Organic Food - List of Foods with Pesticide Residue Levels

Most often, some people choose organic foods because they want to lower their exposure to pesticides. For these people, it makes sense to know which conventionally grown foods are good enough because they are low in pesticide residue.

Not all fruits and vegetables grown with conventional farming methods contain high level of pesticides, some simply don't absorb pesticides. The Environment Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization in Washington, has conducted tests on foods to determine which fruits and vegetables contain the highest pesticide residue. The list is given below.

As you can see the Peaches and Apples have the highest level of pesticide residue, while Onion and Avocado absorb the least amount of pesticide. So if you are on a budget, you can focus on organic foods that absorbs in a lot of pesticides when grown using conventional farming methods.

According to the EWG, the toxic effect of pesticides are still largely unknown, and therefore, consumers are advised to minimise exposure to them.

Although rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables will likely to reduce levels of some pesticides, it does not eliminate them totally. While peeling also reduces exposures, substantial amount valuable nutrients may be lost, for example apples. Nevertheless, the best approach is to wash all fruits and vegetables, and choose organic where possible to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

RANK -- FRUIT OR VEGGIE -- SCORE

1 (worst) -- Peaches -- 100 (highest pesticide load)
2 -- Apples -- 96
3 -- Sweet Bell Peppers -- 86
4 -- Celery -- 85
5 -- Nectarines -- 84
6 -- Strawberries -- 83
7 -- Cherries -- 75
8 -- Lettuce -- 69
9 -- Grapes (Imported) -- 68
10 -- Pears -- 65
11 -- Spinach -- 60
12 -- Potatoes -- 58
13 -- Carrots -- 57
14 -- Green Beans -- 55
15 -- Hot Peppers -- 53
16 -- Cucumbers -- 52
17 -- Raspberries -- 47
18 -- Plums -- 46
19 -- Oranges -- 46
20 -- Grapes (Domestic) -- 46
21 -- Cauliflower -- 39
22 -- Tangerine -- 38
23 -- Mushrooms -- 37
24 -- Cantaloupe -- 34
25 -- Lemon -- 31
26 -- Honeydew Melon -- 31
27 -- Grapefruit -- 31
28 -- Winter Squash -- 31
29 -- Tomatoes -- 30
30 -- Sweet Potatoes -- 30
31 -- Watermelon -- 25
32 -- Blueberries -- 24
33 -- Papaya -- 21
34 -- Eggplant -- 19
35 -- Broccoli -- 18
36 -- Cabbage -- 17
37 -- Bananas -- 16
38 -- Kiwi -- 14
39 -- Asparagus -- 11
40 -- Sweet Peas-Frozen -- 11
41 -- Mango -- 9
42 -- Pineapples -- 7
43 -- Sweet Corn (Frozen) -- 2
44 -- Avocado -- 1
45 (best) -- Onions -- 1 (lowest pesticide load)


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Organic Personal Care - Chemicals to Avoid

Every year, close to a hundred thousand tons of chemicals are used to make personal care products. Over 99% of oils used in cosmetic are extracted from petrochemicals. In addition, additives and preservatives are also added in cosmetics. Some of these "ingredients" may be absorbed directly in the bloodstream through our skin, and accumulate in the body tissue. There is increasingly convincing evidence that using such products in long term can constitute a potentially serious health risk.

What are the Chemicals Found in Personal Care Products?

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA)
These are used as moisturizers in skin creams, dandruff shampoos, and foundations with sunscreens. They are suspected to cause increasing cell turnover and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin, and therefore, making it more sensitive to the sun's rays.

Dibutylphthalate (DBP) and iethylphthalate (DEP)
These are likely used in skin creams to enhance absorption and softening or soothing effect to the skin. They are also used to create a flexible film in nail polish and mascara. However, they are toxic and highly allergenic chemicals. Studies have shown that they can cause birth defects in rats.

Diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and triethanolamine (TEA)
These are ammonia derivatives found in foams, shower gels, body lotions, moisturizers, and facial cleaners. Their chemical function is to bind oil and water together and act as detergents. They are known allergens.

Formaldehyde
This chemical toxin is found in cosmetic preservatives. As a cosmetic ingredient, it is not easy to recognize, since it is associated with the additive 2-bromo-2-nitropropane, 3-diol Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, or Quaternum-15. It is also widely used in shampoos and handwashes, and some nail hardeners. In Sweden and Japan, its use in cosmetics has been banned.

Lanolin
Although this natural emollient for softening and moisturizing the skin derives from sheep's wool, it can be contaminated by pesticides such as DDT, lindane, and dieldrin. Creams and lipsticks with lanolin can cause acne.

Kathon GC
This preservative is another common ingredients used in shampoos and hair conditioners.It is thought to damage cell growth in ways that may lead to cancer.

Petrochemical-based
Products based on petrochemicals are widely used in cosmetics, such as mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffin, and any ingredient that has the prefix ethe-, methyl- or propyl- are used in products to hydrate the skin. However, because they cannot be absorbed through the skin but sit on the surface. This results in blocking the skin's natural function of respiration, inhibiting its ability to function of respiration, inhibiting its ability to eliminate toxins. Petrolatum may cause drying and premature aging of skin and strip the skin of its lubricating oils. Propylene glycol is used to improve foundations and moisturizers. It is known to cause cancer in rats. Benzyl alcohol used in perfume is an irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)
It is used to produce the black color in hair dyes. It can cause allergic reactions.

Persulphate Salts
These act as boosting agents in hair bleaches and have been linked to occupational asthma among hairdressers. They may also be present in over-the-counter bleaching products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
This detergent and foaming agent is found in engine degreasers and harsh cleansing solutions. It is used in bat and shower gels and shampoos, cleansers, and most toothpastes. It can cause skin rashes, hair loss, and eye damage.


Try to avoid using beauty products that contain the above chemicals or ingredients. Check the label carefully before buying or using.


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