The Dirty Dozen; The Clean 15 – 12 Most Contaminated Foods

So you’re probably wondering why you should be eating organic food as much as possible. There are numerous reasons, but the most apparent reason would be to limit the amount of toxic pesticides residing in your body. Based on the study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) along with the USDA and USFDA, scientists has proven that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood.

But we are all aware that organic food can get quite costly – especially if you’re only buying organic food. So here’s an updated list of the 12 most contaminated foods that you SHOULD buy organic and 15 of the least contaminated foods that you can worry less about needing to buy them organically.

BUY THESE ORGANIC:

1- CELERY   (THE WORST)                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

2- PEACHES   (THE WORST)

3- STRAWBERRIES   (THE WORST)

4- APPLES

5- BLUEBERRIES

6- NECTARINES

7- BELL PEPPERS

8- SPINACH

9 – CHERRIES

10 – KALE/COLLARD GREENS

11- POTATOES

12 – GRAPES (IMPORTED)

LOWEST IN PESTICIDES:

1- ONIONS   (BEST)

2- AVOCADOS   (BEST)

3 – SWEET CORN   (BEST)

4- PINAPPLE

5- MANGOES

6- SWEET PEAS

7- ASPARAGUS

8- KIWI

9- CABBAGE

10- EGGPLANT

11- CANTALOUPE

12- WATERMELON

13- GRAPEFRUIT

14- SWEET POTATO

15- HONEYDEW MELON

So when you’re planning your next grocery shopping trip, print out this list and bring it with you. If you eat any of the 12 most contaminated food on a regular basis (more than 5 servings a day), then it’s best to buy them organically. Make sure that they are labeled as USDA Organic to ensure their quality and authenticity. Since organic produce has no chemical pesticides on them it’s not necessary to peel the skin since you’ll want the added benefit of the valuable nutrients but it’s best to give them a wash in the sink anyway since they were most likely handled by other grocery shoppers.

Since I’ve discovered this helpful list a few years ago, I keep a note of it whenever I purchase fruits and vegetables. Another good reminder when you’re shopping for fresh produce is that the thinner the skins are on these fruits and vegetables, the more likely pesticides and chemicals will seep inside – so no amount of washing and peeling can rid them of  those dangerous chemicals.

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