Announcing the dirtiest and cleanest vegetables of 2018
Among the 12 dirtiest fruits and vegetables in America, strawberries rank number one because they can contain up to 20 types of pesticides.
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| Strawberries are the dirtiest fruit in 2018. Photo: Internet |
To protect consumers’ health, every year, the Environmental Working Group, a non-governmental organization, releases a list of the 12 dirtiest fruits and vegetables. This year, for the third consecutive year, strawberries topped the list. Next were spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers.
According toCNNThe list was selected from 47 non-organic fruits and vegetables based on six criteria, including the amount and residue of pesticides. The results showed that one strawberry sample was contaminated with 20 pesticides. The spinach samples also contained 1.8 times more pesticide residue than other crops.
In addition to the 12 fruits and vegetables listed above, the Environmental Working Group warns the public to be wary of chili peppers after discovering they contain neurotoxins.
Pesticides have long been scientifically proven to be harmful to humans, especially children. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that pesticides can lead to chronic health complications including neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, birth defects, asthma and cancer. Children exposed to pesticides while in the womb are also at risk.
To minimize risks, the Environmental Working Group recommends that consumers who want to eat produce on the list of the 12 dirtiest fruits and vegetables should only buy organic products. In addition, remember to wash them before eating for at least 30 seconds with clean water or a solution of water and baking soda as suggested by the University of Massachusetts. Cooking is also an effective method to reduce toxins.
In addition to the 12 dirtiest fruits and vegetables, the Environmental Working Group also compiled a list of the 15 cleanest fruits and vegetables. Avocado tops the list. The next spots go to corn, pineapple, cabbage, onions, frozen peas, papaya, asparagus, mango, eggplant, cantaloupe, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower, and broccoli.
