The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its 2017 “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists. The EWG analyzes tests from the US Department of Agriculture to determine which types of conventionally produced fruits and vegetables are contaminated with the most, and the least pesticides and chemical residues. This year, it was found that about 70 percent of samples of 48 different types of conventional produce were contaminated. 178 different pesticides and breakdown products were found; remaining AFTER WASHING, and sometimes even after peeled.
Dirtiest “Dirty Dozen” List
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Peaches
- Celery
- Grapes
- Pears
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Sweet bell peppers
- Potatoes
Eating Organic Exposes You to Fewer Pesticides
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is important for a healthy diet, whether they are conventionally or organically grown. Of course, buying organic produce is preferable, especially when feeding young children, who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of these chemical pesticides. However, it may not always be possible to eat only organic. Here is the list of the cleanest 15 conventionally grown vegetables. These are vegetables that when conventionally grown, have fewer pesticides.
“Clean 15” List
- Sweet corn
- Avocados
- Pineapples
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Frozen sweet peas
- Papayas
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Eggplant
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwis
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Grapefruit
Node Smith, associate editor for NDNR, is a fifth year naturopathic medical student at NUNM, where he has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine amongst the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend campout where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Three years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.
