Rainbow Acres, LLC's "Naturals"

   ORGANIC VS. CONVENTIONAL

Conventional farmers use an arsenal of pesticides to protect their crops from insects, bacteria, rodents, molds, and fungi. These substances can end up in the food supply. Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables can lower pesticide residues, but not necessarily. When the USDA tests for pesticides, they wash and peel fruit the same way a typical consumer would.
     The National Institute of Environmental Health Services acknowledges that scientists do not have a full understanding of the health risks associated with exposure to agricultural pesticide residues through food, soil, water, or air. They also report that farmers who use pesticides experience an increase in neurological symptoms and that the harmful effects on children are greater than on adults.
     Recent studies indicate that pregnant women should also be careful of their exposure to pesticides. Three studies published in 2011 in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives suggest pesticide exposure can harm the developing fetal brain. 
     Research has shown that people who eat five fruits and vegetables a day from the "Dirty" list consume an average of 10 pesticides a day.  Those who eat from the "Cleaner" list of less contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingested fewer than 2 pesticides daily. 
     Researchers have linked chronic disease to the typical American Diet of fast & processed foods containing chemicals, pesticides and genetically modified foods.  It's best to buy organic foods whenever possible to avoid chemical buildup causing toxcicity.  
     The "Cleaner List" was tested to have less pesticides, however, they were not toxin free.  Always buy organic from the "Dirty" list.
     It is also best to buy organic meat, poultry and dairy products or at least choose the ones that are "grass fed" or "free range" & contain no added hormones, antibiotics or steroids whenever possible.