Dirty Dozen VS. Clean 15

“Pesticides are toxins and they can’t be good for you, so the only question is – how bad are they?”
– Dr. Andrew Weils

Don’t want to eat bug- and weed-killers?

Did you know two-thirds of produce samples in recent government tests had pesticide residues? These different pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including hormone disruption, cancer and brain toxicity. You can definitely remove a substantial amount of pesticides through careful washing and light scrubbing. However, you cannot remove all of them especially the ones that have been incorporated into the fruits and vegetables while they were growing.

So how can we eliminate contaminating our bodies with all of these pesticides? Eat organic! I know I know easier said than done and who is going to pay for it? There are 3 simple tips I will tell you on how you can try to avoid these killers. 

1. Eat Local & What’s In Season – If you can go to a local market or produce stand – this is a great option. Also try to eat what is in season so it is not imported and most likely been sprayed to extend its life span.

2. Grow Your Own – If you can be self sufficient, this is a great way to consume fruits and veggies. You know exactly how they were grown and most of what is in the surrounding soil it is grown in. And to be honest wouldn’t it just taste better knowing that you grew it! All the time and love you gave it. 🙂 

3. Follow the Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen Rule – This is great for all year round or if option 1 or 2 are just not you. By making these informed choices in the produce aisle helps minimize pesticide consumption while keeping the cost down! (see image below)

Change takes time. And all of us have to work within our budgets.

Which is where the dirty dozen and the clean 15 come into play. The list is a resource to help you make the best choices for your health and for the earth.

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Nikki