A new study in the Journal Pediatrics confirms what those of us in the Organic Movement already know: pesticides in our foods are damaging our health. They found that children exposed to higher levels of common pesticides were twice as likely to have ADHD than those who had lower exposure levels. We also know that babies and fetuses are even more sensitive to environmental contaminants than children. Therefore, it would be wise to limit your exposure to pesticides as much as possible if you are pregnant, expecting to get pregnant or nursing a baby. (Really, you should do it anyway. Your health is important too!)
Now, I certainly know how difficult it can be to afford organic produce and it is not always possible to get certain foods organically. But the following foods have the highest contamination levels. My family ONLY buys these foods if they are organic:
Celery
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries
Nectarines
Bell Peppers
Spinach
Kale
Cherries
Potatoes
Grapes
Lettuce