Lists-we love to make them. They’re a stress reliever because they make us feel in control and get us organized so we can get things done. Outside of the home office, there’s probably no other room where list making is more important than the kitchen. This is where food preparation happens, food supplies are stored, family gathers and celebrations occur. It’s the place where creative alchemy takes place when a beautiful meal is prepared and enjoyed. A lot happens here and there’s a lot to keep track of.
HealthKeepers Magazine has created a list of lists you’ll want to keep handy when you’re shopping for your fresh produce. List One helps you choose which organic foods you should buy to avoid pesticide residue. List Two directs you to the foods that are considered clean with little or no traces of pesticide. List Three guides you to the foods that contain super healing properties. You probably have most of these items in your home right now. If not, you may want to shop for them. The versatility of these items is amazing. They have both immediate and long-term benefits. Consider incorporating them into your diet. The next time you need relief, walk right past the medicine cabinet to the kitchen cabinet and they’ll be there.
List One: The Dirty Dozen
Here are the top twelve fruits and vegetables you should buy organic to avoid pesticide residue.
- Apples
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Spinach
- Nectarines (Imported)
- Grapes (Imported)
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Potatoes
- Blueberries (domestic)
- Lettuce
- Kale/collard
The Environment Working Group created this list. Please note, the 2011 dirty dozen list reflects testing data from the 2010 harvest, and because some pesticide use is dependent on weather conditions that vary by farm, it may not reflect the pesticide residue on the produce in your grocery store.
List Two: The Clean Fifteen
These are the fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue.
- Onions
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Avocado
- Asparagus
- Sweet Peas
- Mangoes
- Eggplant
- Cantaloupe
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Sweet Potatoes
- Grapefruit
- Mushrooms
Since the USDA tests produce after a typical household preparation, fruits and vegetables with thick skins that are removed before eating i.e. melons, avocado, corn, etc. tend to have the lowest amounts of pesticide residue.
There you have it. Two of the three invaluable lists to make your life more stress free and your decision making easier. In next month’s article, look for Part II and get List Three that guides you to the foods that contain super healing properties. Most of all, the lists fulfill our desire to support you in your quest for a vibrant, healthy life.
HealthKeepers Magazine December 2011