Pesticides

Hello everyone!

I have been doing a little research on why exactly we should buy organic vs. veggies and fruit in the stores. For obvious reasons, it is better for the environment, helps the local economy and they are healthier for you. I stumbled across an article that actually listed the 12 top vegetables and fruits that were tested for pesticides and pesticides were actually found. This information was compiled, worldwide, by the US Department of Agriculture, Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group. The following fruits and veggies SHOULD NOT be purchased anywhere but organically. The high percentage of pesticides were found after these items were thoroughly washed.

1. Nectarines - 97%


2. Celery - 94.5 %


3. Pears - 94.4%


4. Peaches - 93.7 %


5. Apples - 91%


6. Cherries - 91%


7. Strawberries - 90%


8. Imported Grapes - 86%


9. Spinach - 83.4%


10. Potatoes - 79.3%


11. Bell Peppers - 68%


12. Red Raspberries - 59%

The next list of fruits and veggies have none to very low contamination of pesticides. If you will notice, most of these items have very thick skins. However; if and when you can (I know organic is expensive and not always available) buy organic.

1. Asparagus


2. Avocados


3. Bananas


4. Broccoli


5. Cauliflower


6. Corn


7. Kiwi


8. Mangoes


9. Onions


10. Papaya


11. Pineapples


12. Sweet Peas

I hope this information will help you. I know it will me. It is certainly an eye opener. This article was found on About.com. My next mission is to find research on what the long term effects, of a little bit of pesticide, induced everyday, would have on the body. Especially children starting at an very young age into adulthood? Scary!