Navigating the Nashville Grocery Aisles: The Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen Foods of 2024: Best Foods to Eat Organic By Holistic Nurse Practitioner Emily MacLeod Wolfe Pure Integrative Health
Hi! I’m Emily MacLeod Wolfe, Nashville Nurse Practitioner here to educate you and here to help you get the most best current and accurate list of the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen foods. It's essential to refer directly to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as they update these lists annually based on their latest research and testing. The lists are designed to help consumers make informed choices about which fruits and vegetables have the highest and lowest pesticide residues, and thus, which to buy organic (Dirty Dozen) and which are considered safer to buy non-organic (Clean 15).
Why Follow the EWG Lists? Health Considerations
The primary reason to follow the EWG's Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists is related to health concerns. Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to kill pests, but their residue can remain on produce and may be ingested by consumers. Some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of pesticides could be associated with health issues, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. The Dirty Dozen list highlights the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, guiding consumers towards organic options to minimize these risks.
How to Use the Lists:
- For the Dirty Dozen: These are the foods you should consider buying organic where possible. If the organic option is out of reach due to availability or cost, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water can help remove some of the pesticide residues, although it won't remove all of them. (Click the link above to see the why for each of the foods)
- For the Clean 15: Feel more comfortable purchasing these items non-organic if needed, as they have been found to have the least pesticide residues. This can be a great way to save money while still making healthier and safer food choices. (Click the link above to see the why for each of the foods)
Remember, the EWG updates these lists annually based on new data, so it's a good idea to check their website for the most current information. For those interested in the specifics of the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen, including the exact rankings and additional details on the methodology used by the EWG, visiting their official site or referring directly to their published reports would provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Environmental Impact
Choosing organic, especially for those items listed in the Dirty Dozen, can also have positive environmental implications. Organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. Farming without pesticides is also better for nearby birds and animals as well as people who live close to farms.
Economic Considerations
While organic foods can sometimes be more expensive, using the Clean 15 list can help consumers save money by purchasing non-organic options that are considered safe due to their low pesticide residue. This selective approach to buying organic produce can help manage overall food expenses while still prioritizing health and safety.
For anyone looking to dive deeper into how to effectively incorporate the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen into their shopping habits, or seeking more detailed advice on managing organic food choices , exploring additional resources can message us HERE about booking a consultation and we can talk through a customized health plan for you!
Emily MacLeod Wolfe, FNP-C