One very controversial issue debated in grocery store aisles across America is whether or not to buy organic. Because of its mainstream popularity, many consumers feel as though they have to "go green" simply to be healthy and to fit in with wellness gurus - but that is not completely true!
Buying and eating organic food does reduce the amount of ingested pesticides within the body, but not all produce contains high / harmful levels of pesticides. In order to better explain that concept to the average American, the Environmental Working Group compiled two lists titled, The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15.
The Dirty Dozen includes twelve items that contain the highest levels of pesticides. These should be avoided or bought organic. The Clean 15, on the other hand, consists of fifteen items that contain lower levels of pesticides. These do not need to be bought organic, but can if the consumer so chooses.
If after reviewing these two lists you still find yourself blankly staring at the produce in your grocery store, keep this simple tip in mind:
Produce that has to be peeled before being consumed is usually a safer choice if you are going to buy non-organic food!
Here are the two lists:
Dirty Dozen
Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines – imported
Grapes – imported
Sweet Bell Peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries – domestic
Lettuce
Kale/Collard Greens
Clean 15
Onions
Sweet Corn
Pineapples
Avocado
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Mangoes
Eggplant
Cantaloupe – domestic
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Sweet Potatoes
Grapefruit
Mushrooms
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