Let's Get Dirty

Pesticides are not sexy my friends. They are often overlooked but have the potential to be life-threatening. The word "Organic" basically means "Hello, I'm going to add an extra 5 dollars to whatever you are purchasing. Goodbye."  No, obviously not, but sometimes that's exactly what it feels like. For something to be considered "Organic", it must be GMO and Pesticide free. The Dirty Dozen is a list of the 12 most highly contaminated fruits and vegetables. If you're on a budget, buying organic is not always possible. Although it is always better to buy Organic, it's not entirely necessary for certain fruits and vegetables. Without further ado, THE DIRTY DOZEN.

Most Contaminated

▪ Peaches

▪ Apples

▪ Sweet Bell Peppers

▪ Celery

 ▪ Nectarines

▪ Strawberries

▪ Cherries

▪ Pears

▪ Grapes (Imported)

▪ Spinach

▪ Lettuce

▪ Potatoes

Least Contaminated

▪ Onions

▪ Avocado

▪ Sweet Corn 

▪ Pineapples

▪ Mango

 ▪ Papaya

▪ Asparagus

▪ Sweet Peas 

▪ Kiwi Fruit

▪ Bananas

▪ Cabbage

▪ Broccoli

So what happens if you eat contaminated produce?... well you die. No I'm totally kidding, but there are some pretty brutal side effects. The Dirty Dozen is said to be connected to Leaky Gut Syndrome. I don't know about you, but I like my guts just the way they are. They have also been linked to Heart Disease, Cancer, Hypertension, Diabetes, Crohn's Disease, Allergies, etc. A solid rule to follow when deciding when to go organic is buying non-organic foods with a peel. This is a natural protective layer but be sure to wash whatever you are consuming prior to peeling. There are times when the pesticide is put directly into the soil. In which case you are totally screwed. So be nice to your body and buy organic. 

Turns out it's bad to be dirty.

Always Remember: 

Animals are friends, not food.

Sincerely, 

Jasmine Millner