According to the Environmental Working Group (an organization of scientists, researchers and policymakers), certain types of organic produce can reduce the amount of toxins you consume on a daily basis by as much as 80 percent.
They put together two lists, “The Dirty Dozen” and “The Clean 15,” to help consumers know when they should buy organic and when it is unnecessary. These lists were compiled using data from the United States Department of Agriculture on the amount of pesticide residue found in non-organic fruits and vegetables after they had been washed.
Avoiding chemical exposure in your food is essential to prevention of disease and feeling healthy and vibrant. We sometimes forgot how our food can be our medicine or our nemesis. The list below can help you to stay happy and healthy.
- Avoid the “Dirty Dozen” list or be sure to buy these fruits and vegetables organic to avoid pesticide exposure. This includes apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, imported nectarines, imported grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, domestic blueberries, lettuce, and kale/collard greens.
- Eat the “Clean 15” least toxic fruits and vegetables. This includes onions, sweet corn, pineapples, avocado, asparagus, sweat peas, mangoes, eggplant, domestic cantaloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and mushrooms.