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By Meghan Yost, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent
BALTIMORE, M.D. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- As you walk through the produce aisle of your grocery store, youre probably bombarded with signs showcasing organic foods; but what is organic and are the health benefits of these foods worth the extra dollars?
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Yes, John Bagnulo, M.P.H., Ph.D., a nutrition and fitness instructor at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Mass., told Ivanhoe. In studies, organically grown foods have been shown to have significantly higher amounts of vitamins and minerals as well as total phenolics (TPs), or antioxidants, compared to those produced conventionally.
Foods grown using todays standard agricultural practices are also laden with toxins. He points to a 2002 study that found postmenopausal women in western New York who consumed the most fruit and dairy also had the highest levels of serum organochlorine pesticides. Toxics like these can have detrimental effects on our health and may even cause cancer, Dr. Bagnulo says. They can also take years to break down which is especially taxing on the human liver as it works to detoxify the body, he explained.
According to Dr. Bagnulo, some fruits and vegetables should always be bought organic, including peaches, strawberries, apples, spinach, celery and potatoes. Based on EPA and FDA data, they show to be the largest group of contaminated foods, Dr. Bagnulo said. While he says buying organic is always preferred, there are some clean foods he is willing to make exceptions for, including avocado, grapefruit, broccoli and bananas. Theyre not going to have the same nutritious benefits [as the organic versions] but theyre safer bets for the middle of the road. However, when it comes to bell peppers, go organic or dont go at all. Peppers are loaded with pesticides and theyre very expensive organic. Dr. Bagnulo also recommends buying organic peanuts and natural peanut butter because of their high pesticide levels.
In addition to buying organic, buying locally is important. I feel very strongly that if people could afford and have access to organically grown local produce, thats absolutely the way to go, Dr. Bagnulo said. He says an even better option is to grow your own produce.
SOURCE: Ivanhoe Interview with John Bagnulo, M.P.H., Ph.D.; Food as Medicine Conference, Baltimore, M.D., June 12-15, 2008
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Lindsay Braun at lbraun@ivanhoe.com.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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