We all know that organic food costs more however sometimes, depending on the fruit/ vegetable, the extra money may just be worth it. Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) release the newest list of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides in the US, and here is the UK, we have adopted these guidelines in the last few years. Our farming regulations may be slightly different, but the lists provided are still a good guide. Toxic build up in the body can lead to so many health issues including brain fog, hormonal imbalances, inflammation and liver detoxification issues.
The Dirty Dozen List will help focus your attention on avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables. These are:
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Cherries
8. Grapes
9. Celery
10. Tomatoes
11. Sweet bell peppers
12. Potatoes
To ascertain this list, all samples were washed before sampling occurred. The most astonishing result was that of spinach, containing on average, twice as much pesticide residue by weight than any of the other crops sampled. 75% of the spinach samples contained residues of a neurotoxic pesticide banned for use with crops in Europe due to studies linking it to behavioural disorders in young children.
The Clean Fifteen is a list of conventionally grown produce least likely to contain pesticide residues. This includes:
1. Sweetcorn *
2. Avocados
3. Pineapple
4. Cabbage
5. Onions
6. Frozen sweet peas
7. Papayas *
8. Asparagus
9. Mangos
10. Eggplant
11. Honeydew Melon
12. Kiwi
13. Cantaloupe
14. Cauliflower
15. Grapefruit
* Some sweetcorn and papaya sold in the US is produced from genetically modified seeds. Buy organic varieties of these crops if you want to avoid genetically modified produce.
Even with organic produce, the dirt and natural fertilizers still need to be removed before eating to remove not only the the dirt itself, but bugs and bacteria that come with it. A good way to do this is with apple cider vinegar: 1. Dilute 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water 2. Add your fruit/ vegetables to it 3. Soak for about 5 minutes (don't forget to stir) 4. Rinse well with water and dry.
Be true to yourself
