Research suggests that we need a diet rich in fruits and vegetable to provide our bodies with the necessary fibre, minerals and vitamins. However, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), two thirds of your fruits and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides.
To reduce exposure most people opt for organic produce. But going organic, can be costly and not a viable choice for every consumer. Consuming high doses of pesticides can come at a high cost, with side effects such as skin and eye rashes to interferences in hormones and the nervous system.
The EWG lists the most and least pesticides ridden foods, called “The Dirty Dozen”. This year apples, peaches, and nectarines were listed positive for high doses of pesticide residue. These fruits tested positive 90% of the time, and showed at least 1 form of pesticide residue. The EWG also releases “The clean 15”, which are the produce with the least amount of pesticides. In this list avocados tested, showed 1% of pesticide residue, while mangos and kiwi fruit showed 12% and 18%. Since well rounded nutrition is required for good health, it is advisable to choose organic when selecting produce from the dirty dozen.
The Dirty Dozen
Apples
Peaches
Nectarines
Strawberries
Grapes
Celery
Spinach
Sweet bell peppers
Cucumbers
Cherry tomatoes
Snap peas (imported)
Potatoes
The Clean Fifteen
Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Cabbage
Frozen sweet peas
Onions
Asparagus
Mangos
Papayas
Kiwi
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Cantaloupe
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Bio: Dev Randhawa blogs about the studies and current events he reads about as an aspiring pediatric doctor currently going through medschool.