When is Organic your Only Option?

We all know that the more organic you throw into the trolley, the bigger the shock at the check-out.   Unfortunately we are living in a world where the cheapest foods are dangerously high in pesticides, nasty chemicals, hormones and God knows what else.  

It makes it nearly impossible for an average family to eat a completely organic diet.  I've been doing some research lately and I came across a couple of lists.  

The Clean 15 is a list of fruit and veg that you might just get away with eating non-organic. The levels of pesticides etc in these is quite low and although you would definitely be better off buying organic these shouldn't cause too much damage.

1. Avocados
2. Sweetcorn
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbage
5. Sweet Peas (frozen)
6. Onions
7. Asparagus
8. Mangos
9. Papayas
10. Kiwi
11. Aubergine
12. Grapefruit
13. Cantaloupe Melon
14. Cauliflower
15. Sweet Potatoes

The Dirty Dozen is the list of worst offenders.  You should make all attempts to always buy the items on this list organic.  The levels are so high you might as well be eating junk food as the goodness is completely outweighed by their toxicity.

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Grapes
4. Celery
5. Peaches
6. Spinach
7. Sweet Bell Peppers
8. Nectarines
9. Cucumbers
10. Cherry Tomatoes
11. Snap Peas
12. Potatoes

I've been eating organic apples for a while, and I can't say I would go back to the cheap ones.  Even if they are being sold for 39 cent in Aldi.  Your health is your wealth after all.