“Dirty Dozen” – 12 Common Foods We Need to Buy Organic Only

There are certain key foods that are more important to buy organically grown because some crops are more heavily treated than others. Every year the Environmental Working Group include produce with the highest pesticide loads into their “Dirty Dozen” list. Each of the following foods tested positive for a number of different pesticide residues and showed higher concentrations of pesticides than other produce.

1. Strawberries

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Strawberries can help prevent night sweats, lower blood cholesterol levels, help prevent heart disease and strokes, dissolve tartar deposits on teeth, protect against viruses and cancer, protect against DNA damage and skin disorders. But unfortunately, strawberries are at the top of the list of foods with pesticide residues.  According to Environmental Working Group 300 pounds of pesticides are applied to each acre of conventional strawberries.  U.S. Department of Agriculture tests found that they are the most likely to be contaminated even after they are thoroughly washed before eating.

2. Apples

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Apples are a very nutritious fruit. They are high in fiber, and apple pectin has a detoxifying quality and is used in many cleansing formulas. Apples are highly contaminated with pesticides because of the chemicals applied to the crop before and after harvest to preserve them longer. In addition to being heavily treated with pesticides, apples are usually sprayed with a thin layer of wax to extend their shelf life and make them shiny and “more beautiful”.

3. Nectarines

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Nectarines can help protect against cancer, control blood cholesterol level, and prevent constipation. Nectarines are a powerful antioxidant because of their high levels of potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.  But if it within your budget, buy organic to avoid heavy pesticide resudue.

4. Peaches

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Adding peaches to the diet can aid the bladder, relieve cystitis, prevent edema, assist elimination, improve digestion, decrease gastritis, relieve constipation, and treat obesity. But this wonderful fruit easily absorbs pesticides and on the Dirty Dozen list as well.

5. Celery

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Celery may protect against certain cancers, especially stomach cancer. Eating two to four stalks daily can lower blood pressure, particularly if high blood pressure is related to stress. This vegetable is considered to have a relaxing effect by calming the nerves. As it has no protective skin the pesticides immerse themselves to this crunchy veggie.

6. Grapes

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Grapes help combat toxins in the body, stimulate the liver, increase energy, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve circulation. Because bugs are attracted to the sweet grapes, these fruits are often heavily sprayed. According to USDA findings, a single grape sample contained 15 pesticides.

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