hcg diet portland

Which Vegetables are Best Organic?

April 6, 2021 By , , , , , , ,

hcg diet portlandIdeally, I ask all of my medical weight loss patients  to choose as much organic produce as the budget allows. However, there are a few vegetables that the Environmental Working Group lists as “okay” to purchase in the non-organic form.  Then, there are some that are also known as  the “Dirty Dozen Plus®” list of foods from the Environmental Working Group that are heavily sprayed and are best bought with the organic stamp of approval or from a local “no spray” farm.

They include:

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Cherry tomatoes
4. Cucumbers
5. Grapes
6. Hot peppers
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Spinach
11. Strawberries
12. Sweet bell peppers
13. Kale/collard greens
14. Summer squash

Why is it so Important to Find Organic Sources of these Vegetables?

According to the Environmental Working Group, these fruits and vegetables are the 14 crops that are most contaminated with pesticides. By going organic on only these foods, you will substantially reduce your toxin exposure.

One of the worst side effects of these environmental toxins is their ability to disrupt hormones or actually mimic hormones.  They can actually  interfere with the natural messaging of your hormonal symphony, and that can also result in a hit to your fat-burning pathways.

Avoid Genetically Modified Foods

Another useful thing you can do to reduce your toxic exposure from foods is to avoid GMO foods. Pay particular attention to corn, soy, canola oil, zucchini, squash and Hawaiian papaya. Conventionally grown forms of these foods  are very likely to be GMO. If you want to be on the safe side, these would be good choices to add to your  “organic only” list.  I also encourage you to avoid foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). Researchers frequently use MSG to induce obesity in animals. There is also   evidence that MSG is what’s called an “excitotoxin” which is not favorable for the brain or nervous system.

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