What Are the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen List of Foods?

It is the new year, a time when many decide to start the year by eating well. People promise they will eat healthier on their way to becoming a better version of themselves as the year progresses.

And when we think about eating healthier foods, vegetables and fruits quickly come to mind. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, help skin glow, boost immunity, and strengthen bones and body. You wouldn’t think there is anything wrong with choosing these foods, right?

But did you know that much of the products you buy can contain traces of harmful pesticides? So instead of doing your body great good, you might as well be consuming some synthetic chemicals.

Why do farmers use pesticides?

If pesticides in our food can be harmful to our health, why do farmers continue to use them in agriculture? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides refer to “any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest.” The EPA also stipulates that pesticides are used as plant regulators, desiccants, or defoliants. So if farmers didn’t use pesticides, “more than half of our crops would be lost to pests and diseases.” Pesticides protect crops and enable our farmers to produce quality food and sell it to consumers at affordable prices.

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The dangers of pesticides

However, the damage of pesticides to human health and our environment is indisputable. These toxic substances that are used to kill pests can also get into the food we eat. And since each of us has different levels of tolerance when exposed to pesticides, their harmful effects on humans can range from causing respiratory tract irritation, allergies, nausea, headache, seizures, or death. Pesticides have also been linked to Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, diabetes, and cancer. The use of pesticides also has a negative impact on our environment as it pollutes the soil, water and air. Its indiscriminate use can also kill good soil microorganisms that affect soil fertility. If the fertility of the soil decreases, it will also affect the quantity and quality of the crops.

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EWG Guidance on Pesticides in Agricultural Products

Every year, the US Environmental Task Force publishes an updated report on pesticide contamination found in the 47 most popular fruits and vegetables sold on the market. They call the list of the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables, the “Dirty dozen” while those with the least amount of pesticides according to their study are targeting “Clean 15” ready.

Here is the list of Clean 15 food:

1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. onions
5. Papaya
6. Frozen sweet peas
7. Eggplants
8. Asparagus
9. Cauliflower
10. Melons
11. Broccoli
12. Mushrooms
13. Cabbage
14. Sweet melon
15. Kiwi

And here is the Dirty dozen ready:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Nectarines
5 apples
6. Grapes
7. Peaches
8. Cherries
9. Pears
10. Tomatoes
11. Celery
12. Potatoes

According to the EWG study, crops on the Dirty Dozen list still have potentially harmful pesticides, even after they have been washed, peeled or scrubbed during food preparation. Their classifications are based on tests that look at six measures of pesticide contamination in food samples. Are:

• the percentage of samples tested with detectable pesticides
• the percentage of samples with two or more detectable pesticides
• the average amount of pesticides found in a single sample
• the average amount of pesticides found, measured in parts per million
• the maximum number of pesticides found in a single sample;
• and the total number of pesticides found in the crop. ”

Their most recent study showed that 90% of the sample strawberries still had residues of two or more pesticides, even after completing the usual steps for cleaning and food preparation. Kale, which is known to be rich in vitamins and antioxidants, had a significant amount of the herbicide DCPA (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate) in the samples, a chemical linked to cancer in humans.

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For those alarmed by these results, EWG recommends purchasing the organic variety of crops found on the Dirty Dozen list. In the meantime, they stipulate that it is relatively safe to buy the type of non-organic crops that are listed in Clean 15.

Switch to organic

Going organic is the best way to prevent exposure to harmful synthetic chemicals that are sprayed on food. In 2018, the global market value for organic food and beverages was approximately US $ 165.5 billion. This is expected to reach $ 680 billion by 2027. There is a growing demand for organic food as producers use less pesticides and the growing method is more environmentally friendly as it produces less pollution and organic farmers focus in soil building practices such as crop rotation and the use of green mulch.

However, the downside of switching to organic is a lower crop yield, which makes it more expensive compared to non-organic. The price makes it difficult for all buyers to make the switch. It means spending a lot more on food when there are still more affordable options on the market, even if they are non-organic and conventionally sprayed foods.

Yes to eat healthy

Many people are now more aware of what they eat. There are many benefits of a healthy diet. It is important to maintain an adequate and balanced diet to reduce the risks of disease, improve psychological well-being and extend life expectancy. In addition to keeping our bodies functioning properly and in great shape, it also gives us a positive disposition and outlook on life that contributes to overall health and well-being.

But, did you know that while there are clean and dirty foods, experts advise against seeing food as good or bad? This type of thinking encourages unhealthy eating behaviors. All types of food, whether organic or conventionally grown, can be included in a healthy diet as long as they are eaten in moderation and in the right proportions. It is important to eat a balanced diet that is obtained by consuming the appropriate amount of whole foods along with physical exercise. A healthy lifestyle is not just about what we eat, but also how much we eat and what we do physically.

And if we are what we eat, let our food choices guide the way to optimal health and well-being. For a healthier 2021!

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