Ask The Nutritionist

What is Your Opinion on Organic Foods?

Q. Dear Lory, RD
I have been trying to buy as much organic food products as possible. Sometimes they are the same price as conventional, sometimes they are considerably higher. What is your opinion on organic foods?

A. Dear Samantha,
There has been some scientific research to back up the fact that organic tomatoes for instance have more of the phytochemical lycopene, than non-organic tomatoes. This means that consumers get more health benefits for their buck. This may be true for most organic produce. It is my understanding that typically organic produce is picked later from the vine, so it has more opportunity to store up vital nutrients.

I also know that there once was a substantial price difference between organic and conventional. This gap is closing as consumers become aware of the increased nutrient content as well as the additional cost of conventional, mainly the taxing of the environment due to pesticide and chemical run-off.

Having said that, I do attempt to buy organic exclusively when it comes to thin skinned produce or produce that contains a high percentage of water. My list consists of berries, grapes, lettuce, greens and melons. There is another list that you may find helpful. This was compiled by the Environmental Working Group. They list the top 12 products which contain the highest pesticide levels. Here is their list.

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Imported grapes
10. Spinach
11. Lettuce
12. Potatoes

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Lory Hayon, B.S., R.D.
Registered Dietitian & Nutritionist.
Lory@FertilityCenterLV.com