By Dt. Manoli Doshi,
Founder of Tattvum & Diabetes Educator
What does Organic Mean?
Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives.Irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products produced from or by GMOs are generally prohibited by organic legislation. Choosing organic produce where and when you can means that you’re making a decision that helps support the soil, animal, plants, people and the environment we live in on a day-to-day basis. The more chemicals we spray on our soil, the more chemicals that can end up in our food and water supply, and potentially in our bodies.
We know that organic fruits and vegetables are better for our bodies and the planet, along with the farmers that grow them and the overall food industry. The more foods are produced naturally in an organic manner without chemicals and pesticides, the more everyone benefits. Plus, there’s nothing like taking a taste of a delicious apple that has no waxy coating or slicing into a cucumber that doesn’t have that slimy, waxy finish. But organic isn’t always easy to buy on a budget, so that’s why choosing organic foods from “The Dirty Dozen” list each year is so important.
The ‘Dirty Dozen’ is a list of fruit and vegetables that are the best investments when it comes to choosing organic. In other words, if you’re shopping on a budget and want to know the best foods to prioritise when choosing between organic and non-organic, I think these are the ones to pick. I also choose to buy organic dairy, chicken and red meat. These fruits and vegetables should be bought organic when possible since they are the most heavily sprayed crops.
- Apples
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Strawberries
- Sweet bell peppers
Eating organic is an investment in your health – you’re helping to avoid eating unnecessary chemicals.