Many studies have confirmed the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, but many fruits and vegetables are full of pesticides.
Pesticides are chemical compounds used to protect fruits and vegetables from pests and diseases. However, pesticide residues can remain on the fruits and vegetables we eat, which can negatively affect our health. That's why it's important to use safe ways to eliminate pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
They are among the most effective methods washing, peeling, choosing organic food and irrigation in a solution of water and vinegar. Any of these methods can help remove most pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
However, it is important to be aware that the use of pesticides in excessive amounts can be harmful to our health, so it is recommended to choose food that is produced using safer methods.
Research by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that more than 75 percent of non-organic fresh produce sold in the US contained pesticide residues. Our numbers are no different.
The study is based on federal data collected from thousands of samples of 46 different conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. After completing the research, based on the results, EVG created two lists, one including the fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides, and the other products with the lowest levels of pesticides.
List of fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides:
- strawberries,
- spinach,
- kale,
- peaches,
- pears,
- nectarines,
- apples,
- grapes,
- cherries,
- blueberries,
- green beans.
Almost 65 percent of the samples had no visible pesticide residues. Just over 10 percent had residues of two or more pesticides, and no sample of the first six products tested positive for more than three pesticides.
List of fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticides:
- avocado,
- sweet corn,
- pineapple,
- onion,
- papaya,
- sweet peas,
- asparagus,
- melon,
- kiwi,
- cabbage,
- mushrooms,
- mango,
- sweet potato,
- watermelon,
- carrots.
