One of the fantastic resources put together by the Environmental Working Group is the Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce. This guide informs consumers of the levels of pesticides found on fruits and vegetables. It includes analysis of 50 different foods and highlights the Dirty Dozen (the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables) and the Clean 15 (the 15 least contaminated fruits and vegetables).
Pesticide residues have been linked to a number of health concerns including: headache, allergies, fatigue, chemical sensitivities, immune system dysfunction and autoimmune disease, depression, tremors, lowered IQ and ADHD.
By avoiding the dirty dozen and eating from the Clean 15 list, you’ll reduce your intake of pesticide residues and lower your risk of disease.
If you chose to eat the fruits and veggies listed on the dirty dozen try to buy these organic – they will contain less pesticide residue than their conventionally grown counterparts.
Another step to removing the pesticide residue from your produce (both conventionally and organically grown) is to wash, scrub or soak your fruits and veggies in a vinegar-water mixture.