Organic Beans, Nuts, and Oils

Health Considerations

• Pesticide residues: Although conventional farmers rely on pesticides to grow beans, the USDA has found very little evidence of residues on beans. Most conventionally grown nuts have also been found to have very low levels of pesticide residues—with the exception of peanuts, which are highly contaminated.
• GMOs: More than 85% of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified.
• Oils: Labels on organic oils may suggest that these products contain fewer pesticide residues, but in fact other factors contribute more to organic oils’ overall healthfulness. Unrefined oils processed below 118°F (often called refrigerated expeller-pressed), high in omega-3 fatty acids and bottled in opaque containers, will provide the most nutritional content.

Environmental Considerations

• Pesticides: Conventional bean farmers are permitted to use a wide array of chemical pesticides, but many prefer to practice crop rotation instead. Even so, the pesticides used on beans and nuts (except peanuts) tend not to leave behind significant residues.
• Groundwater contamination: Though the pesticides used on beans and most nuts leave behind very few residues, they have been shown to cause significant contamination to groundwater supplies.

Recommendations

• If health issues are your chief concern: Aside from peanuts, you may not find organic beans and nuts worth the extra expense, since pesticide residues are relatively low even in conventionally grown products.
• If environmental issues are your chief concern: You may want to consider organic beans, nuts, and oils in light of groundwater contamination that conventional growing practices can cause.
• If nutrition is your main concern: Keep in mind that an organic label is far less important than other production factors, such as refining and bottling methods.
• If you’re on a tight food budget: Look for rela-tive bargains on organic beans and nuts in your supermarket’s bulk bins.

Where to Buy Organic Beans, Nuts and Oils

• Supermarkets
• Health food and natural food stores
• Food cooperatives