The Dirty Dozen: Avoiding Common Food Toxins

Food is one of the most important things we can put into our bodies. However, not all food is created equal. Some foods contain harmful toxins that can have a negative impact on our health.

The Dirty Dozen is a list of the 12 produce items that are most likely to contain high levels of pesticides. These pesticides can be harmful to our health and they can build up in our bodies over time.

• Strawberries

• Spinach

• Nectarines

• Apples

• Peaches

• Celery

• Grapes

• Potatoes

• Hot peppers

• Cucumbers

• Tomatoes

• Lettuce

There are a number of things you can do to avoid food toxins:

• Buy organic produce: Organic produce is grown without the use of pesticides.

• Wash your produce thoroughly: Washing your produce can help to remove pesticides and other contaminants.

• Peel your produce: Peeling your produce can remove some of the pesticide residue.

• Choose local produce: Local produce is often grown without the use of pesticides.

• Support sustainable agriculture: Support farmers who use sustainable farming practices.

Additional Tips

• Cook your produce: Cooking your produce can help to inactivate some pesticides.

• Variety is key: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients you need.

• Don't eat processed foods: Processed foods are often high in pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your exposure to food toxins and improve your overall health.

The Dirty Dozen is a valuable resource for consumers who want to avoid food toxins. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect themselves, people can make healthier choices and improve their overall well-being.

Additional Resources

• The Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list

• The Environmental Working Group's Clean Fifteen list