A study conducted by the University of Washington found that preschoolers eating primarily organic foods were exposed to fewer organophosphate pesticides than children eating primarily conventional foods. In 2006, the BBC reported that pesticides found in fruits and vegetables, and the decreased nutrients in non-organic produce, can cause mental health issues like depression, and memory problems in children and adults.

Choosing to eat organic can be simple and affordable. Replace packaged snacks with fresh fruit and breakfast cereal with fresh fruit smoothies. The fastest food in the world is a banana, just peel and eat. Rich in potassium, bananas contain calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus and are rich in fiber. They also boast vitamins C, A, and B, plus folate. Organic food offers our bodies 70% more fuel per bite which means that in the long run we will eat less, making it an even greater value.

When you fill your grocery cart, select fresh produce and you save on packaging, oils and added sugars that are in processed food. By choosing between carrots, asparagus, apples and cherries, you can keep your food bill low and your children healthy.

If 100% organic is not within your budget, consider buying organic for certain foods. You can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure by as much as 90 percent by avoiding the dirty dozen.

Dirty Dozen – Most Contaminated

Apples

Bell peppers

Celery

Cherries

Grapes (imported)

Lettuce

Nectarines

Peaches

Pears

Potatoes

Red Raspberries

Spinach

Strawberries

12 Least Contaminated

Asparagus

Avocado

Bananas

Broccoli

Cabbage

Kiwi Fruit

Mango

Onions

Papaya

Pineapples

Sweet Corn (Frozen)

Sweet Peas (Frozen)

Kimberle Smith is the owner of A-Live & Healthy Organic Eatery & Juice Bar. The restaurant is located at 205 McLeod in Merritt Island. For more information call 321-576-0990.