Numbers and Produce: What’s The Connection

Did you know that the little stickers on fruits and veggies mean more than just the #PLU (Price Look Up)?! According to Dr. Ron Grisanti, Director of Functional Medicine University, they also contain information about how the produce has been grown. Read on …

The five digit number that begins with 9 indicates that the item is #organic – and by now, most people are aware that organic is best, however, it can be expensive as well. Do check the #DirtyDozen list online for which items really should be organic if this is the case.

A four digit number beginning with 3 or 4 means that the item is #conventionalproduce, meaning that #pesticides and herbicides have been sprayed on the crop. Many of these chemicals have been linked to #cancer, auto-immune and other inflammatory disorders.

If the product has a sticker beginning with an 8, it means that the item is #GMO. While the concept began years ago to genetically modify foods to end world hunger, to reduce crop destruction, there has been mounting evidence that GMO foods are linked to #birthdefects, #neurologicaldisorders and gut #microbiome issues, to name a few.

We now live in a world where all food has been affected on some level, but choosing wisely for you, your family and the environment, may support improved health outcomes.

Keep eating the rainbow of fruits and veggies and become wiser about making healthy choices!