Some days I feel like all my two year old eats is peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat sandwiches.  Easy to bring with you, easy to make, and healthy for them right?  Well if your not buying organic peanut butter then no not really.  You are giving them a healthy dose of chemicals and pesticides that not only causes damage to the farms and wildlife, but possibly your kids.  Here I was worried about buying organic milk and fruit, which is great too but I realized that he was eating peanut butter almost every day.

Peanuts are actually a legume and because of their close contact with the soil and their porous shell they contain many pesticides that are used on the crops.  Peanut crops are one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the US.  On top of that in moist climates they can produce a fungus that gives off a possible cancer causing agent.

Dont get me wrong…peanuts are very healthy if eaten organically.  Many studies prove that peanuts can reduce the risk of  heart disease and lower your risks for getting type 2 diabetes.  They also are a great source of fiber, vitamin E, potassium, folate, zinc and magnesium. 

So I went to the Shoprite by my house and they do carry a store brand organic peanut butter.  As with most of Shoprite’s store brand organics I was pleased.   It tastes good and is only about 75 cents more per jar.  I think its well worth the money to make sure my kids are eating healthy and chemical free.  I just wish I had realized that all alot sooner!