Pesticides are tremendous value as they protect crops against insects, plants, fungi and other pests. However, as pesticides are toxic and some linger on in fruit and vegetables even if properly washed, there are health concerns involved.
Scientific studies have linked pesticides to health problems such as brain and nervous system toxicity, cancer, hormone disruption, and kin, eye and ling irritation.
There is a huge industry offering organic or pesticide-free produce, thus consumers have more choice and control.The problem is that organic products are generally speaking, more expensive!
For those 'budgeteers', take a look at The US based food choice advocacy group Environmental Working Group(EWG) dirty dozen list of popular foods that have the most pesticide residues.
This year, the EWG suggested that these fruits and vegetables contain the most residue:
Apple
Celery
Red Pepper
Sweet Bell Pepper
Peach
Strawberry
Nectarine
Grape
Spinach
Letcuce
Cucumber
Blueberry
Potato
They also noted that their studies showed that green beans and leafy greens such as kale and collard greens are commonly contaminated with highly toxic organophosphate insecticides.
15 fruits and vegetables that contain the least pesticide residues are:
Onion
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Avocado
Cabbage
Pea
Asparagus
Mango
Eggplant
Kiwi
Cantaloupe
Sweet Potato
Grapefruit
Watermelon
Mushroom
Suddenly I want to have this. A must order when I go to any Indonesian Cuisine Restaurant.
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