We are in the midst of summer and supermarkets and farmer’s markets are exploding with fresh produce.  Eating fresh produce is the best way to benefit from the nutrients they provide.  However, most produce you see has been been sprayed with pesticides. Farmers use pesticides for a couple of reasons: to keep weeds at bay and to prevent pests from destroying crops.  Pesticides are toxic and can leave a residue on fruits and vegetables.  This can present serious health risks. Below is a list of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen

Here is a list of the Dirty Dozen for 2016 (highest in pesticide residue)

• strawberries
• apples
• nectarines
• peaches
• celery
• grapes
• cherries
• spinach
• tomatoes
• sweet bell peppers
• cherry tomatoes
• cucumbers

The Clean Fifteen for 2016 (least likely to hold pesticide residues)

• avocados,
• sweet corn
• pineapples
• cabbage
• frozen sweet peas
• onions
• asparagus
• mangoes
• papayas
• kiwis
• eggplant
• honeydew melon
• grapefruit
• cantaloupe
• cauliflower

Research like this always brings me to the EWG website (Environmental Working Group). This site is a wealth of information on healthy living and a healthy environment.    Check them out.