Avoid Eating Pesticides-- Go Organic!

We all know that eating organic, although better for you health, is tough on your wallet. If you're like me and can't afford to buy all organic produce, check out the Environmental Working Group's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides  to determine which fruits and veggies are at the highest risk of contamination.
The Guide rates 47 different types of produce, but to make things easy, here's a list of the 15 most contaminated foods (a.k.a. those which you should DEFINITELY buy organic) and the 15 'safest' foods (a.k.a. those which won't kill you if you buy them non-organic).

15 Most Contaminated Fruits and Veggies:

1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Sweet Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes-Imported
11. Carrots
12. Pear
13. Collard Greens
14. Spinach
15. Potato

15 Least Contaminated Fruits and Veggies:

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn- frozen
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas-frozen
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Brocoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato

Wait, Why Should I Even Be Concerned About Pesticide Contamination?

Every year, new research is published that demonstrates the toxicity of pesticides to human health and the environment. Despite the fact that the government stipulates "safe" levels for pesticide use in farming, there is no precise way of detecting or regulating these levels.

Some of the proven side effects of pesticide toxicity in human beings include:

• Damage to the nervous system
• Carcinogenic effects
• Hormone system effects
• Skin, eye, and lung irritation

For more information, visit EWG Food News