Organic
Reduce your toxic load. Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. While "organic" isn't a guarantee of nutrition, it significantly reduces exposure to chemicals linked to health issues. Prioritize the "dirty dozen."
Dirty Dozen - Buy Organic
Highest pesticide residue. Prioritize organic for these:
Strawberries
#1 most contaminated
Spinach
High pesticide load
Kale/Collards
Leafy green concern
Grapes
Thin skin absorbs
Peaches
Fuzzy skin traps
Pears
High residue
Nectarines
Stone fruit caution
Apples
Multiple sprays
Bell Peppers
Both hot and sweet
Cherries
Small and absorbent
Blueberries
Berry concern
Green Beans
Recent addition
Clean Fifteen - Conventional OK
Lowest pesticide residue. Save money here:
Avocados
Thick skin protects
Sweet Corn
Husk protection
Pineapple
Thick rind
Onions
Outer layers removed
Papaya
Peeled fruit
Asparagus
Few pests naturally
Honeydew Melon
Thick rind
Kiwi
Fuzzy skin peeled
Cabbage
Outer leaves removed
Beyond Produce
Grass-Fed Beef
Better omega ratio. No antibiotics. Higher nutrients.
Pasture-Raised Eggs
More omega-3. Higher vitamins. Happier chickens.
Organic Dairy
No hormones or antibiotics. Grass-fed if possible.
Wild-Caught Fish
Lower toxins than farmed. Better omega balance. SMASH fish.
Organic Grains
Wheat often sprayed with glyphosate at harvest. Choose organic.
Organic Soy/Corn
Conventional is GMO. Heavy glyphosate use. Go organic.