Most of us can probably still hear our mother’s voice in the back of our head telling us to eat our fruits and vegetables. My mom’s favorite nag reel: “Eat your colo…
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MuscleDog For Women > Article Discussion > The Dirty Dozen
The Dirty Dozen
When I was younger I used to HATE washing my fruits and vegetable. I knew that it would only take a minute of my time however it was so much easier to grab a handful of blueberries or a couple grapes on the go.
Now that I am more educated about added hormones and pesticides I would not dare to eat anything without washing it first. I try to buy organic fruits, vegetables, wild raised fish, grass feed meat, organic chicken, dairy and eggs. It’s more expensive but well worth it.
I put so much effort in time managing my diet, eating healthy and working out, why would I risk my health for a few extra dollars.
You wonder why Americans have the highest ratings for obesity. I am sure it has to do with added hormones, pesticides, and processed junk food.
In other countries people buy their groceries’ in food markets were the food is locally grown. Farmers avoid added pesticides and hormones. ITS ALL FRESH!!!
Now that I am more educated about added hormones and pesticides I would not dare to eat anything without washing it first. I try to buy organic fruits, vegetables, wild raised fish, grass feed meat, organic chicken, dairy and eggs. It’s more expensive but well worth it.
I put so much effort in time managing my diet, eating healthy and working out, why would I risk my health for a few extra dollars.
You wonder why Americans have the highest ratings for obesity. I am sure it has to do with added hormones, pesticides, and processed junk food.
In other countries people buy their groceries’ in food markets were the food is locally grown. Farmers avoid added pesticides and hormones. ITS ALL FRESH!!!
While I agree that going the organic route is, in general, preferred to the regular menu of hormones and pesticides, I have to put my money on Americans being overweight because we eat too much and exericse too little. While hormones, pesticides, and other nasties found in and on traditionally-grown food have been shown to affect our biochemical processes, I wouldn’t rank them very high on the “reasons for obesity” list.
I agree with r_crass, I wouldn’t blame pesticides and antibiotics for obesity, but llulko has a great point and who knows what other kinds of adverse effects we could be developing from them. I would attribute our obesity problems to poor nutritional habits, mostly dealing with processed carbohydrates, but I am sure there are plenty of degenerative diseases, sicknesses and strains of resistant microbes, and other issues with our immune system that can be traced to the levels of chemicals in our food system. Bioaccumulation of pesticides for generations upon generations of plants means that even if farmers stop using pesticides right now we will still be consuming the residuals from previous years. There hasn’t been enough research devoted to learning how these chemicals affect humans, but I doubt 40 years from now we’ll look back and say that it was worth it to saturate our crops with them.
Shopping all organic can be so expensive, good tip to focus on the top 12.
I’d like to add, something I see a lot as a nutritionist and one thing I like to point out to clients is that just because something says “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. Organic products can be pumped full of sugars too (Organic Evaporated Cane Juice ring any bells?) so you still have to read the label even if it says organic.
I’d like to add, something I see a lot as a nutritionist and one thing I like to point out to clients is that just because something says “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. Organic products can be pumped full of sugars too (Organic Evaporated Cane Juice ring any bells?) so you still have to read the label even if it says organic.
I agree with r_cass, Pete, and Nuwanne that there are certainly other factors which contribute to obesity. (lack of exercises, fast food, processed food, (bad) simple carbs, trans/saturated fats, sodium ect). However, buying organic non processed food is one step closer to living a healthy lifestyle.
My question is: Why do Americans have the highest rate of obesity compared to other countries. It’s not like all Americans are uneducated about health and nutrition. I am sure other countries in Asia and Europe have the same processed junk, however their obesity rates are still lower… It makes me question if added hormones and pesticides cause a negative reaction to our hormones and bodily functions.
I know there are other factors such as culture, food portions, and food availability but I have to think that adding unnatural substances cause damage in our body…. I am all about the cave man diet (I do not follow it 100%) however that is how we were meant to eat…
My question is: Why do Americans have the highest rate of obesity compared to other countries. It’s not like all Americans are uneducated about health and nutrition. I am sure other countries in Asia and Europe have the same processed junk, however their obesity rates are still lower… It makes me question if added hormones and pesticides cause a negative reaction to our hormones and bodily functions.
