Why Is The "Dirty Dozen" List Misleading?
The list simply suggests that pesticides could be present in minute amounts on some fruits and vegetables, but it doesn't adequately address whether this represents any kind of health risk. In fact, there is no scientific evidence that the amount of pesticides described in the list represents any health risk.
Learn MoreWhat Does Our Panel Of Experts Have To Say?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a rigorous, health-protective process for evaluating the potential risks of pesticides on food. This process includes considerations for fetuses, infants and children as well as adults. Learn about our expert panel review of the "Dirty Dozen" list.
Learn MoreIs U.S. Produce The Safest In The World?
The U.S. produce industry has the most regulated farming practices and most rigorous safety standards in the world. In fact, EPA's testing requirements for pesticides used on food are more extensive than for chemicals used in any other category. Learn why United States fresh produce is the world's safest.
Learn MoreHow Does The "Dirty Dozen" List Affect Public Health?
Promotion of the "Dirty Dozen" list is actually an impediment to public health because it discourages consumption of fruits and vegetables. There is a well recognized health need to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and we are far from our target. Learn more about the dangerous impact of the "Dirty Dozen" list.
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The Real Dangers of the "Dirty Dozen" List
An expert panel of toxicologists, risk assessors and nutritionists concluded that the "Dirty Dozen" list is (a) misleading to consumers, (b) an impediment to public health because it discourages consumption of fresh produce and (c) lacks scientific evidence that the pesticide levels found pose any risk. As a result, there is no reason why a consumer should use this list to guide their purchasing decisions for fruits and vegetables.
Download Our Expert Panel ReportApples have lots of nutritional a-peel!
Apples are fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free. A medium apple is about 80 calories and is a great source of the fiber pectin. But don't peel your apple! Two-thirds of the fiber and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel.
So many nutrients in every little nectarine!
California nectarines are a good source of vitamin C and contain other important nutrients including potassium, fiber and vitamin A. Nectarines contain 2 grams of fiber, and 250 milligrams of potassium. Nectarines have 8% (400IU) of the daily value of vitamin A, contain no fat and are sodium-free. They also contain phytochemicals and antioxidants.
A peachy source of vitamin C!
Peaches are a source of potassium and vitamin C, are low in sodium and have no saturated fat. They contain many important nutrients including vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of some forms of cancer; and riboflavin which is good for the eyes. The latest research even says peaches have been shown to kill breast cancer cells!
The pear is beyond compare!
The pear is an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing 16% (4 grams) of the daily requirement, and is a good source of vitamin C and potassium as well. The pear has approximately 100 calories per serving, and is virtually fat-free (just 1 gram per serving), while containing no cholesterol or sodium.
Better vision is just the beginning!
One medium carrot provides four times the daily value of vitamin A, which helps maintain the health of eyes and skin, and reduces the risk of certain cancers. Carrots are fat-free and contain other essential elements including vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
Bell Peppers deliver nutrition with flying colors!
Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C and they make a colorful addition to any meal. The variety of the pepper plant and the stage of the ripeness determine the flavor and color of each pepper. For example, a red bell pepper is simply a mature green bell pepper. As a bell pepper ages, its flavor becomes sweeter and milder. Red bell peppers contain eleven times more beta-carotene than green bell peppers.
Eat more spinach, it's good for you!
Half a cup of cooked spinach contains more than 400mg of potassium. Potassium-rich foods have been shown by the FDA to reduce strokes.
Half a cup of cooked spinach also contains 4g of fiber. Consuming the ideal amount of fiber daily (25g for women and 38g for men) has been shown by Centers for Disease Control studies to reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), thus possibly lowering risk of heart attack. Spinach is also lutein rich, which helps keep arteries clear of cholesterol blockages.
Lettuce for nutrition? That's using your head!
Lettuce is one of the most healthy foods, and has very high nutritional value, which is why it is a recommended part of a balanced diet. There are different types of lettuce, and the nutrition facts vary somewhat between them.
Romaine lettuce is considered to have the highest nutritional value because its leaves are darker than those of iceberg or butterhead lettuce. The darker the leaves, the more nutritious the lettuce. It is also found to be an excellent source of beta carotene, useful in preventing different types of cancer, but mainly of the stomach, esophagus and lungs.
When it comes to delivering nutrition, kale never fails!
Kale is considered to be a highly nutritious vegetable with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium. Kale, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contains sulforaphane (particularly when chopped or minced), a chemical believed to have potent anti-cancer properties.
Vital nutrients are always in stalk!
Celery is high in nutrition, in spite of the fact that the vegetable is about 95% water. A good portion of what isn't water consists of dietary fiber and carbohydrates, with approximately 3% of a serving made up of carbohydrates and half that amount made up of dietary fiber. Another 1% of a serving consists of protein. Celery also contains some sugars and fats. The fiber in celery is very beneficial in keeping our digestive system functioning normally, while a plentiful supply of vitamin C helps strengthen our immune system. Celery is also a rich source of at least two B vitamins, niacin and riboflavin.
The spud's no dud when it comes to potassium!
One baked potato with the skin on contains over 900mg of potassium. Potassium-rich foods have been confirmed by the FDA to help stop strokes and fight high blood pressure. An average (~5.3 oz) potato with the skin contains 45% of the daily value for vitamin C, 620 mg potassium (comparable to bananas, spinach and broccoli) and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc.
Strawberries pack more vitamin C than an orange!
Strawberries are packed with essential vitamins, fiber, potassium and phytonutrients. One serving (about eight strawberries) contains only 8 grams of sugar and is an excellent source of vitamin C. In fact, a serving of strawberries provides more vitamin C than an orange!
Beat the blues with delicious, nutritious blueberries!
Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron and promotes a healthy immune system. A serving of blueberries contains about 14 mg, or almost 25% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber and an excellent source of manganese. Manganese plays an important role in the development of bones and in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate and fat.
Lots of nutrition in a sweet red package!
Every cherry is chock full of vitamins, nutrients and wide range of health benefits. In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, cherries are also high in iron, potassium, dietary fiber and antioxidants. They may even offer anti-inflammatory benefits. All in a delicious package that's low in calories and contains no fat or sodium.
Loaded with nutrients, grapes are de-vine!
A 3/4 cup serving of grapes contains just 90 calories. It has no sodium or cholesterol and virtually no fat, but it does contain potassium and fiber. Grapes contain a natural mix of antioxidants that help support a healthy heart and may offer an array of other health benefits.
