Eating fresh produce is the best way to obtain the nutrients that support optimum health, but the pesticides used on many crops remain a major health concern of the Dirty Dozen Plus. By choosing organic foods, you can reap the health benefits of fruits and vegetables without exposing yourself and your family to potentially harmful chemicals. Pesticides present real health risks, particularly to children and those with health concerns. 
The toxicity most commonly associated with pesticides in animal studies include disruptions in the normal functioning of the nervous and endocrine system, and increased risks of
cancer, as well as, lower IQ in children.
At Optimum Health Rehab, we look to the EWG (Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit org) to provide us with the most up to date information regarding pesticide residue. According to EWG the following “Dirty Dozen Plus” had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions:
- Apples
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Spinach
- Celery
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Snap peas – Imported
- Potatoes
- Kale/Collard Greens
- Hot Peppers
Buying in bulk, in-season, or frozen will provide you with the best possible organic pricing.
EWG also provides a list of the Clean 15, produce rated with the least amounts of pesticide(s) residue:
- Avocados
- Pineapples
- Cabbage
- Sweet Peas – frozen
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Mangos
- Papayas
- Kiwi
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Corn
Our two cents about corn. We recommend buying organic corn vs conventional corn. Corn is one of the most highly GMO grown items in the USA – about 88% of the corn grown in the USA is GMO, according to the US Dept of Agriculture.
Both of these lists of Dirty Dozen Plus and the Clean 15 are updated yearly by the EWG so be sure to visit their website for the latest updates. At Optimum Health Rehab, we help patients to understand the importance of knowing what’s in your food and how it could be impacting you and your family’s health.
Learn More About The Dirty Dozen Plus the Clean 15
Call us at 877-704-1761 or fill this form to schedule a complimentary consultation to receive our X-Ray deal to make sure your spine is aligned properly at one of our convenient locations in Alpharetta, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Dacula, Hiram, Morrow, Dalton, Suwanee, or Woodstock.
Wellness