These days, most of the retail produce comes from farms that use conventional farming techniques. Produce grown using synthetic inputs such as fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. One study suggests that pesticide exposure may increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Of course, the highest pesticide-containing foods are the culprit.
In contrast, others have linked exposure to various malignancies, infertility issues, and congenital malformations. Various foreign toxins enter our bodies from the many subpar ‘food-like’ products we ingest. Over time, prolonged contact with these synthetic chemicals causes our bodies to become toxic and the ‘cleaning’ processes to break down.
Many of us become ill because our bodies cannot effectively eliminate these pollutants. We have outlined what kinds of organic foods can assist your body in recovering from the effects of these chemicals. What gets me is why, though? I could care less for the highest pesticide-containing foods.
The following foods are among the most harmful to human health when consumed in their customary forms. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the following foods have the highest concentrations of pesticides (both on the surface and within the food itself) compared to other dietary options.
12 Foods You Should Consume Organically (From Lowest To Highest Amounts Of Pesticides)
1. Apples: According to the USDA Pesticide Data Program, there are 42 known pesticide residues on apples. There are 7 known carcinogens, 19 putative hormone disruptors, 10 neurotoxins, 6 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 17 honeybee toxins among the 42 pesticide residues.
2. Cherries: The USDA Pesticide Data Program identified 42 pesticide residues on them. 7 known or probable carcinogens, 22 putative hormone disruptors, 7 neurotoxins, 8 development or reproductive toxins, and 18 honeybee toxins are among the 42 pesticide residues.
3. Green Beans: The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program has identified 44 pesticide residues on green beans. There are eight known carcinogens, twenty-two putative hormone disruptors, eleven neurotoxins, eight developmental or reproductive toxins, and eighteen honeybee toxins among the 44 pesticide residues.
4. Collard Greens: According to the USDA’s Pesticide Data Program, they contain 46 known pesticide residues. There are 9 known carcinogens, 25 putative hormone disruptors, 10 neurotoxins, 8 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 25 honeybee toxins among the 46 pesticide residues.
5. Spinach: The USDA Pesticide Data Program has identified 48 pesticide residues in spinach. There are 8 known carcinogens, 25 putative hormone disruptors, 8 neurotoxins, 6 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 23 honeybee toxins among the 48 pesticide residues.
6. Sweet Bell Peppers: The USDA Pesticide Data Program identified 49 known pesticide residues on sweet bell peppers. There are 11 known carcinogens, 26 putative hormone disruptors, 13 neurotoxins, 10 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 19 honeybee toxins among the 49 pesticide residues.
7. Lettuce: The USDA Pesticide Data Program has found 51 known pesticide traces. Out of the 51 pesticide residues, there are 12 known cancers, 29 possible hormone disruptors, 9 neurotoxins, 10 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 21 honeybee toxins.
8. Blueberries: The USDA Pesticide Data Program found 52 pesticide traces. Out of the 52 pesticide traces, there are 8 known carcinogens, 24 possible hormone disruptors, 14 neurotoxins, 7 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 21 honeybee toxins.
9. Strawberries: The USDA Pesticide Data Program found 54 pesticide traces. Out of the 54 pesticide traces, there are 9 known carcinogens, 24 possible hormone disruptors, 11 neurotoxins, 12 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 19 honeybee toxins.
10. Kale: The USDA Pesticide Data Program has found 55 pesticide traces on kale. Out of the 55 pesticide residues, there are 9 known carcinogens, 27 possible hormone disruptors, 10 neurotoxins, 10 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 23 insect toxins.
11. Peaches: The USDA Pesticide Data Program has found 62 known pesticide traces on them. Out of the 62 pesticide residues, there are 10 known cancers, 29 possible hormone disruptors, 12 neurotoxins, 11 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 25 honeybee toxins.
12. Celery: Celery has the most pesticide residues. The USDA Pesticide Data Program has found 64 pesticide residues on celery. Out of the 64 pesticide traces, there are 13 known carcinogens, 31 possible hormone disruptors, 12 neurotoxins, 14 developmental or reproductive toxins, and 20 honeybee toxins.
Broccoli and Cucumbers are also good. Remember, anything that is green is of high value. Think of Popeye 😉.
The highest Pesticide-Containing Foods Continue.
Consuming organic is easier said than done; however, keep in mind the health benefits of eating foods rich in fiber and high in vitamins and minerals. Below I will list some of the wrong foods. Here is a list of foods that contain the lowest amounts of pesticides.
Bananas: The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program discovered 12 different banana pesticide residues. There were 12 other pesticides found, 4 of which are known carcinogens, 7 of which are potential hormone disruptors, 2 of which are neurotoxins, 5 of which are developmental or reproductive toxins, and 2 of which are toxic to honeybees.
Grapefruits: According to the USDA’s Pesticide Data Program, grapefruits have 11 pesticide residues. The 11 pesticides include 2 toxins harmful to honeybees and 4 confirmed or suspected carcinogens, hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, or developmental/reproductive toxins.
Almonds: The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program has discovered nine almond pesticide residues. Among the nine pesticide residues, one confirmed carcinogen, four possible hormone disruptors, three neurotoxins, zero developmental or reproductive toxins, and four toxins harmful to honeybees.
Asparagus: The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program has discovered pesticide residues on asparagus nine times. One pesticide residue is a confirmed carcinogen, while another seven are potential hormone disruptors, four are neurotoxins, three are reproductive or developmental toxins, and five are toxic to honeybees.
Onions: The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program has identified 1 pesticide residue in onions. No known carcinogens exist, potential hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, developmental or reproductive toxins, or poisons to honeybees among the nine pesticide residues.
Always think about the environment when making a produce purchase. To be safe, buy as much as possible from nearby suppliers. When you purchase something that is both locally grown and organically grown, you know that it is free of harmful chemicals and is nutritionally dense.
Not only that, but you will also not eat anything that might have been genetically engineered. The highest pesticide-containing foods are no joke for overall health in the long run.