Most fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential nutrients that are good for your body and mind.
However, commercial demands and competition in the market often make farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to increase their yield.
Today growth hormones are injected in fruits, vegetables, pulses, poultry and meat to make them larger and plumper.
Research has documented and proven that these hormones and chemicals are what are causing such larger sizes (obesity) in people today.
The chemicals and the preservatives are the cause of psychological disorders, depression, mood swings, and early puberty in teens. Research is now also drawing links to various cancers, as well as ADD/ADHD, and brain development issues in fetuses, children, and youth.
It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to stand up and fight against such unhealthy practices adopted by farmers. But, that doesn’t mean we have to continue eating foods laced with pesticides.
It is recommended that you buy organic whenever possible. Not only is it smart to reduce your exposure to pesticides, but buying organic sends a message that you support environmentally friendly farming practices that minimize soil erosion, safeguard workers, and protect water quality and wildlife.
However, organics are not accessible or affordable for everyone, so @environmentalworkinggroup (EWG) created their annual “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists to help consumers make the healthiest choices given their circumstances.
If you’re unfamiliar with these, they are lists of produce with the most and fewest pesticide residues. These lists have been updated every year since 2004, and rank pesticide contamination of 47 popular fruits and vegetables.
The EWG’s lists will help you choose produce with the fewest pesticides for a healthier diet.