I know there are other factors such as culture, food portions, and food availability but I have to think that adding unnatural substances cause damage in our body…. I am all about the cave man diet (I do not follow it 100%) however that is how we were meant to eat…
well llulko, the question about American obesity rates is a very long and very complicated one, definitely a subject for a whole book or 8, but the bulk of the definitive research i have seen points to the absolute rampant abuse and abundance of processed carbohydrates. between the un-necessary use of high fructose corn syrup in everything on the shelves these days, to the consumption rate of sodas, to the amount of carbs we consume in general, there is simply too much sugar in our diets. from a young age we start; in most baby formulas, high fructose corn syrup is the 1st or second ingredient, and after we are done with formulas we move on to juice, then soda/sports drinks.
we didnt evolve eating processed carbohydrates, or really any carbohydrates for that matter. we evolved eating similar to the caveman diet, mostly plants and meat, and the invention of agriculture and the ability to produce carbohydrates in extremely high quantities has allowed the human race to expand, but has also caused us to get fat.
you could talk for days about this…
we didnt evolve eating processed carbohydrates, or really any carbohydrates for that matter. we evolved eating similar to the caveman diet, mostly plants and meat, and the invention of agriculture and the ability to produce carbohydrates in extremely high quantities has allowed the human race to expand, but has also caused us to get fat.
you could talk for days about this…
Great article and points, guys…I do consider myself a beginner and find it amazing how much there is to learn about foods that most people would consider “healthy” (it’s probably safe to say that the majority don’t even think about the pesticides or hormones on their fruits and veggies).
People want food fast and unfortunately we have been conditioned to take the easy way out by giving in to on-the-go meals with massive amounts of preservatives. Bottom line—we need to take the extra few minutes and dollars to invest in a healthier lifestyle! :)
People want food fast and unfortunately we have been conditioned to take the easy way out by giving in to on-the-go meals with massive amounts of preservatives. Bottom line—we need to take the extra few minutes and dollars to invest in a healthier lifestyle! :)
I have also found myself snickering in my head in the grocery store whenever I hear someone talk about how expensive it is to eat heathy food (Many frozen pizzas are cheaper than the ingredients for an awesome, organic salad.), but when I look in their cart, they have vitamins for this, that, and everything else, fiber supplements, and who knows what prescriptions to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blah, blah, blah. They could save a whoooole heckuva lotta money by just eating right in the first place.
Check out this article about what foods to buy organic/non organic
Organic Food Value Debate
Written by Jeff Behar, MS, MBA
More and more people are reaching to organic food believing that by eating organic food that they are doing their bodies good. But is eating organic really improving your health?
According to information from a new stud conducted in Toronto and appearing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is no data supporting the notion that organic foods are any healthier or more beneficial than regular, non organic conventional foods.
About Organic Foods
Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act. As of April 2008, organic food accounts for 1-2% of food sales worldwide.
Organic Food Regulations
Organic food production is a heavily regulated industry. Currently, the United States, Canada, Japan, the European U nion (EU) and many other countries require organic producers to obtain special certification in order to market food as “organic”. While the use of conventional non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is greatly restricted and only used as a last resort. However, what many people do NOT realize is certain non-organic fertilizers are still used. Most certifications also allow some chemical pesticides to also be used when producing organic foods. This means that there can still be several sources of chemicals used in the growing and management of “organic” food from production to market. In the growing and management of “organic” food from production to market.
Is Organic Worth the Money?
Constant debates occur over whether it is beneficial in any way to buy some produce organically.There are several studies that suggest buying organic is NOT worth the money.
According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies that protect global and individual health, the following twelve foods have the lowest pesticide load when conventionally grown. Consequently, they are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume and buying organic here may not provide any real value for your money:
-Asparagus
-Avocados
-Bananas
-Broccoli
-Cabbage
-Eggplant
-Kiwi
-Mangos
-Onions
-Pineapples
-Sweet corn (frozen)
-Sweet peas (frozen)
The following are some of the “dirtier” foods, when it comes to chemical contamination from fertilizes and pesticides use. There are many countries that are known for heavy chemical use during food production. Many of the following foods, when tested come up high in chemical contamination, both surface and within the food itself from these farming techniques, therefore paying a little extra money for buying organic may in fact be worth the money:
-Apples
-Bell Peppers
-Celery
-Cherries
-Imported Grapes (especially from Chile)
-Nectarines
-Peaches
-Pears
-Potatoes
-Red Raspberries
-Spinach
-Strawberries
As a minimum, consider especially avoiding tomatoes, strawberries, and spinach (from Mexico), peaches, pears, and grapes from Chile, fruits and vegetables especially apples from New Zealand.
