The first question all of us need to ask ourselves is, are we eating enough fresh produce daily? Fresh fruits and vegetables are the healthiest foods on this planet, and ones which we can never go wrong with. Or can we?

Well, it used to be the case before the last 100 years that we could never go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables. However, as chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides became the norm on farms, the quality of fresh produce decreased to the point that it has some people weary of consuming it.

This is where thanks to many consumers and farmers alike speaking up, the organic revolution began. While some today still don’t believe that organic produce is a better way to go, I personally think common sense speaks for itself.

Which apple would I rather eat – the one sprayed with chemicals or the one not sprayed with anything? I think the answer is obvious.

Anyone who has tried to buy organic food however, knows that normally it costs a little extra. There are exceptions of course, where at times it can be much more than conventional produce, and even exceptions where it can be cheaper.

To help us make better decisions where all this is concerned, each year the Environmental Working Group comes out with the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides. Each year, the EWG tests numerous fruits and vegetables for their pesticide loads and compiles it in a wonderful report that is free for all consumers.

This year, a very special personality has joined in with the EWG and that is famous natural health doctor, Dr. Andrew Weil.

In the short video that I want to share with you below, Dr. Andrew Weil explains the fantastic benefits from using the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides and explains how to make the best of eating the most organic and the least pesticide laden produce, no matter what budget we may be on.

Here is a sneak peak at the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides for 2010 which will come out with the full report soon.

For those of you who would like to see the full report, check out the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides for 2009.

What are your habits when it comes to eating organic produce? How do you protect your family and their health from the toxic effects of pesticides?

Looking forward to your comments below.

*Photograph provided by ariztravel

About the author:
Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is a certified holistic nutritionist, biologist, educator, writer, researcher and speaker in the areas of health, science and holistic wellness. She is a nutritional science expert and her teaching and writing focus on natural, wholesome, plant-based and organic nutrition to achieve optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow Evita Ochel on Twitter.