It is just the norm now to walk into the grocery store and expect our food to be covered with something.  Grapes are among the top pesticide containing foods. They have been on the Dirty Dozen list for years!   


Because grapes, apples, strawberries, spinach, and kale are so popular, they are finding ways to mass produce them and they are making them resilient by spraying them with poison. 


We can't be ok with this!  Our food contains neurotoxic pesticides that can harm the brain of a developing fetus and pesticides that are classified as probable human carcinogens.  (A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer). 


A recent study actually found a surprising association between the consumption of foods high in pesticide residue and fertility problems in the participants.  (Source) 




How can we limit our exposure to pesticides?

1.  Avoid produce on the Dirty Dozen list and shop from the Clean Fifteen.

The Dirty Dozen list is a helpful guide of the top 12 fruits and veggies that contain the most pesticides.  If you want to start somewhere, these are the foods you should try to purchase in the Organic section of the store if it is possible with your budget.  


EWG'S DIRTY DOZEN LIST

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale
  4. Nectarines
  5. Apples
  6. Grapes
  7. Peaches
  8. Cherries
  9.  Pears
  10. Tomatoes
  11. Celery
  12. Potatoes

The Clean Fifteen is a list of the fruits and veggies that contain the least amount of pesticides, so these would be fine to purchase from the conventional list if Organic isn't in your budget! 


EWG's CLEAN FIFTEEN

  1. Avocados
  2. Sweet corn
  3. Pineapples
  4. Frozen sweet peas
  5. Onions
  6. Papayas
  7. Eggplants
  8. Asparagus
  9. Kiwis
  10. Cabbages
  11. Cauliflower
  12. Cantaloupes
  13. Broccoli
  14. Mushrooms
  15. Honeydew melons

2.  Grow your own food or shop locally at a Farmer's Market.
It is so cost effective to grow your own produce and if you don't have a large plot of land you can easily do it in a pot on the patio!  It's actually soothing for the soul if you spend a little time in the dirt every day.  If you don't have the time (or patience) to grow your own food, check out your local Farmer's Market.  Many of the local gardeners limit their use of pesticides and you can find locally grown Organic produce for a reasonable price!  Shopping locally will also ensure that your vegetables have a wonderful nutritional profile because they have been picked at the peak of perfection instead of being picked prematurely to be shipped from another country. 


3.  Wash ALL of your produce- even if it is Organic.
Washing produce can greatly reduce our exposure to pesticides.  Parasites and bacteria also live in the soil where our produce is grown so by washing it you are reducing your exposure to unwanted critters. My favorite fruit & veggie soak contains a powerful essential oil blend that targets the crud. Organic produce is grown without being sprayed by as many toxins, but it can definitely become contaminated during transit so it should be washed as well.



What is your system for washing produce?  Do you do it right when you get home?  Right before you use it?  

 
 
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