Organic Food Value Debate
Written by Jeff Behar, MS, MBA
More and more people are reaching to organic food believing that by eating organic food that they are doing their bodies good. But is eating organic really improving your health?
According to information from a new stud conducted in Toronto and appearing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is no data supporting the notion that organic foods are any healthier or more beneficial than regular, non organic conventional foods.
About Organic Foods
Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act. As of April 2008, organic food accounts for 1-2% of food sales worldwide.
Organic Food Regulations
Organic food production is a heavily regulated industry. Currently, the United States, Canada, Japan, the European U nion (EU) and many other countries require organic producers to obtain special certification in order to market food as “organic”. While the use of conventional non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is greatly restricted and only used as a last resort. However, what many people do NOT realize is certain non-organic fertilizers are still used. Most certifications also allow some chemical pesticides to also be used when producing organic foods. This means that there can still be several sources of chemicals used in the growing and management of “organic” food from production to market. In the growing and management of “organic” food from production to market.
Is Organic Worth the Money?
Constant debates occur over whether it is beneficial in any way to buy some produce organically.There are several studies that suggest buying organic is NOT worth the money.
According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies that protect global and individual health, the following twelve foods have the lowest pesticide load when conventionally grown. Consequently, they are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume and buying organic here may not provide any real value for your money:
-Asparagus
-Avocados
-Bananas
-Broccoli
-Cabbage
-Eggplant
-Kiwi
-Mangos
-Onions
-Pineapples
-Sweet corn (frozen)
-Sweet peas (frozen)
The following are some of the “dirtier” foods, when it comes to chemical contamination from fertilizes and pesticides use. There are many countries that are known for heavy chemical use during food production. Many of the following foods, when tested come up high in chemical contamination, both surface and within the food itself from these farming techniques, therefore paying a little extra money for buying organic may in fact be worth the money:
-Apples
-Bell Peppers
-Celery
-Cherries
-Imported Grapes (especially from Chile)
-Nectarines
-Peaches
-Pears
-Potatoes
-Red Raspberries
-Spinach
-Strawberries
As a minimum, consider especially avoiding tomatoes, strawberries, and spinach (from Mexico), peaches, pears, and grapes from Chile, fruits and vegetables especially apples from New Zealand.
Quote
When I was younger I used to HATE washing my fruits and vegetable. I knew that it would only take a minute of my time however it was so much easier to grab a handful of blueberries or a couple grapes on the go.
Now that I am more educated about added hormones and pesticides I would not dare to eat anything without washing it first.
Now that I am more educated about added hormones and pesticides I would not dare to eat anything without washing it first.
Saw these washing tips in a recent NY Times article…
The Claim: A Soap-and-Water Rinse Gets Produce Cleanest
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: October 4, 2010
NYTimes.com
THE FACTS The prospect of ingesting pesticides and other contaminants can make supermarket produce seem less than appetizing. Buying organic lowers the risk, but is no guarantee against food-borne pathogens.
Scientists have found some effective household measures that can eliminate germs and pesticides. The simplest? Rinsing with tap water, which works as well as a mild soap solution or fruit and vegetable washes.
In studies at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in 2000, for example, scientists compared pesticide removal methods on 196 samples of lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes. Some were rinsed under tap water for a minute; others were treated with either a 1 percent solution of Palmolive or a fruit and vegetable wash. Tap water “significantly reduced” residues of 9 of 12 pesticides, and it worked as well as soap and wash products, the studies found.
Water temperature was not the key; friction was. “The mechanical action of rubbing the produce under tap water is likely responsible for removing pesticide residues,” scientists wrote.
For micro-organisms, try rinsing produce with a mild solution of vinegar, about 10 percent. In a 2003 study at the University of Florida, researchers tested disinfectants on strawberries contaminated with E. coli and other germs. They found the vinegar mixture reduced bacteria by 90 percent and viruses by about 95 percent.
THE BOTTOM LINE To remove pesticides and germs, rinse produce with a vinegar solution, then wash with tap water for at least 30 seconds.
