chance of being healthy and functioning optimally.

The second rule of thumb is to know the Dirty Dozen™ from the Clean 15™ (reference from Environmental Working Group). The Dirty Dozen™ are those foods that are essential to purchase organic because they have the most pesticides. The Clean 15™ are the best options to purchase non-organic as they have the least pesticides.

Here are the Dirty Dozen™ (the top three being the worst):

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines – imported (not from US)
7. Grapes – imported (not from US)
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries – domestic (from US)
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/Collard Greens

Here are the Clean 15™:

1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplant
9. Cantaloupe – domestic (from US)
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Water Melon
13. Sweet potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

For more great information on these lists including the full list of all 53 fruits and vegetables, their research and findings please visit EWG.