They report that 2/3 of the produce samples in recent government tests had pesticide residues. In light of research into pesticides and the brain - not a good combination - it's worth the effort to find food grown organically, especially if you're buying the produce listed below in the Dirty Dozen.
Organic produce has no pesticide residue because it is grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
I'd like to point out that they're measuring pesticide residue on the parts of the plant we eat, not the amount of pesticides applied to the plant as it grows in the ground. All pesticides are harmful to the eco-systems of the earth. That doesn't mean they should never be used, but that farmers should use them as a last resort; just like we should take care of our own intestinal flora and not poison it with antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. We keep our immune systems strong so our bodies can ward off viruses. Keeping the soil microbially healthy helps the plants we eat grow strong and vigorous.
I emphasize, however, that it is always better to eat fresh fruit and vegetables - organic or non-organic - than fast food or prepared food, or anything containing additives, preservatives or flavorings. Human bodies prefer food to chemicals.
Dirty Dozen: (don't eat unless organic)
apples
strawberries
grapes
celery
peaches
sweet bell peppers
imported nectarines
cucumbers
cherry tomatoes
imported snap peas
potatoes
hot peppers
kale and collard greens
Clean Fifteen: (minimal pesticide residue if non-organic)
avocados
sweet corn (although it could be genetically modified)
pineapples
cabbage
frozen peas
onions
asparagus
mangoes
papayas
kiwi
eggplant
grapefruit
cantaloupe
cauliflower
sweet potatoes
Get the handy shopping guide from EWG, and donate money to support their excellent work, at their website.
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