The Environmental Working Group is responsible for putting a list together each year of the most dirty vegetables and fruits you can purchase in US grocery stores. They call them “dirty” because they test positive for high levels of pesticides. The group measures how many different types of and how much pesticide is found on the fruits and vegetables. They rank the top 12 contaminated each year, and this year they have added to the list, making it the 13 dirtiest fruits and vegetables. Contact our Mansfield chiropractor today to learn more or read on below.
Solutions:
● It is recommended that your purchase the “Dirty 13” as ORGANIC instead of traditional.
● Wash it thoroughly for about 30 seconds in water.
● Use a detergent that is designed for vegetable washing or soak them for one hour in a bowl with water and 1 cup of white vinegar.
The Dirty 13:
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Grapes
6. Peaches
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Tomatoes
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Bell Peppers
13. Hot Peppers*
*Hot Pepper is a new addition and were found to have pesticides which are toxic to human brain and nervous system tissue!
Not all produce is as contaminated! There is a list of the least dirtiest available produce.
The Clean 15:
1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. Cabbages
5. Onions
6. Frozen Sweet Peas
7. Papayas
8. Asparagus
9. Mangos
10. Eggplants
11. Honeydew
12. Kiwis
13. Cantaloupes
14. Cauliflower
15. Broccoli
There are many studies on how pesticides could be linked to various non-infectious diseases. Major illnesses like cancer, autoimmune, and neurological disorders could be caused or contributed to by these pesticides. Protecting children is of the greatest importance.
“Children are at greater risk from exposure to pesticides because of their small size. Relative to their size, children eat, drink and breathe more than adults. Their bodies and organs are growing rapidly, which also make them more susceptible, and in fact, children may be exposed to pesticides even while in the womb.”
References:
Research: http://files.aiscience.org/journal/article/pdf/70070058.pdf
Full EWG List: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/