Never thought to wash bananas before eating them…am i the only one?
Healthy Eating Tip: Wash Produce You’re Going to Peel
FitSugar.com
You’re probably already eating a good amount of fruits and vegetables but are you washing them all? I recently went to eat a banana and someone said, “Aren’t you going to wash that first?” I thought, well no because I am going to peel it. But should I? So I did a little investigative work and here is what I found out: you should wash all fruits and vegetables, even those that you only eat the inside of, like bananas, kiwis, mangos, etc. Imagine how many hands and things touch the fruit before it actually gets to your mouth. Your hands could pick up the bacteria on the unwashed peel and transfer it onto the part you eat. This goes for all fruits and vegetables that you may peel before eating, so why not wash them first? It only takes a few seconds.
Healthy Eating Tip: Wash Produce You’re Going to Peel
FitSugar.com
You’re probably already eating a good amount of fruits and vegetables but are you washing them all? I recently went to eat a banana and someone said, “Aren’t you going to wash that first?” I thought, well no because I am going to peel it. But should I? So I did a little investigative work and here is what I found out: you should wash all fruits and vegetables, even those that you only eat the inside of, like bananas, kiwis, mangos, etc. Imagine how many hands and things touch the fruit before it actually gets to your mouth. Your hands could pick up the bacteria on the unwashed peel and transfer it onto the part you eat. This goes for all fruits and vegetables that you may peel before eating, so why not wash them first? It only takes a few seconds.
D unit.. check this blog out
http://www.muscledog.com/blog/view/174/ORGANIC_FOOD_VALUE_DEBATE#
Pete gave a great explanation
PeteBauman: first off, the labeling with organic is tricky. a food that is labeled “certified organic” has passed the rigorous guidelines for achieving certification over at least a 3 year period. however if a food is labeled “organically grown”, that food could still be contaminated with chemicals since they haven’t followed the guidelines for more than 3 years and residues might still exist in the soil and water. this is where the notion of organic foods still having chemicals comes from. the three year time period is believed to allow microorganisms time to break down chemical residues and eliminate them from contaminating.
it is also a misnomer that there haven’t been studies showing that organic foods are healthier. 1000s of studies have been performed comparing organically grown produce to conventionially farmed and over 50% report higher nutrient levels in the organic produce. Paul Chek demonstrates that the British Soil Association analyzed 109 different studies and found that the 27 studies that were valid all showed that organic produce had more nutritional value.
on top of all of that research, when you consider the state of health of the world given the current use of chemicals in farming and additives in our food, you have to wonder if the media and scientific community are being honest or even accurate in saying that these chemicals are safe to consume. we might not have found a direct link as of yet, but given the trends for both variables - the rise in chemicals and the rise in obesity and degenerative disease - you have to at least wonder…
http://www.muscledog.com/blog/view/174/ORGANIC_FOOD_VALUE_DEBATE#
Pete gave a great explanation
PeteBauman: first off, the labeling with organic is tricky. a food that is labeled “certified organic” has passed the rigorous guidelines for achieving certification over at least a 3 year period. however if a food is labeled “organically grown”, that food could still be contaminated with chemicals since they haven’t followed the guidelines for more than 3 years and residues might still exist in the soil and water. this is where the notion of organic foods still having chemicals comes from. the three year time period is believed to allow microorganisms time to break down chemical residues and eliminate them from contaminating.
it is also a misnomer that there haven’t been studies showing that organic foods are healthier. 1000s of studies have been performed comparing organically grown produce to conventionially farmed and over 50% report higher nutrient levels in the organic produce. Paul Chek demonstrates that the British Soil Association analyzed 109 different studies and found that the 27 studies that were valid all showed that organic produce had more nutritional value.
on top of all of that research, when you consider the state of health of the world given the current use of chemicals in farming and additives in our food, you have to wonder if the media and scientific community are being honest or even accurate in saying that these chemicals are safe to consume. we might not have found a direct link as of yet, but given the trends for both variables - the rise in chemicals and the rise in obesity and degenerative disease - you have to at least wonder…
Quote
D unit.. check this blog out
http://www.muscledog.com/blog/view/174/ORGANIC_FOOD_VALUE_DEBATE#
Pete gave a great explanation
PeteBauman: first off, the labeling with organic is tricky. a food that is labeled “certified organic” has passed the rigorous guidelines for achieving certification over at least a 3 year period. however if a food is labeled “organically grown”, that food could still be contaminated with chemicals since they haven’t followed the guidelines for more than 3 years and residues might still exist in the soil and water. this is where the notion of organic foods still having chemicals comes from. the three year time period is believed to allow microorganisms time to break down chemical residues and eliminate them from contaminating.
