Going 'organic' for healthy eating is a hot debate. I get it. I struggled with this myself, mostly for cost reasons and not being able to eat the produce fast enough before it rotted.
But eating organic as much as possible is better for your health.
With that said, there are some fruits and vegetables more susceptible than others to pesticide absorption. The ERG put together a list of 12 foods, "The Dirty Dozen", that you should always buy organic. Levels of pesticides were checked after these foods had been washed and they showed to have the highest level of chemicals.
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Go organic as much as possible, but if all produce is not feasibe, then at least remember the Dirty Dozen:
- Celery
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Nectarines
- Bell Peppers
- Spinach, Kale and Collard Greens
- Cherries
- Potatoes
- Grapes
- Lettuce