These Are The 12 Most Toxic Fruits And Vegetables To Consume

Credit: ghanahealthnest.com
Credit: ghanahealthnest.com

Sure, organic food is expensive, but is buying conventionally-grown produce really worth the risk? If you’re not yet aware, the chemicals sprayed on non-organic crops are just as lethal for humans as they are for insects. In fact, countless studies have linked pesticides to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADHD, and even birth defects. In addition, pesticides can also throw the ecosystem off balance.

Because of these effects, the organic movement has grown in popularity in recent years. However, the fact still remains that conventional produce is much more affordable than organic.

For this reason, it’s beneficial to know the most toxic fruits and vegetables (also known as the ‘Dirty Dozen’) so you can make it a priority to purchase those organic if nothing else. Doing so will reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors and potentially carcinogenic compounds.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the following are the most toxic conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables:

1. Strawberries
2. Apples
3. Nectarines
4. Peaches
5. Celery
6. Grapes
7. Cherries
8. Spinach
9. Tomatoes
10. Sweet bell peppers
11. Cherry tomatoes
12. Cucumbers

Every year, the EWG calls out the worst offenders with its Dirty Dozen list, while also giving credit to produce with the lowest pesticides levels. Compared to last year, strawberries have overtaken apples as the highest pesticide grown crop. Reportedly, 98% of conventional strawberries tested by federal officials had detectable pesticide residues; 40% had residues of 10 or more pesticides and some had residues of 17 different pesticides.

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, but they’ll always be better for one’s health when they’re not contaminated with dangerous chemicals.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this list to raise awareness!


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