As we embark on our journey toward a healthier and more spiritual life, it is vital that we make informed choices about the food we bring into our homes and how it aligns with our values of wellness. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually releases two crucial lists for health-conscious shoppers like us—the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen.” These lists, updated every year, help us discern the fruits and vegetables that are most and least contaminated with pesticide residues, guiding us in making choices that honor our bodies.
The Dirty Dozen: What to Avoid
The Dirty Dozen list highlights the twelve types of produce that typically carry the highest levels of pesticides. Consuming these foods organically can significantly reduce your intake of potentially harmful chemicals. For 2024, the list includes:
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Nectarines
8. Apples
9. Bell and hot peppers
10. Cherries
11. Blueberries
12. Green Beans
These foods, when grown conventionally, tend to absorb more pesticides because of their farming practices and natural characteristics. For instance, the soft skin of strawberries and apples allows for easier absorption of chemicals. As stewards of our own health and God’s creation, we can choose organic options for these foods as an act of care and respect for the body He has entrusted us with.
For the first time, green beans join the Dirty Dozen list as EWG found pesticide from a chemical that EPA banned over ten years ago. Blueberries are on this list as well. I grow blueberries and about the only thing that eats them are birds. So, I am not sure why they have to be sprayed with a pesticide? Unfortunately, we should start consuming organic blueberries.
In addition, grapes moved up on the list from number eight to number four. That means wine may also be tainted with pesticide residue. Either purchase products made from organic grapes or from countries that are part of the European Union (EU) because the EU banned over 1600 chemicals, but the United States only banned nine of them.
The Clean Fifteen: Safer Choices
On the other end of the spectrum, the Clean Fifteen list indicates the produce least likely to hold pesticide residues, making them safer to purchase conventionally if organic options are unavailable or unaffordable. The 2024 list includes:
1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Mushrooms
12. Mangoes
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Watermelon
15. Carrots
These fruits and vegetables typically have thicker skins that protect them from pesticide absorption, or they are less targeted by pests and thus require fewer treatments. This list offers an opportunity to enjoy these gifts of nature without the burden of excess chemicals, aligning with our pursuit of a healthy life.
Integrating Wisdom with Wellness
Understanding these lists empowers us to make choices that reflect our faith and our commitment to health. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with our bodies, which includes the food we consume.
Here are a few practical tips on how to use the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen in your daily life:
1. Prioritize Organic for the Dirty Dozen: Whenever possible, choose organic versions of the produce on the Dirty Dozen list. If budget constraints arise, focus on the items you consume most frequently.
2. Wash All Produce: Even though the Clean Fifteen may have fewer pesticides, it’s still wise to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water to reduce dirt, bacteria, and any remaining chemicals.
3. Plan Your Shopping: Use the lists to plan your shopping trips. This can lead to both healthier choices and more budget-friendly shopping, as you can decide where to allocate your resources for organic produce.
4. Educate Others: Share this knowledge with your community. As we grow in understanding, we can better steward our health and teach others to do the same, spreading the light of wellness and informed choices.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen into our shopping and eating habits is not just about following trends. It’s a conscious decision to care for our body and environment in a way that respects and honors the Creator. Let us choose wisely as we walk on our path to wellness, armed with the knowledge that helps us make better choices for our health and our world.
About the Author
Susan Neal, an RN with an MBA and masters in health science, combines her passion for health and her faith to guide others toward wellness. She is a certified Christian Health & Wellness Coach. As an acclaimed author, of nine books including the bestseller 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates she inspires others to improve their health. Her 2024 publication, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully: How to Look and Feel Younger, uplifts the health of the senior Christian community. Her children’s book, Eat God’s Food, further extends her mission. Visit SusanUNeal.com for her insights and coaching.