There are a lot of foods that you can buy organic if you want to avoid pesticides and other chemicals. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its annual Dirty Dozen list, which names the 12 fruits and vegetables that have the most pesticide residue. If you’re trying to eat healthily and live a toxin-free life, you should definitely try to buy these foods organic whenever possible!
What Is the Dirty Dozen?
The Dirty Dozen list is compiled by the EWG of the fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticide residue. The list is based on data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Every year, the USDA tests thousands of samples of products for pesticides. The EWG then ranks the foods based on the number of pesticides.
Why Should I Care?
Well, for one thing, pesticides are linked to a whole host of health problems. They’ve been related to cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, hormone disruption, and neurological effects. Pesticides can also be harmful to the environment. They can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife.
So, if you’re looking to live a healthier and more environmentally-friendly life, buying organic is a great place to start!
#1: Strawberries
Strawberries top the list for the fourth year in a row. A single sample of strawberries can contain 20 different types of pesticides! So, if you’re concerned about your health, try to buy organic strawberries whenever possible.
#2: Spinach
Spinach comes in second on the list. Like strawberries, a single sample of spinach can contain up to 15 different types of pesticides. So, if you’re looking to avoid pesticides, it’s best to buy organic spinach.
#3: Kale, Collards & Mustard Greens
Kale, collards, and mustard greens are part of the cruciferous vegetable family. These vegetables are high in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. They’re also a great source of fiber. However, they can contain up to 13 different pesticides per sample. So, either you grow them yourself or buy organic kale, collards, and mustard greens!
#4: Nectarines
Nectarines are a type of stone fruit, along with peaches, plums, and cherries. A single sample of nectarines can contain up to 13 different types of pesticides. So, if you’re looking for a pesticide-free nectarine, your best bet is to buy organic.
#5: Apples
Apples are a popular fruit, and they’re also one of the most pesticide-laden. A single sample of apples can contain up to 12 different types of pesticides. Apples have thin peels, which means that the pesticides can easily be absorbed into the fruit. So, if you’re looking for some apples, it’s best to buy organic ones from a local farmer’s market.
#6: Grapes
Grapes are another popular fruit, and they’re also one of the most pesticide-laden. Like with apples, the thin peels on grapes mean that the pesticides can easily be absorbed into the fruit.
#7: Cherries
Cherries are a type of stone fruit, along with nectarines, peaches, and plums. A third of the cherries tested had a potentially cancer-causing pesticide restricted in Europe.
#8: Peaches
A single sample of peaches can contain up to 11 different types of pesticides. On average, peaches have the second-highest amount of pesticides of any fruit. So, it’s best to buy organic peaches if you’re looking to avoid pesticides.
#9: Pears
Pears are another fruit that can easily absorb pesticides. Pears with five or more pesticides residues were discovered in half of the test samples.
#10: Bell peppers & Hot peppers
Bell peppers and hot peppers are two vegetables that are often contaminated with pesticides. In fact, bell peppers are the most pesticide-laden vegetable on the list. During the test, trace residues of highly toxic pesticides were discovered in roughly three-fourths of hot peppers.
#11: Celery
Celery is a type of leafy green vegetable. A single sample of celery can contain up to 13 different types of pesticides.
#12: Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the last item on the list, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Tomatoes are a popular food, and they’re also one of the most pesticide-laden. Luckily, it’s easy to find organic tomatoes at your local farmers’ market or organic canned tomatoes at the grocery store.
The Bottom Lines
Now that you know which foods are the most pesticide-laden, you can make a conscious decision to buy organic versions of these foods. Not only will this help reduce your exposure to pesticides, but it will also support more environmentally-friendly farming practices.
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