Diet Write
by DietWrite, Diet.com's Diet and Fitness News Reporter

When should you buy organic? This is a question that is currently racking the mind of several health conscious individuals. The only problem with buying organic is the damaging effect it has on your wallet.

If you're seriously trying to watch both your budget and your health, check out this website: www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214

The “Dirty Dozen” is a list of the foods that contain the highest amounts of pesticide residue. The offenders may surprise you.

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

12 Least Contaminated
1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn (Frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas (Frozen)
8. Kiwi Fruit
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage
11. Broccoli
12. Papaya

While the “Dirty Dozen” pertains to produce, two more products to consider buying organic would be milk and beef. The reasons for these two foods are essentially the same. Cows raised on conventional farms are often fed antibiotics in their feed. Dairy cows may also be given recombinant bovine growth hormone or (rBGH) to increase the amount of milk they can produce. (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-to-buy-or-not-to-buy-organic )

When in doubt, always look for the USDA Organic seal and do your research if you have concerns over what you're putting into your body!