We often hear that if we choose to exercise and eat right, our pancreas will thank us by working better and reducing our chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Many of you who are keeping an eye on your health have heard of a list of products called the “Dirty Dozen”. What is this list and how do the ingredients affect your life and your body? Dirty Dozen is a term used to describe some fruits and vegetables, maybe even some of your favorites, that are negatively affected by pesticides. Products listed as the “Dirty Dozen” are known to be more contaminated by pesticides than other products and, therefore, it is wise for you to stay away from them if you are hoping to maintain good health.
Researchers have linked the ingestion of pesticides during pregnancy and even in early childhood to a risk to the developing brain of a fetus. In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report recommending limiting pesticide-contaminated foods in children as much as possible. Although it is unfortunate to “avoid” fresh fruits and vegetables as they are considered very healthy for the body, you need to remember that when they become contaminated due to the use of pesticides, they are not doing anything positive. Will be For Your Health. These chemicals may be entering your system, and they may be doing more harm to your body than benefiting your health.
So what are the “dirty dozen list of fruits and vegetables”? The following is the current list to avoid…
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strawberries (these are considered particularly harmful. Researchers found that a third of berries contained 10 or more pesticides),
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spinach,
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Nectar,
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Apple,
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peach,
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Rahila,
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cherry,
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Grape,
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parsley,
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Tomato,
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sweet bell peppers, and
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Potato.
While you can buy conventional varieties and then take care to wash them thoroughly, it has been found that a significant amount of pesticide residue remains. Therefore, it may be best to ensure that you buy organic produce, provided your budget allows. If your budget doesn’t allow you to buy organic products, you might want to avoid them altogether.
Many other “conventional” options offer a healthier option and are considered a “Clean 15.” This includes…
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avocados,
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sweet corn,
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Pineapple,
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Cabbage,
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Onion,
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frozen sweet peas,
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Papaya,
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asparagus,
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Common,
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Eggplant,
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sweet watermelon,
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Kiwi fruit,
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muskmelon,
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broccoli, and
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Cauliflower.
As you can see, there are a variety of delicious options to choose from if you want to continue a healthy intake of fresh produce but limit your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and pesticides. While we do not immediately pay attention to the side effects and symptoms of consuming harmful chemicals; It adds up over the years and can increase your risk factors for many diseases including cancer. Shop wisely, and you’ll have no problem avoiding this one!
