Everyone has heard the saying that "eating an apple a day will keep the doctor away." However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit agency working to educate the world about pesticides in foods, has released their dirty dozen vegetables that show just how the vegetables and apples that are eaten every day are infected with harmful pesticides. The data from this list is compiled using the US Department of Agriculture data of pesticides within 48 vegetables and fruits. In total, there are about 65% of the produce that tests positive for pesticides.
Dirty Dozen Vegetables in the List
Celery
The data found on celery points to 96% of all celery was infected with pesticides. One single piece of celery is tested positive for around 13 patricides, which makes this vegetable the worse on the list of dirty dozen vegetables.
Spinach
When looking at spinach samples, it was found that around 88% of this vegetable has pesticides contained on it.
Sweet Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers are full of vitamins and antioxidants, and they are simply delicious with some other foods. You can grow it at your own home, which can greatly reduce the chances of coming into contact with pesticides, unlike those peppers that are purchased at a store.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a big source of vitamin K, and the old saying “cool as a cucumber” is true, as the inside of the cucumbers can be 20 degrees cooler than outside. However, when tested, one sample was found around 10 different pesticides included on it.
Cherry Tomatoes
When a single sample of cherry tomatoes were tested, it was found to contain 13 pesticides on it. Though the cherry tomato is full of lycopene, it might also be full of pesticides.
Snap Peas (Imported)
When looking at a single sample of this vegetable, there were 13 pesticides contained on it, too, even though snap peas are a great source of fiber and vitamin C.
Dirty Dozen Fruit in the List
Apples
Apples are full of quercitin and catechin, and they are often regarded by people as a great, healthy snack. However, pesticides are often found in this fruit, and even in the apple juice and applesauce.
Strawberries
When strawberries are grown, they are often susceptible to fungal bacteria. Hence, many growers use pesticides in order to stop bacteria attacks. So, choose organic strawberries which have 19% higher antioxidant than those grown in traditional ways.
Grapes
When a single sample was tested, there were 15 pesticides found in it. However, the fruit is full of antioxidants that help with cell growth, thus they are vital to a diet. So, you need to find those that are organic.
Peaches
This type of fruit often has several pesticides in it. However, those who want the health benefits of it, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and several antioxidants will find that organic, pesticide free options are the best way to go.
So What Can Customers Do?
You can avoid the dirty dozen vegetables and fruits by looking out what you are buying. Buy organic vegetables and fruits as possible as you can. For those who cannot afford these, make sure to wash the foods well before eating them. Or you can avoid the dirty dozen vegetables by eating the famous clean fruits and vegetables, which are:
Pineapples
Cabbage
Frozen sweet peas
Sweet Potatoes
Avocados
Kiwi
Eggplant
Cauliflower
Grapefruit
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