Fruits and Vegetables that Carry the Most Toxins: The Dirty Dozen

If you buy non-organic fruits and vegetables, you are purchasing produce that is contaminated with toxins; i.e., pesticides. Washing and/or peeling produce will not always rid it of these pesticides. Toxins can be absorbed into your own skin, and toxins can also be absorbed by fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization established in Washington, DC, concerned with public health, analyzed around 100,000 reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For example, the USDA reported in 2006 that 64% of the fruits and vegetables we consume contain significant levels of toxins. After studying this report and others, the Environmental Working Group determined which fruits and vegetables retained the most toxins. They came up with what has been termed the "dirty dozen."

The dozen most toxic fruits and vegetables are: apples, celery, cherries, domestic blueberries, imported grapes, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach (including kale and collard greens), strawberries, and sweet bell peppers.

Toxins found in these fruits and vegetables (as well as others) are, of course, absorbed into your system when you eat them. These toxins can often build-up in your system and affect your overall health. More specifically, the toxins can affect your immune system, your nervous system, hormone production, and reproduction. In addition, some toxins can even increase your risk of developing cancer.

You can buy special cleaning agents for fruits and vegetables that can often be found in the produce section of your grocery. You can also make your own soak using ¼-cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Soak your fruits and vegetables in this solution for 15 minutes. (The taste will not be affected.) If you need to scrub your fruits and vegetables, you can also use 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda. (Be sure to rinse thoroughly and pat dry.) Of course, this will not completely eliminate any toxins. The only way to eat fruit and vegetables free of toxins caused by use of pesticides is to either buy only organic produce or grow your own. One note, however: many local farmers markets offer fruits and vegetables that, while not certified organic, have not be treated with pesticides. You can buy these at much less than the cost of fruits and vegetables in grocery or health food stores and that have been certified organic.

References:

Heal Your Life. Marcelle Pick Blog: Are There Toxics on Your Produce?

Methods of Healing: Can Fresh Fruits and Vegetables be Toxic?