Eating fresh produce is the best way to obtain the nutrients that support optimum health, but the pesticides used on many crops remain a major health concern. By choosing organic foods, you can reap the health benefits of fruits and vegetables without exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals. Some produce is fine to eat without buying organic but some items are best to buy organic.

 

Produce on the EWG’s Clean Fifteen for 2014  are the least likely to hold pesticide residues. Relatively few pesticides were detected on these foods, and tests found low total concentrations of pesticides. You don’t need to buy these organic.

 

The Clean Fifteen

 

1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbage
5. Frozen sweet peas
6. Onions
7. Asparagus
8. Mangoes
9. Papayas

10. Kiwis

11. Eggplant

12. Grapefruit

13. Cantaloupe

14. Cauliflower

15. Sweet potatoes

Each of the foods on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen 2014 contained a number of different pesticide residues and showed high concentrations of pesticides relative to the other produce items. You should always buy these organic.

 

Dirty Dozen

 

1. Apples

2. Strawberries

3. Grapes

4. Celery

5. Peaches

6. Spinach

7. Sweet bell peppers

8. Nectarines

9. Cucumbers

10. Cherry tomatoes

11. Snap peas (imported)

12. Potatoes

 

Why should you care about pesticides? According to EWG, there is a growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health.

 

Tip: Wash produce with distilled white vinegar instead of just water. Put four parts water with one part vinegar and soak 3-4 hours then rinse and enjoy! This will also preserve the life of the produce.

 

Source

Weil, M.D., Andrew. "Foods You Should Always Buy Organic." Foods You Should Always Buy Organic. 1 Apr. 2014. Web. 1 Aug. 2014.