Conventional Crops most likely to be Contaminated
As a result of standard conventional (not organic) farming practices certain crops are very likely to be contaminated with a variety of pesticides, while other crops remain relatively clean of pesticides. For the contaminated crops it is best to buy these crops from organic farms. Here’s a good read on what is ‘Organic’, see Organic Foods for Increased Human Health.
It’s important for parents to know which conventional crops contain pesticides as children may be especially sensitive to health risks posed by pesticides as their internal organs are still developing and maturing. Pesticides may harm an infant or developing child by blocking the absorption of important food nutrients necessary for normal healthy growth.
Here is a list published by the EWG of crops most likely to contain pesticides:
apples
celery
bell peppers
peaches
strawberries
nectarines
grapes
spinach
lettuce
cucumbers
potatoes
green beans
blueberries
kale, collards
leafy greens
Conventional Crops most likely to be Clean
Here’s a list crops most likely to be mostly pesticide free even when grown with standard conventional farming (not organic) practices:
onions
sweet corn
avocado
cabbage
sweet peas
asparagus
mangoes
eggplant
kiwis
cantaloupe
sweet potatoes
grapefruit
watermelon
mushrooms
As these crops are mostly free of pesticides, it is not essential to buy these crops organically grown.
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