Tropical fruits are better than other fruits

Tropical Fruits have the Least Pesticide Residue
Highlights from an article on Nutrition101 by A. Richardson, 3/30/09

Fresh fruits equal a healthy diet sums up conventional wisdom. It turns out that tropical fruits are better than other fruit.

Based on a 2006 report from the Environmental Working Group which based its findings on tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration it was found that:

• The lowest levels of pesticide residue was found in avocados, pineapples, mangoes, kiwifruits, bananas, and papayas
• The highest levels were found in peaches, apples, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, and imported grapes (not grown in Canada or the U.S.)

Nutritional experts are concerned about the cumulative long term effects of pesticides on human beings. To reduce your exposure to pesticides:

• Wash all fruits thoroughly under running water.
• Peel fruits before eating whenever possible.
• For fruits with high levels of pesticides, buy organic.*
• Grow your own fruit.
• Eat more tropical fruits. Avocados are the safest followed by pineapples, mangos, kiwifruit, bananas, and papayas.

* Food label info

• organically grown fruits have a 9 digit number on their labels.
• conventionally grown produce - 4 digits on their labels
• genetically modified produce - 8 digits on their labels.