We have all heard of the "dirty dozen". Those foods so infected with pesticides used by farmers that they are harmful to our health. Usually apples make the list.
I want to first start by saying that any time, even before ORGANIC was a thing, anytime I chose fresh produce as the major part of my diet, foregoing canned and boxed processed foods my health improved! So much so that it would be the sole motivation for my continuing to strive to eat healthy. I feel so much better eating fresh whole foods whether they are organic or not. Increased energy, better sleep, better digestion and I looked better.
Having said that there is an argument to be made for avoiding these pesticides. Some of us, especially those with autoimmune health issues are already taxing their immune system and may be more vulnerable than an otherwise healthy person whose immune system can work against the pesticides.
For that reason we want to keep up on the latest news and heed warnings of rinsing our produce. Not washing with soap or other detergents but rather three good rinses with fresh clean water is the best way to treat any fresh produce; organic or not.
The dirty dozen 2023 are:
- strawberries
- spinach
- kale, collards, mustard greens
- peaches
- pears
- nectarines
- apples
- grapes
- bell and hot peppers
- cherries
- blueberries
- green beans
The article below presented by CNN Health states that "some of the USDA's tests show traces of pesticides long since banned by the EPA. Much stricter federal regulation and oversight of these chemicals is needed."
The article also included the 2023 Clean 15, meaning the least contaminated. But, again, always rinse three times as a precaution:
- Avocados
- sweet corn
- pineapple
- onions
- papaya
- frozen sweet peas
- asparagus
- honeydew melon
- kiwi
- cabbage
- mushrooms
- mangoes
- sweet potatoes
- watermelon
- carrots
If you would like to read the entire article I have included it here:
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