it is also a misnomer that there haven’t been studies showing that organic foods are healthier. 1000s of studies have been performed comparing organically grown produce to conventionially farmed and over 50% report higher nutrient levels in the organic produce. Paul Chek demonstrates that the British Soil Association analyzed 109 different studies and found that the 27 studies that were valid all showed that organic produce had more nutritional value.
on top of all of that research, when you consider the state of health of the world given the current use of chemicals in farming and additives in our food, you have to wonder if the media and scientific community are being honest or even accurate in saying that these chemicals are safe to consume. we might not have found a direct link as of yet, but given the trends for both variables - the rise in chemicals and the rise in obesity and degenerative disease - you have to at least wonder…
http://www.muscledog.com/blog/view/174/ORGANIC_FOOD_VALUE_DEBATE#
Pete gave a great explanation
PeteBauman: first off, the labeling with organic is tricky. a food that is labeled “certified organic” has passed the rigorous guidelines for achieving certification over at least a 3 year period. however if a food is labeled “organically grown”, that food could still be contaminated with chemicals since they haven’t followed the guidelines for more than 3 years and residues might still exist in the soil and water. this is where the notion of organic foods still having chemicals comes from. the three year time period is believed to allow microorganisms time to break down chemical residues and eliminate them from contaminating.
it is also a misnomer that there haven’t been studies showing that organic foods are healthier. 1000s of studies have been performed comparing organically grown produce to conventionially farmed and over 50% report higher nutrient levels in the organic produce. Paul Chek demonstrates that the British Soil Association analyzed 109 different studies and found that the 27 studies that were valid all showed that organic produce had more nutritional value.
on top of all of that research, when you consider the state of health of the world given the current use of chemicals in farming and additives in our food, you have to wonder if the media and scientific community are being honest or even accurate in saying that these chemicals are safe to consume. we might not have found a direct link as of yet, but given the trends for both variables - the rise in chemicals and the rise in obesity and degenerative disease - you have to at least wonder…
oh great llulko, didn’t see that one—thanks guys!
THE NEW DIRTY DOZEN list!
The Most Toxic Fruit in America.
by Jim Healthy,
Apple pie, apple crumble, apple butter, applesauce, apple cider, crisp wedges of Granny smith apples slathered with almond butter. Yum!
I bet you’re looking forward to enjoying autumn’s bounty of apples!
But hold your horses, because…
Apples are now the most toxic fruit
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just dethroned strawberries from the top position of its infamous “Dirty Dozen” list. This means that conventionally-grown apples contain the highest load of pesticides, as compared to any other fruit or vegetable.
An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Here are some disturbing apple facts you should keep in mind when shopping…
1.The USDA tested 700 different apple samples and found residues of at least one type of pesticide on 98% of them.
2.92% of apples contained pesticides even after being washed and peeled.
3.After being sprayed with pesticides in the orchards, just-picked conventional apples are given another round of pesticide treatment to maintain their eye-appeal and to extend their shelf life.
4.Apples are stored for months in supermarkets’ cold storage; during that time, their nutritional value decreases and they also lose flavor and crispness.
5.Conventional apples also contain nitrates, the same cancer-causing preservative found in bacon, cold cuts, and pepperoni.
6.Besides cancer, pesticide exposure has been linked to Parkinson’s, brain damage, ADHD, and lower intelligence.
“Do I have to quit apples?”
Here’s some good news: You can have your apples and eat them too. Just make sure to purchase organic apples — because they’re only good for you when they’re not contaminated with carcinogens and neurotoxins.
Like all pesticide-free produce, organically-grown apples are more healthful in five important ways…
1.Organic produce does not contain pesticides.
2.It’s not genetically modified.
3.It has higher levels of vitamins than conventional produce.
4.It has higher levels of minerals than conventional produce.
5.It has lower levels of heavy metals and nitrates than conventional produce.
“Must I always purchase organic?”
