Adding more fruits and veggies to your family’s diet is an easy way to improve health, but it’s important to make sure when you add them, you’re not also unknowingly adding pesticides to your diet.
That’s why researchers at the Environmental Working Group have released their list of fruits and vegetables that have the highest pesticide levels.
Researchers found the produce with the highest levels of pesticides include:
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell and hot peppers
- Peaches
- Pears
- Tomatoes
Their list of foods with the lowest pesticide levels includes:
- Avocados
- Onions
- Pineapple
- Honeydew melon
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Sweet potatoes
Experts say, if some of your favorite choices have higher levels, you don’t have to cut them out.
There are things you can do to reduce the exposure.
First, rinse ALL your produce before eating or cooking -- and don’t use soap.
Second -- buying from local farmers’ markets can reduce the risk of pesticides, as well as save you some money.
And finally. buying organic fruits and veggies can also reduce your exposure.