See Which Produce Has the Most Pesticides in EWG’s 2018 Dirty Dozen List
By Anna Hunt
Almost everything we eat in the conventional diet is subject to manifold doses of chemicals. Agricultural producers often spray vegetables and fruits with 10-15 sprays, such as pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, during the growing season. And that’s considered the norm!
In total about seven billion pounds of pesticides are used annually worldwide. This includes agriculture and other industries. For example, modern building practices employ pesticides for wood preservation. But what I’m trying to do is make a point: if you’re buying conventional, non-organic food, you are eating these chemicals.
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It’s very likely that ingesting argochemicals diminishes the benefits of eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. That’s why, it is important that you do whatever you can to lessen your exposure to these chemicals.
Unfortunately, it’s more expensive to buy organics. Therefore, it’s best to know which produce has the most pesticides. To help you make informed choices at the store, the Environmental Working Group publishes an annual report of what produce get the most agrochemical action. They also offer insight into which fruits and vegetables are fairly “clean.”
Without further ado, here’s the Dirty Dozen list and the Clean Fifteen list from the EWG’s 2018 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce ™:
Dirty Dozen List
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Grapes
6. Peaches
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Tomatoes
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Sweet bell peppers
Clean Fifteen List
1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbages
5. Onions
6. Sweet peas, frozen
7. Papayas
8. Asparagus
9. Mangoes
10. Eggplants
11. Honeydew
12. Kiwis
13. Cantaloupes
14. Cauliflower
15. Broccoli
MUST READ: The Best Way To Wash Pesticides Off Apples According To Science
Gardening Can Reduce the Amount of Pesticides in Your Diet
Using EWG’s recommendations can help you reduce exposure to toxic pesticides. In addition, growing your own food is an important option to consider.
With the Internet, everyone can get the knowledge and support to make that happen. Companies such as The Grow Network offer tons of free online resources to help you if you plan to grow your own food.
You may also find helpful this article on how to get started with organic gardening.
Read more articles by Anna Hunt.
Anna Hunt is writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and lover of healthy food. She’s the founder of Awareness Junkie, an online community paving the way for better health and personal transformation. She’s also the co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent 6 years in Costa Rica as a teacher of Hatha and therapeutic yoga. She now teaches at Asheville Yoga Center and is pursuing her Yoga Therapy certification. During her free time, you’ll find her on the mat or in the kitchen, creating new kid-friendly superfood recipes.
Source: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
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