I recommend that you do, because of the superior nutritional content. Organic produce does carry a higher price tag, but its health benefits are so significant that it’s a bargain compared to its cheaper conventionally-grown cousins.
But this is a tough economy, and if your food budget is feeling the pinch, the produce on the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list are the fruits and veggies you definitely should not scrimp on.
Here are the 12 fruits and veggies you should always buy organic because it’s hazardous to your health to consume the conventionally-grown versions:
The new “Dirty Dozen”
1.Apples
2.Celery
3.Strawberries
4.Peaches
5.Spinach
6.Nectarines
7.Grapes
8.Sweet bell peppers
9.Potatoes
10.Blueberries
11.Lettuce
12.Kale/collard greens
The EWG also publishes a list of the 15 fruits and vegetables that are fine to eat when conventionally-grown. This is because the edible portions are protected by sturdy husks, hulls, and rind. These are generally not grown with systemic pesticides (as strawberries are). Here are their current picks…
“The Clean 15”
1.Onions
2.Corn
3.Pineapple
4.Avocado
5.Asparagus
6.Sweet peas
7.Mangoes
8.Eggplant
9.Cantaloupe
10.Kiwi
11.Cabbage
12.Watermelon
13.Sweet potatoes
14.Grapefruit
15.Mushrooms
The Most Toxic Fruit in America.
by Jim Healthy,
Apple pie, apple crumble, apple butter, applesauce, apple cider, crisp wedges of Granny smith apples slathered with almond butter. Yum!
I bet you’re looking forward to enjoying autumn’s bounty of apples!
But hold your horses, because…
Apples are now the most toxic fruit
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just dethroned strawberries from the top position of its infamous “Dirty Dozen” list. This means that conventionally-grown apples contain the highest load of pesticides, as compared to any other fruit or vegetable.
An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away
Here are some disturbing apple facts you should keep in mind when shopping…
1.The USDA tested 700 different apple samples and found residues of at least one type of pesticide on 98% of them.
2.92% of apples contained pesticides even after being washed and peeled.
3.After being sprayed with pesticides in the orchards, just-picked conventional apples are given another round of pesticide treatment to maintain their eye-appeal and to extend their shelf life.
4.Apples are stored for months in supermarkets’ cold storage; during that time, their nutritional value decreases and they also lose flavor and crispness.
5.Conventional apples also contain nitrates, the same cancer-causing preservative found in bacon, cold cuts, and pepperoni.
6.Besides cancer, pesticide exposure has been linked to Parkinson’s, brain damage, ADHD, and lower intelligence.
“Do I have to quit apples?”
Here’s some good news: You can have your apples and eat them too. Just make sure to purchase organic apples — because they’re only good for you when they’re not contaminated with carcinogens and neurotoxins.
Like all pesticide-free produce, organically-grown apples are more healthful in five important ways…
1.Organic produce does not contain pesticides.
2.It’s not genetically modified.
3.It has higher levels of vitamins than conventional produce.
4.It has higher levels of minerals than conventional produce.
5.It has lower levels of heavy metals and nitrates than conventional produce.
“Must I always purchase organic?”
I recommend that you do, because of the superior nutritional content. Organic produce does carry a higher price tag, but its health benefits are so significant that it’s a bargain compared to its cheaper conventionally-grown cousins.
But this is a tough economy, and if your food budget is feeling the pinch, the produce on the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list are the fruits and veggies you definitely should not scrimp on.
Here are the 12 fruits and veggies you should always buy organic because it’s hazardous to your health to consume the conventionally-grown versions:
The new “Dirty Dozen”
1.Apples
2.Celery
3.Strawberries
4.Peaches
5.Spinach
6.Nectarines
7.Grapes
8.Sweet bell peppers
9.Potatoes
10.Blueberries
11.Lettuce
12.Kale/collard greens
The EWG also publishes a list of the 15 fruits and vegetables that are fine to eat when conventionally-grown. This is because the edible portions are protected by sturdy husks, hulls, and rind. These are generally not grown with systemic pesticides (as strawberries are). Here are their current picks…
“The Clean 15”
1.Onions
2.Corn
3.Pineapple
4.Avocado
5.Asparagus
6.Sweet peas
7.Mangoes
8.Eggplant
9.Cantaloupe
10.Kiwi
11.Cabbage
12.Watermelon
13.Sweet potatoes
14.Grapefruit
15.Mushrooms
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